India boasts its ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God) culture, but a viral comment from a Canadian tourist paints a different picture. Asked to compare Indian and Pakistani hospitality, travel blogger Nolan Saumure chose Pakistan in a flash. His answer, recorded in a brief Instagram interview, has since sparked controversy on social media.
‘Pakistan, Obviously’: Canadian Traveler’s Verdict
Instagram account @officialnamour, whose specialty is vox pop clips, recently intercepted Saumure to inquire, “India or Pakistan, which country has better hospitality?”
“Pakistan, obviously,” the Canadian responded.
Bullied into an explanation, Saumure stated that whereas Pakistanis welcome with genuine warmth, Indians tend to see tourists as money-making propositions and not guests.
“You go to India and people just look at you as a walking ATM,” he said. “You go to Pakistan and people are just like, ‘Oh come here, sit. Take this free food. Oh come sleep at my place.’”
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Social Media Reactions: Mixed Opinions Flood Comments
The video, which is now viral with over 4.4 million views, has evoked mass discussion. Most people sided with Saumure’s view, but others have criticized his viewpoint.
“As an African living in Dubai (UAE) I agree with him, Pakistanis are more friendly than Indian people. Pakistan sees you as a friend, Indians see you as a total strangers,,” one of the viewers commented.
Another Indian viewer simply stated, “I agree (I’m Indian).”
Others, though, came to India’s defense. “There is a reason for it. India gets lot of tourists so we are used to it and in fact develop the economy around them. Pakistan hardly get few hundred tourist in a year and hence it’s a big event for them after seeing a foreigner,” one of the Instagram users said.
Criticism also emanated from others who felt that the Canadian’s view was tainted. “Why do whites expect princess treatment from Indians after stealing $45 trillion from Indian?” a user asked, to which Saumure replied: “Preferring not to be harassed is not princess treatment.”
Nolan Saumure is a Canadian travel blogger who has visited many countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Indonesia, the USA, and Vietnam. His frank observations about traveling have attracted followers and critics alike.
