India is known as the land of culture and values. But it is now at a changing phase, a very shameful change.
There have been continuous reports of foreign tourists been molested in India, especially in Kerala and Goa. Two months after the rape and murder of teenager Scarlett Keeling, another UK tourist has complained molestation.
Where is all this heading to? Are women really safe in India?
The Left front government has announced many measures for the safety of women tourists but no measures have clearly taken off. The government is now struggling for answers.
The big question now is when will a state that banks heavily on tourism to fill its coffers do something to ensure tourists get the respect they deserve.
I suppose many tourists now feel unsafe…no matter where they go, including to the UK.
Mind you, as we’ve seen already, there is and always has been an over-riding dominance in the press of “tragic stories”, be they news or feature articles.
So perhaps the lack of safety for tourists isn’t quite as worrying as it really is.
It’s sad that the Government has to “take measures” to protect tourists. But I do not think this problem is one which is only found in India. I have been on holiday to many countries and never had a problem (other than the usual pesky waiters/bar men who are looking for a new “holiday romance” every week!) with regards to my safety.
I work in an office full of women who are constantly discussing holiday destinations, but there’s always one who says “ooh, no, it’s not safe there.” But these horror stories are never going to put me off visiting a particular country. Is it safe to walk to the local village shop for a bottle of milk after dark? Not anymore! I make sure I feel safe wherever I am. Simple.
And my dad has been to India (on business, not at a tourist) and was treated like royality. Ok, so he’s not a woman, but he came back safe and sound, and with some lovely gifts for me and my mum – sent from his Indian business friends.