Shashi Tharoor Urges Change in India’s Image Over Women’s Safety and Tourism
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has raised a pressing concern that goes beyond party lines or political debates. Speaking about how India is perceived globally, he stressed that the nation’s image must undergo a significant shift, particularly when it comes to women’s safety and its impact on tourism.
A Damaging Perception
According to Shashi Tharoor, India is too often described abroad as a country where women feel unsafe. Incidents of gender-based violence and harassment make global headlines and cast a long shadow over the achievements India has made in other sectors. “Our image must change,” he said, pointing out that unless safety concerns are addressed, India’s reputation as a tourist destination will continue to suffer.
The lawmaker emphasized that tourism, which has immense potential to boost local economies and generate employment, is directly tied to the way India is perceived internationally. Travelers, especially women, are more cautious about visiting a country where safety stories dominate the headlines. This imbalance, he argued, creates a form of tourism inequality where India misses out on opportunities that other nations readily seize.
The Tourism Inequality Angle
Tourism inequality refers to the uneven ability of countries to attract visitors due to factors such as safety, infrastructure and perception. While India offers a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and unique experiences, concerns over safety keep many travelers at bay. Tharoor warned that this not only hurts the hospitality sector but also affects millions of livelihoods that depend on the steady flow of tourists.
From artisans and guides to small business owners and transport workers, a weakened tourism industry means fewer opportunities for income. Tharoor’s remarks were therefore not only about the country’s image but also about tangible economic consequences.
Call for Systemic Change
Addressing these challenges, Tharoor called for systemic reforms that go beyond slogans. He emphasized the need for better law enforcement, safer public spaces and cultural changes that prioritize respect and equality for women. Laws alone cannot shift perception, he noted, unless they are enforced consistently and paired with efforts to transform social attitudes.
He also highlighted the role of governance in shaping both domestic safety and international image. From improved lighting in urban areas to stricter penalties for offenders, concrete steps are necessary to instill confidence in women, both citizens and visitors.
Balancing Pride With Responsibility
Tharoor’s remarks also carried a broader message: national pride must not blind policymakers to areas that need improvement. India has made strides in economic growth, digital innovation and global diplomacy, yet issues like women’s safety continue to undermine these successes. For a nation that aspires to be a global leader, addressing such concerns is as much about responsibility as it is about image.
He suggested that India must balance its rich cultural narrative with an honest effort to ensure that visitors feel safe and welcomed. Festivals, monuments and cuisine may bring people in, but safety and respect will ensure they stay and return.
Looking Ahead
Tourism experts have often highlighted that perception takes time to change, but progress begins with visible action. If India invests in safety, infrastructure and awareness campaigns, it can rebuild trust among international travelers. Such a shift could position India not just as a must-visit destination for its history and culture but also as a safe and progressive society.
Tharoor’s call is therefore not just political rhetoric but a reminder of what is at stake. Women’s safety is a fundamental right, and ensuring it could unlock economic growth, enhance international relations and transform India’s global image.
Conclusion
By flagging the intersection between women’s safety and tourism, Shashi Tharoor has put the spotlight on an issue that resonates both at home and abroad. His message was clear: India must work to change its image, not by words alone but through consistent action. In doing so, the country can ensure safety for its women, fairness for its citizens and confidence for travelers who wish to explore its vibrant spirit.
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