Gawaar-Swag

In an era where content creation is just a smartphone away, the boundaries between creativity and disgrace are blurring rapidly. Meet Malik Swashbuckler, the latest in a long line of Indian social media influencers whose quest for viral fame abroad has ended not in glory, but in public shame.

In a recent incident in Turkey, Malik was seen aggressively demanding, “Where is the Indian flag? Show me the Indian flag,” while simultaneously making explicit and inappropriate remarks to a local tour guide — all in Hindi, assuming the language barrier would shield him from consequences. But the consequences came — Turkish police detained him after complaints flooded social media about his abusive behavior and sexually suggestive content.

In his defense? Silence, then deletion, and finally, an apology. But by then, the damage was done — not just to his own dignity, but to India’s global reputation.

The Rise of Gawaar-Swag Culture

This is not an isolated incident. Malik’s antics are part of a growing trend — what many now call “Gawaar Swag” — a brash, crude, and offensive behavior pattern exhibited by a segment of Indian tourists and influencers abroad. It includes urinating in public spaces, yelling inside flights, harassing women, breaking queues, and damaging public property — all under the false guise of “swag,” patriotism, or entertainment.

We’ve seen this unfold multiple times:

• An Indian family caught shoplifting in Bali, cleaning out hotel rooms of toiletries and décor.

• Passengers urinating inside an Air India flight, even clogging toilets with plastic bags.

• A Gujarati actor eating on the airport floor, calling it ‘sanskaari’ content.

• An Indian influencer blasting loud music inside a flight cabin, daring authorities to act.

Worse, multiple foreign women livestreamers have reported being harassed by Indian men in cities like Mumbai and Delhi — some even during livestreams. In each case, the backlash is not only personal, but national.

Cultural Crisis: We Export Our Worst

India, one of the world’s oldest and most respected civilizations, is now facing a bizarre export crisis — our worst behavior. We lock our culture at home and export noise, abuse, and entitlement. As global travel becomes easier, the worst of us are becoming our unofficial ambassadors.

Wearing patriotism like a costume, these content creators spew vulgarities in foreign cities while invoking the national flag, confusing national pride with national shame.

Why This Hurts India Globally

India’s global image is already under pressure due to several diplomatic challenges. But this cultural virus, spreading under the radar, is creating deeper damage:

• Foreign universities are becoming wary of Indian student behavior.

• Visa rejections are increasing as countries tighten norms.

• Tourists from India are now viewed with skepticism and contempt in parts of Southeast Asia and Europe.

What’s worse is that many of these “influencers” are not rural or uneducated. In fact, they often come from well-off, urban backgrounds, with expensive clothes, cameras, and passports. Yet, the moment they step abroad, entitlement takes over — a belief that money buys immunity from consequences.

The Cure for Gawaar Swag? Us.

The first step is to accept that this is a serious problem. It is not “just a few bad apples.” This behavior is becoming normalized — even glorified — by influencers, vloggers, and celebrities who thrive on attention, regardless of the cost.

We need a cultural shift. Parents, schools, and media platforms must instill global etiquette and basic civic sense.

Until then, what can we do?

• Record and report such behavior — shame is a powerful deterrent.

• Stop following influencers who normalize harassment, vulgarity, and antisocial behavior. Stop giving them views and sponsorships.

• Call it out — publicly, boldly, and repeatedly. Whether it’s in a flight, on a street abroad, or in your WhatsApp group.

• Support platforms that promote responsible tourism and respectful content.

Conclusion: Time to Reclaim India’s Global Identity

India is a beautiful, diverse, and powerful country. We have sent scientists to the moon, built global tech empires, and shaped spiritual thought for millennia. But one viral “gawaar” moment can overshadow years of progress.

It’s time to reclaim our global identity from the hands of those who mistake arrogance for influence and vulgarity for virality.

To every Indian traveling abroad or creating content — remember: you’re not just a tourist, you’re a representation of India. Behave like it.

Also Read: Avlani Shoplifting Case

— Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair
Contributor, Crime Today News

This article is published by Crime Today News ©