- Friday, June 13, 2025
Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Ayer’s comments accusing Gujaratis of “causing havoc” in the US and Canada have triggered an online firestorm, raising questions about regional stereotypes and behavior of the Indian diaspora overseas.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A social media post by Texas-based Indian-American entrepreneur and photographer Sriram Ayer has stirred significant controversy after he accused members of the Gujarati community of behaving poorly abroad and “bringing shame to India.”
His remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), have since gone viral, amassing over 400,000 views and igniting fierce debate on cultural behavior, regionalism, and diaspora etiquette.
In the US and Canada, a vast majority of Gujjus are causing havoc and bringing shame to India. Many struggle with English, don’t dress appropriately, speak too loudly, cut in lines, and litter everywhere. I’ve witnessed their outrageous and entitled behavior firsthand. In Canada,…
— Sriram (@SriramMadras) June 10, 2025
“Gujaratis Bring Shame to India,” Says Sriram Ayer
Ayer, founder of Purilan Technology, made sweeping claims in his viral post, stating that in the United States and Canada, a vast majority of Gujaratis create “havoc” with behaviors that allegedly reflect negatively on India.
He singled out poor English proficiency, line-cutting, loud public behavior, and littering as recurring problems, asserting that many Gujaratis abroad refuse to integrate into local culture.
“I’ve witnessed their outrageous and entitled behavior firsthand,” Ayer wrote, citing examples including a disruptive wedding celebration by a Gujarati family in Canada that caused inconvenience to local residents. He described such acts as “unacceptable anywhere in the world” but particularly damaging when displayed on international soil.
“South Indians Don’t Behave Like This”
In a provocative comparison, Ayer stated that South Indians rarely exhibit such conduct abroad. “Of course, there are good and bad people in every culture,” he noted, “but I’m referring to a vast majority of Gujjus here. WHY?” He offered no comprehensive answer, but the implication of regional superiority did not sit well with many users.
Social Media Divided Over Remarks
Ayer’s post received immediate and polarized responses. While some users agreed with the sentiment and echoed similar complaints about cultural insensitivity, others slammed the generalization as discriminatory and divisive.
“You cannot expect civilized behavior from uncouth people… a greater preponderance amongst Gujjus and Punjabis,” one X user commented in support of Ayer’s views. Others, however, called out the regional bias, pointing out that bad behavior isn’t exclusive to any one community.
“I have seen bad behavior from Indians in general,” one user noted, referencing poor hygiene and unprofessional conduct from individuals across all regions of India. Another added, “This kind of post says more about you than the people you’re trying to criticize.”
A Deeper Conversation on Diaspora Conduct and Identity
The post has reignited discussions about the representation of Indians abroad, cultural adaptation, and how regional stereotypes impact perceptions of the Indian community globally.
The debate also echoes recent criticism of Indian tourists in Austria, where Garba dancers were accused of disrupting street performances—an incident also involving Gujaratis.
As the controversy grows, it’s clear that Ayer’s remarks have struck a nerve, revealing both the sensitivity and complexity of navigating Indian identity in global spaces.
