Cultural Clash on Finland Train: NRI’s Complaint About Loud Indian Family Sparks Debate

GG News Bureau
Helsinki, 2nd Jan. An incident on a quiet train from Lapland to Helsinki has reignited discussions about cultural differences and public behavior. An NRI passenger, Gokul Sridhar, shared his frustration on social media about an Indian family speaking loudly over a video call with their cabin doors open, disrupting the serene environment of the carriage.

Sridhar posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m on a train from Lapland to Helsinki, and there’s one family in the otherwise ULTRA QUIET carriage that’s being very loud, talking to someone over a video call. In Hindi. With their cabin doors open. We REALLY don’t get civic sense, do we?”

He added that the irony of the situation struck him as he was watching a video on train etiquette in Japan, where loud conversations are considered bad manners.

The incident didn’t end on the train. Sridhar later found himself in the same restaurant as the family, where they continued their loud behavior, speaking on a call without headphones.

The post garnered over 12,000 views and sparked a debate in the comments. While some users sympathized with Sridhar, sharing similar experiences, others suggested he address the issue directly with the family rather than resorting to social media.

One user advised, “Easier to stop by and request them to close the door and lower their voice?” To which Sridhar responded, “Yup, I’m gonna do that, but there shouldn’t even be a need for this, is my point.”

Another user pointed out, “Might be their first time on foreign land and out of excitement. As a concerned Indian, you must have told them the etiquettes politely.”

The incident highlights the challenges of navigating diverse cultural norms in shared spaces, especially when traveling abroad. It underscores the importance of cultural awareness, mutual respect, and understanding to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

This is not the first time such incidents have drawn attention. Social media has often been a platform for discussions on public behavior, emphasizing the need for travelers to respect local customs and etiquette.

What’s your take on such cultural clashes? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Culture: A Vital Bridge in Multicultural Spaces
Culture defines values, traditions, and practices, fostering identity and social harmony. By respecting diverse cultural norms, we promote inclusivity and peaceful coexistence, ensuring shared spaces remain welcoming for everyone.