A Canadian man living in India has sparked widespread discussion after posting a video urging Indians to adopt more polite habits in everyday life. Caleb Friesen’s viral video, titled the ‘Polite India Challenge’, lays out five simple actions that, he believes, could significantly improve public interactions.
“Indians, Be More Polite”
In the short clip shared on X and Instagram, Caleb says:
“Indians, be more polite,” before explaining,
“These are five things you can do in a single day. If you are able to complete this challenge, report back to me.”
His five recommendations include:
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Saying thank you to service workers
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Using “excuse me” and “sorry” when appropriate
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Avoiding shouting at drivers or waiters
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Standing in queues without pushing
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Making eye contact and smiling at strangers
Friesen argued that these are small, everyday gestures that “don’t cost a rupee but could change the social tone.”
Watch the viral video:
View this post on Instagram
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Mixed Reactions Online
The video quickly went viral, attracting both praise and criticism.
One user commented:
“Studied abroad for a few years. Saying ‘thank you’ to bus drivers or supermarket staff became a habit. But in India, reactions are mixed, from surprise to outright confusion.”
Another noted the role of early education:
“It will be much better if this challenge is given to teachers and parents in India—they’re the ones who need to teach this early on.”
Some netizens agreed with Caleb’s suggestions, saying they had followed such etiquette since childhood.
“Been doing this since childhood,” one user said.
However, others criticized the tone of the message.
“Keep your condescending behaviour to yourself,” wrote one.
Another pointed out, “Patience is the bigger issue here. Road rage, honking, and cutting in traffic all stem from impatience. If people learn to wait and give space, politeness will follow.”
A Conversation Beyond Manners
While opinions remain divided, Caleb Friesen’s video has undeniably sparked an important conversation. More than just about manners, the challenge has brought attention to the mindset behind public behaviour in India, raising questions about cultural expectations, upbringing, and societal norms.
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