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London’s ‘Little India’ video sparks debate on civic responsibility for diaspora
The footage, shared by an Indian YouTuber, shows a fenced public area in Southall covered with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and cans.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 08, Nov 2025
- 13:35 EST
- 16
Screengrab from the reel / Imnstagram (nayem_in_london)
A viral video showing garbage-strewn streets in Southall, a west London neighborhood known as “Little India,” has reignited discussion about civic sense and public hygiene among diaspora communities.
The footage, shared by Indian YouTuber nayem_in_london, shows a fenced public area in Southall covered with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and cans. The video, titled “Indian area in London,” was filmed in Southall, home to one of Britain’s largest Indian populations, where temples, saree shops, and Punjabi eateries line the streets.
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“Southall and Wembley are the two heartlands of the Indian community in London,” the vlogger wrote in his caption. “In Southall, often called ‘Little India,’ about half the residents identify as Indian… Yet, beneath the colorful markets and community pride, a question remains: where is the civic sense?”
He added, “Litter and overflowing bins often shadow the beauty of these cultural hubs, reminding us that preserving our heritage also means keeping our surroundings clean.”
The post concluded with a call for shared responsibility: “The success of an area depends on the collective effort of its entire population, not merely on one community. Local authorities also play an important role in keeping the city clean. Therefore, we should never link the shortcomings or problems of an area to a single group or community.”
The video, which has been viewed nearly five million times, drew mixed reactions online. One user wrote, “There’s a lack of civic sense among Indians,” while another said, “It’s not that people feel ashamed of breaking rules—they often take pride in it.”
A viewer commented, “There’s no civic sense when it comes to driving, cleanliness, or public behavior. People throw garbage anywhere and blame the government, but responsibility begins with us.” Another remarked, “Education isn’t about degrees; it’s about awareness. A person without civic understanding can harm a community no matter how educated they appear.”
Screenshot of the comment / Instagram (nayem_in_london)
The viral post has renewed focus on cleanliness and accountability in diaspora-dominated areas like Southall and Wembley. Southall, a thriving hub of Indian culture since the mid-20th century, has long been celebrated for its food, festivals, and markets but has also faced persistent complaints about littering and illegal dumping.
In 2023, the issue reached the UK Parliament, where lawmakers acknowledged that volunteer groups in Ealing—the borough that includes Southall—had been working with the local council to improve waste management. However, enforcement and public awareness remain uneven, particularly in crowded commercial zones.
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