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Video of Indian man washing feet in river Thames sparks debate on ‘civic sense’
In recent months, clips involving travellers of Indian origin abroad have frequently drawn scrutiny online, contributing to a recurring debate about conduct in foreign public spaces.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 15, Nov 2025
- 12:47 EST
- 22
Indian man washing feet in river Thames / X (@wtf_praveen)
A video showing a man described online as an “Indian” washing his feet in the River Thames in London has gone viral, triggering a wide range of reactions and a renewed debate on public behavior in shared spaces.
The footage, circulated widely across social media platforms, was posted on X by a user identified as Praveen, who captioned it, “Indian man seen washing feet in London’s Thames River. People are angry. Why are Indians doing this type of stupidity?” The clip shows the man dipping his feet into the river while standing on a staircase leading down to the water.
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The post has garnered more than 1 lakh views and over 500 likes and continues to be reshared across platforms, with users expressing sharply differing opinions.
Several commenters criticized the act, arguing it reflected poorly on “civic sense.” One user asked, “Where is civic sense?” Another questioned, “What should we do with that water now?” Others wondered about the motivation behind the act, with a comment reading, “I wonder what made them do that?”
Indian Man Seen Washing Feet In London's Thames River People Angry. why are indians doing this type of stupidity. pic.twitter.com/erGeJ2UReB
— Praveen (@wtf_praveen) November 14, 2025
However, many pushed back against the criticism, questioning the assumption that the man was Indian. One user wrote, “He can be Pakistani, Lankan, Bangladeshi… All browns are not Indian.” Another added, “What is the big deal? He’s just washing his feet.”
Some users suggested the act was harmless and common across cultures, with one comment noting, “It’s a tradition to wet your feet in water bodies like rivers and oceans. If a white or American person had done it, no one would have commented.”
Others argued that clearer rules or signage would prevent such incidents. One user wrote, “He is not throwing garbage. He is not bathing. He may be new there… maybe put barricades or a board if it’s not allowed. I’ve seen foreigners dipping their feet in rivers and fountains.”
In recent months, clips involving travelers of Indian origin abroad have frequently drawn scrutiny online, contributing to a recurring debate about conduct in foreign public spaces.
The Thames itself is a regulated tidal waterway overseen by the Port of London Authority, which issues safety guidance for public access due to strong currents, changing tides, and water-quality concerns. While there is no explicit ban on dipping feet into the river, authorities generally advise caution and restrict certain activities along the foreshore.
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