Bharatonline: Harmless groping by men
By Techgirl

Bharatonline.com describes itself as an “online travel portal that helps travelers by providing various travel solutions. The product offering of Bharatonline.com consists of customized vacation packages, hotel bookings, airline tickets, railway tickets and car rentals. Bharatonline.com, apart from offering great deals, also tells western women to grin and bear groping.

Bharatonline is 5 years old and has a staff of 60 people.  It says it is recognized by Department of Tourism, Govt of India, American Society of Travel Agents as well as the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

Bharatonline CEO, Sanjeev Kumar, has a Bachelor of Electronics and Communications from Roorke and worked as an Asst VP at IndiaMART before launching his own company.  At least one another executive in Bharatonline has substantial work experience in tech and telecom companies.
 
Unknown to the CEO and other senior executives at Bharatonline, an article has crept into their website titled ‘Dealing With Strangers in India’.

This article tells foreigners (among other things): “Usually, foreigners are subjected to groping by particularly the Indian men. It is harmless. Just ignore such people and enjoy your trip. Avoid any sort of confrontation, and totally drop the idea of a physical altercation. Indians frown upon the idea of violence and physical fighting is usually a last resort. Be watchful, as you would be in your own country. Come with an open mind and truly enjoy this diverse country that has so much to offer.”

You know what is going to happen now.  Someone will tell the CEO and other senior executives about this crazy article on their website.  The article will be withdrawn and an apology issued.

Sadly, the groping will continue.

Techgoss note:  Techgirl is a senior Tech journalist who reports on the IT, KPO and KPO Sectors for a leading media house.  In her spare time, she dabbles in satire in her blog
http://techgirltalk.blogspot.com