‘Polite India challenge’: Canadian influencer schools Indians over etiquette, viral video sparks debate

Concluding the video, Caleb urges, “Report back to me when you’re done.”

“In India, courtesy is often in short supply (especially amongst strangers). Lmk if you wanna join the polite club,” the caption read.

Watch here:

In India, courtesy is often in short supply (especially amongst strangers).

Lmk if you wanna join the polite club pic.twitter.com/eBFuP8fduy

— Caleb (@caleb_friesen2) May 5, 2025

With more than three lakh views, the video ignited a debate on X. While many social media users slammed Caleb, a section of users, especially Indians, agreed with the content creator. “Caleb, I’m sorry you’re having to face ill-mannered Indians. In all humbleness, we promise to work on it.I mean it. But here’s an important lesson for all while people – Delhi is NOT equal to India! It’s unfortunately the worst-mannered part of India. Many Delhiites will agree,” a user wrote.

“Except for the tip part I agree with all the other suggestions. The whole tipping culture needs to end,” another user commented. “Correction: Indians, *please be more polite. Thank you,” a third user said.

One X user gave more suggestions on how Indians can be more polite. His suggestions included, “Don’t honk unnecessarily, don’t talk on mobile while driving, put mobile on silent when needed, don’t talk loudly in every phone call, Have common sense ( should be first).”