Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on March 19, 2025
Viral video shows Danish tourists picking up litter in Sikkim; triggers debate on civic responsibility among Indians
Two Danish tourists were spotted picking up trash along the road while traveling to Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim.
Denmark tourists seen collecting garbage in a bag in Sikkim
Littering has, unfortunately, become second nature to many in India, with garbage carelessly tossed onto roads, railway tracks, beaches, and water bodies. However, every now and then, a video surfaces that serves as a wake-up call, reminding people of their responsibility to keep their surroundings clean.
Recently, two Danish tourists were spotted picking up trash along the road while travelling to Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. Their simple yet meaningful act of responsible tourism has struck a chord with many, inspiring both locals and fellow travellers.
A video of their efforts, shared by The Tatva on Instagram, has gone viral, racking up nearly two million views. The caption reads: “Two tourists from Denmark were seen picking up waste and garbage on the side of roads on their way to Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, inspiring fellow travelers and locals with their thoughtful act of responsible tourism. At a time when preserving our natural landscapes is more important than ever, their small yet impactful gesture reminds us all to travel responsibly and keep our country clean.”
Watch the viral video:
View this post on Instagram
The video sparked a heated discussion in the comments, with many Indians expressing frustration over the lack of civic sense among fellow citizens. Some recounted personal experiences of confronting people who litter. One user said, “A few days ago, I called out a lady in the train who was throwing garbage out of the window, and she started fighting with me.” Another user commented, “Good, because we Indians are busy fighting over Marathi, Kannada, Tamil language issues so that we can become a superpower by 2030.”
Others pointed out the irony of foreign tourists cleaning Indian streets while many locals continue to neglect their surroundings. “Shame on us. Denmark tourist is cleaning Sikkim, Japan tourist cleaning Puri,” wrote one user.
This isn’t the first time a foreigner has taken the initiative towards keeping India clean. A similar story recently went viral about Akie Doi, a 38-year-old Japanese woman who fell in love with Puri during her first visit in 2022. Now, she dedicates her mornings to cleaning Puri Beach, determined to make it garbage-free. A music and yoga instructor, Doi has become a one-woman clean-up force, urging tourists to use dustbins.
In a widely shared post, Doi is seen holding a banner featuring Lord Jagannath’s image along with a message on cleanliness. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed—local hoteliers, tourists, and even authorities have started supporting her efforts. The India-Japan Friendship Centre has also stepped in, providing her with gloves and garbage bags to continue her mission.
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