'Struggle with English, speak loudly, litter': Texas-based Indian entrepreneur's viral post on Gujaratis ignites heated debate

Time of India

12-06-2025

In a bizarre incident, an Indian founder in the United States has sparked a heated debate online after making comments on Gujaratis. In a statement, Sriram Ayer, an entrepreneur and photographer who is based in Texas, took to his X (formerly called Twitter) and said Gujaratis 'bring shame to India' with their behaviour.
Further making major claims, the entrepreneur said, 'In the US and Canada, a vast majority of Gujjus are causing havoc and bringing shame to India.' Ayer went on to call out the behaviour of Gujaratis, which reflects poorly on India, but the same cannot be said for South Indians.
His X post instantly grabbed eyeballs and went viral, gathering over 4 lakh views in just a matter of hours.
'Gujaratis struggle with English, engage in problematic public behaviours'
In a lengthy post, Ayer went on to mention that many Gujaratis do not attempt integration in the United States and Canada. Rather, they struggle to speak English or speak too loudly.
They often engage in problematic public behaviour such as cutting lines, jumping queues, and littering everywhere, said Ayer. Sharing an example, Ayer said, 'I've witnessed their outrageous and entitled behaviour firsthand."
'Unacceptable behaviour'
In another example, the Texas-based entrepreneur recalled a Gujarati wedding in Canada which included a noisy celebration late into the night, inconveniencing neighbours and 'creating chaos'.
These behaviours, according to Ayer, are 'unacceptable' across the world, including in India. He said it should not be tolerated, especially when it happens abroad; it reflects poorly on all Indians.
Viral post sparks debate online, netizens react
As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly grabbed the eyeballs and attention of netizens. The post went viral with about 4 lakh views on it.
Reacting to the post, one X user wrote, "You cannot expect civilized behaviour from uncouth people. There are such people all over the country, but a greater preponderance amongst Gujjus and Punjabis."
You cannot expect civilized behaviour from uncouth people. There are such people all over the country, but a greater preponderance amongst Gujjus and Punjabis.
While another said, "I think this whole discussion is highly unwarranted. To link anything to a particular community is not at all right. Some people may create a nuisance, but that does not mean we tag a community as such. Comments should be restrictive in nature."
I think this whole discussion is highly unwarranted. To link anything to a particular community, is not at all right. Some people may create nuisance but that does not mean we tag a community as such. Comments should be restrictive in nature.
"I don't believe that's true Gujjus are generally humble, warm, and grounded people. They're progressive in their thinking, yet deeply connected to their culture and traditions. You'll rarely find a community that balances business acumen, family values, and cultural pride as effortlessly as they do," another added.
I don't believe that's true Gujjus are generally humble, warm, and grounded people. They're progressive in their thinking, yet deeply connected to their culture and traditions. You'll rarely find a community that balances business acumen, family values, and cultural pride as…
However, one said, "Travelled internationally. Gujjus made the flight resemble a local train. Was so ashamed I had to share the same country name as they do."
One asked, "Why are you spreading hate for a community?"
Why are you spreading hate for a community?
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