An establishment’s culture is showcased not just in how they treat their employees but also in how they interact with their customers. A prime example of this has become evident through a video shared by YourStory Founder and CEO, Shradha Sharma.
In the video posted on X, Sharma shared how she and her sister had decided to dine at the Taj Hotel to celebrate Diwali. Dressed in ethnic attire and wearing Kohlapuri Chappals, she decided to sit, remove her footwear and sit cross-legged on her chair. However, this seemingly caused other diners to complain to the staff.
Sharma shared how a manager approached her and asked her to sit “properly,” as other guests were uncomfortable with her posture. Unhappy with being policed about how she sits, Sharma took to the internet to share the incident.
“I feel very angry right now. I am in the Taj Hotel. My sister is here today, and I brought her here. I have worked hard to earn money, and I thought, since I didn’t do anything for Diwali, we should come here and have dinner,” explained Sharma.
“The manager came and told me that a guest has a problem with me, because of how I am sitting,” Sharma elaborated, showing herself sitting cross-legged on a chair. She added how she was told that she was in a fine-dining establishment and rich people come here, and hence she should sit properly, along with comments about her clothes and footwear.
“Coming to me and saying that I should put down my feet as it is wrong and someone has an objection and a problem with it, it shows that we are still reeking of this richness, and this culture, and this class. Why? I work hard, and that’s why I am here, and I am paying for this myself, so what is the issue?” she asked.
“I want to ask this of the Taj Hotel, which I respect deeply. Ratan Tata was an investor in my company, and I am so disappointed in Taj for questioning me on this,” Sharma added mournfully.
The video has divided the internet with its reception, with many siding with the YourStory Founder about her outrage, claiming that she shouldn’t have been policed as she was not disturbing anyone.
“Deeply disappointed to hear about ur Taj experience. You’ve always stood for dignity, integrity & empowerment. Hope Taj management takes this as an opportunity to reflect & ensure such experiences aren’t repeated. Still lot needs to be done to decolonize mindesets. More power to you!” expressed an X user.
On the other end of the aisle, though, many showcased their support for the management of the hotel, claiming that Sharma was in a private establishment that had every right to enforce their preferred code of conduct.
“Madam, the same seat that you have put your feet on will be used by another guest. This is not your home or drawing room. Have some civic sense. It’s also an issue of hygiene. You want other people to sit on the couch laced with dirt & bacteria from your feet?” another user commented.
