Radio Mirchi, the Times Group’s flagship FM radio channel, recently ran a slander campaign called #MatAaoIndia in the wake of a Swiss couple who were attacked by a group of local youth in Agra.
The 12-second jingle says India is unsafe for tourists in the wake of the recent attack on foreigners. Mocking a popular tourist campaign titled Hindustan ka dil dekho by the Madhya Pradesh tourism department, the campaign talks of ‘watching’ tourists legs, couples getting harassed and disrespect towards tourists, before ending with Mat Aao India (Don’t come to India).
Twitter user @Bhattnaturally pointed out that the ad – in Hindi – was ideally not targeted at foreigners but locals, in the hope that some foreign outlet might pick it up.
He also called out the Times Group’s hypocrisy on ‘dissenters’ in India being prosecuted.
Needless to say, Twitter users were not amused with the move. With criticism pouring their way, Radio Mirchi ultimately posted an apology.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.