Boycott Maldives started trending on several social media platforms on Sunday, with social media influencers and netizens joining an online campaign calling for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist spots following certain disparaging remarks by a Maldivian Minister against India. In response, Indian celebrities, including batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and superstars Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor, and Madhur Bhandarkar, have come forward to champion the cause of Lakshadweep.
They urged fellow citizens to visit the islands and showcased the diverse and enchanting beauty of the Indian Islands.
The diplomatic row ignited when a Maldives Minister accused India of targeting the nation, claiming that India faced challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
In social media posts, Akshay, cricketer Hardik Pandya and veteran player Venkatesh Prasad also urged people to support the Indian tourism sector as they condemned the comments by Maldivian Ministers on social media that have triggered a row with internet users pitting Lakshadweep and Maldives as rival tourist destinations. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and actors John Abraham, Kangana Ranaut, and Randeep Hooda were also among some of the Indian film personalities to promote Lakshadweep through social media. Ranaut called Lakshadweep an “almost untouched, unexplored and unexploited natural island”.
Tendulkar also joined the campaign, reminiscing about his recent experience in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg. “250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg! The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories. India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands.
“With our ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created,” Tendulkar wrote.”
In a social media post, Salman Khan said it was “cool” to see Modi enjoy the clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep. “... And the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain,” the “Tiger 3” star wrote.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar said he rang in his 50th birthday in Sindhudurg and the coastal town in Maharashtra offered everything “we wanted, and more”.
“Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories. India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created,” Tendulkar added.
Tiger Shroff said the Lakshadweep islands had captured his heart. “The rich culture, tranquil beaches, and the genuine warmth of its people create an enchanting allure. Join me in celebrating the inclusivity and unparalleled beauty of these islands - a treasure trove waiting for us to explore!” he posted.
Shraddha Kapoor and other stars shared posts on social media platform X using the hashtags ‘Explore Indian Islands’ and ‘Lakshadweep’. “All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti. This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands (sic)” Shraddha shared on X.
Akshay Kumar, who rang in the New Year in the Maldives with his family, condemned the “hateful and racist” remarks by prominent public figures from the Maldives.
“Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists... We are good to our neighbours but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I’ve visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism,” the actor wrote on the microblogging site.
Speaking in the same vein, former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad posted, “A deputy minister using such language for our country. Maldives is a largely poor country largely dependent on upmarket tourism with over 15% tourists from India.”
“India has very many unexplored beautiful coastal towns, and this is a great opportunity to develop many of them into tourist destinations,” he added in his X post.
Pandya said it is “extremely sad” to see what’s being said about India. “With its gorgeous marine life, beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect get away spot and surely a must visit for me for my next holiday,” he added in his social media post.
Hooda, who shot his upcoming film “Veer Savarkar” in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said he was awed by the pristine beauty and the rich history of the region.
“Incredible India is not just a tag, our beautiful country has some of the most incredible and stunning locales and #Lakshadweep is an example of it- a heaven like place in India itself! Can’t wait to explore this beautiful Indian island,” Kartik Aaryan wrote on X. “With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshadweep is the place to go,” said Abraham.
Social media influencer Sonam Mahajan appealed Indians to cancel trips to Maldives in the wake of recent comments by a Maldives’ minister. “Dear Indians, Please listen to Maldivian ministers who desperately want Indians out. Cancel your travel plans (if any) for the Maldives as soon as possible. Why do you want to go to a country whose people hate you? Lakshadweep awaits you,” wrote Mahajan.
