After controversially suggesting that
foreigners visiting India should avoid wearing skirts or going out alone
at night, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma clarified today that he was
referring only to religious places, and that he spoke out of "concern".
"I
am a father of two daughters...I would never tell women what they
should wear or not. Our culture is Atithi Devobhava (the guest is almost
like God). Such a ban is unimaginable, but it is not a crime to be
cautious. Different countries issue advisories from time to time, but I
never said change anyone's way of dressing," Sharma, the Minister of
State for Culture, said to reporters on Monday.
On Sunday, Sharma was responding to questions on the government's
steps for tourist safety in popular destinations like Agra when he spoke
about the list of dos and don'ts for visitors to India.
"When
tourists arrive at the airport, they will be given a welcome kit which
has a card with dos and don'ts... it has instructions like if they are
in small areas, they should not roam around alone at night or wear
skirts," said the 55-year-old.