A social media storm has erupted after a German woman, Maria Wirth, responded to Mumbai-based author Amit Schandillia’s scathing critique of India. Schandillia’s post, which called India “impossibly filthy” and “ugly,” sparked a fiery debate online, with Wirth stepping in to defend the country. The exchange has divided opinions, with some supporting Schandillia’s harsh assessment and others applauding Wirth’s passionate defence of India.
Amit Schandillia’s Harsh Critique of India
The controversy began when Amit Schandillia took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his blunt views on India’s cleanliness and overall state. In his post, he didn’t mince words, stating, “India is impossibly filthy.” He compared the country unfavourably to others, claiming, “Few places in the world are filthier. There are countries with a fraction of our GDP that look pristine in comparison.”
India is filthy.
— Amit Schandillia (@Schandillia) February 4, 2025
Few places in the world are filthier. There are countries with a fraction of our GDP that look pristine in comparison.
There’s a country with the same population as ours and a worse economy until not too long ago, where street-food carts in a tiny frontier town…
Schandillia didn’t stop there. He went on to criticise India’s literacy rates, water and air quality, and civic sense, drawing sharp comparisons with developed nations. “We have zero rights to take offence when the world runs hate campaigns over our ugliness,” he wrote, adding, “The stereotypes exist for a reason.” His post quickly went viral, racking up over 6 lakh views in just two days and sparking widespread debate.
Maria Wirth’s Fiery Response
Maria Wirth, a German national who describes herself as having an “Indian heart, German body,” didn’t hold back in her response to Schandillia’s post. “India is NOT filthy,” she asserted, defending the country’s image and challenging Schandillia’s negative portrayal. She questioned why his “biased tweet” had gained so much traction, suggesting that it played into unfair stereotypes.
India is NOT filthy.
— Maria Wirth (@mariawirth2) February 6, 2025
Who is this @Schandillia ?
And why does this biased tweet get over 6 lakh views in not even 2 days @X ?
Look at US, European cities and the hopelessness of many of their people.
And then compare with Bharat.
When you see filth, look first at your mind. https://t.co/JtfY13aj8P
Wirth also drew comparisons between India and Western nations, pointing out the struggles many face in developed countries. “Look at US, European cities and the hopelessness of many of their people. And then compare with Bharat,” she wrote, using the term often associated with India’s cultural and spiritual identity. She concluded with a thought-provoking statement: “When you see filth, look first at your mind.”
Her response resonated with many, sparking a wave of support from those who felt Schandillia’s critique was overly harsh and one-sided.
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Social Media Reacts: A Divided Audience
The exchange between Wirth and Schandillia quickly went viral, with social media users weighing in on both sides of the debate. Some applauded Wirth for her positive outlook and defence of India, arguing that Schandillia’s comments were overly critical and failed to acknowledge the country’s progress and cultural richness.
He’s this suprenacist who thinks his word is gospel and by portraying himself as this messiah he will become superior to lesser filthy people
— DowntownSanghi🇺🇸 🇮🇳 (@SanataniSanghi1) February 6, 2025
Mam, he is not wrong, loving one's country doesn't mean you don't accept reality " satyam shivam sundram" some parts of the country aren't filthy, some parts in every town aren't Filthy, but most part of my country is filthy. I love my country but I can't admire it's shortcomings
— abhishek gaekwad (@GaekwadAbhishek) February 6, 2025
Person who only travels by cars and live in affluent neighbourhoods would never know about the real filth in Indian cities! First step in any problem solving is the acceptance of the problem.
— Ashurbanipal (@ashurbanipal69) February 6, 2025
the only thing filthy about India are people like him with a chip on their shoulders
— Vivek V (@DaYwAlK3r666) February 7, 2025
India isn’t filthy—our actions are. We’ve abandoned our roots of sustainable living and embraced wasteful consumerism, leading to the mess around us. The filth is a reflection of our behavior. Change starts when we reclaim our civic sense and responsibility.
— Sujeet (@SujeetAlichar) February 7, 2025
Yes @mariawirth2 Mam you are right. This fellow himself is a filth. Once I too saw him the right place.
— Aparna jha (@japarna11) February 6, 2025
The debate has become a microcosm of larger conversations about how India is perceived globally and how its citizens view their own country. While some see Wirth’s defence as a call to focus on India’s strengths, others believe Schandillia’s critique is a necessary wake-up call.
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