We live in a country where we have the incredible freedom to speak, talk, and demonstrate – something I feel truly lucky to have. But still I’ve been hesitating to write this for a while. Watching everything happening around us.
This isn’t about backing a specific political party. It’s not about taking sides between the ruling government #BJP, newly formed parties like the Cockroach Janta Party #CJP, or any other group #INC. This is about us—as citizens, as a society, and as a nation.
Recently, the NEET paper leak scandal devastated countless students who poured their hard work into preparing for those exams. The stress and mental pressure they went through are unimaginable. Eventually, after massive protests, the government agreed to re-examinations, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan finally stepped down to take accountability.
Many celebrated this resignation as a victory for the protests. But it left me asking a fundamental question: Does a single resignation actually fix the root problem?
Does getting one person to step down suddenly cure systemic corruption? As long as there is a market of buyers willing to pay for leaked papers, someone will always step up to sell them. The cycle of supply and demand doesn’t stop because a minister leaves office. Real change won’t happen until we as a society look in the mirror and address the mindset that feeds this corrupt ecosystem in the first place.
What bothers me deeply right now isn’t just the policy failures; it’s the growing hostility in our public discourse. Watching youth and Gen Z express themselves on the news and social media, I see an alarming level of anger, harsh language, and complete disrespect. People are throwing insults at the Prime Minister, at constitutional institutions, and at our own country.
When did demanding accountability turn into tearing down basic respect?
Protesting is a right, but damaging public property, attacking law enforcement, and using abusive language doesn’t build a better future. That public property belongs to us (the taxpayers). Destroying it burns through our own resources, harms our nation’s global image, and accomplishes nothing constructive.
Corruption doesn’t just start in high offices; it starts at the grassroots. When people trade votes for money, they knowingly hand power to individuals who view political office as a private business venture rather than public service.
If we want a better country for the next generation, we have to start at home:
- Teach respect and civic responsibility: Disagreement is healthy, but losing respect for our institutions and elders destroys our cultural foundation.
- Focus on root-cause solutions: Instead of settling for public spectacles and forced resignations, let’s demand long-term structural integrity in our education and governance systems.
- Protect our shared progress: Exercise your right to protest peacefully but protect the infrastructure and peace that belongs to every Indian.
We cannot copy patterns of anger and division that lead us away from our core values. Real progress won’t come from sensationalized headlines, viral outrage, or political point-scoring. It will come when we, as individual citizens, hold ourselves to higher standards.
What are your thoughts on how we can address systemic issues without losing our civility and civic pride? Please do comment.
Declaration: Yes, I have used AI Tools for the draft; however, the feelings and views are mine. We all don’t need to think the same. It’s not about right or wrong. You may or may not agree with me; that’s ok.
