It’s 2017, and the pertinent socio-political and economic issues that were prevalent in the 20th century have carried on to haunt the new era. Caste-based discrimination, exclusion based on religion, violence against women, rampant poverty, lack of education – products of the Indian society that has clearly, been unable to set its priorities straight. So, the question pops up in my mind- Is India openly supporting a certain kind of violence, or is it the sheer inaction that has been unable to curb violence? I believe the latter.
Government policies and our judiciary system are the two pillars that are structured to guide our society onto the correct path of liberty, justice, equality and fraternity – the basic principles of the Preamble of our constitution.
But, is it only the Government’s responsibility to bring about CHANGE? Don’t the citizens have a role in improving the societal standards and empowering the country?
Feeding on the poor’s insecurities and the very real needs of the marginalized, political parties are able to fill in their vote banks, after which their commitment to the party’s vision simply fizzles away.
Moreover, the constant animosity between the political parties and also, within them is leading to a non-unified front, which is creating even more divides within the citizens. Alongside, the concentration of power among a few, and their obsession with money, luxury is increasing the divide between the rich and the poor. This divide is as prevalent between genders, with the concept of the “logical” man and the “emotional” woman, based on which women are pushed to the peripheries of the society.
Many may claim that there is equality for all in terms of law, but the need of the hour is EQUITY. The only solution to end violence is to bring a comprehensive change within the rigid structures of the society.
The need of the hour is to smash stereotypes, empower each and every citizen through effective policies, hold the powerful accountable for their action, for the citizens to never back down and keep striving for a better tomorrow. Turning a blind eye to this violence and ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude will not make the world a better place to live. YOU need to stand up and be the CHANGE.
