India's Moral Slide: A Citizen's Reflection
There was a time when India was admired not merely for its diversity, but for its culture of civility. Respectful speech, courtesy towards elders, and dignity in public conduct were considered hallmarks of our society. Today, I increasingly wonder whether we are slowly moving away from those values.
However, the recent public protests have left one deeply disturbed—not because people chose to protest, but because of the language and behaviour that accompanied them.
A democracy thrives on dissent. Citizens have every right to question those in power. Peaceful protest is an essential democratic right. But does democracy also permit public vulgarity, intimidation, and mob behaviour? Freedom is NOT Free! Freedom doesn't mean that it has got no boundaries.
What shocked me most was not the anger. Anger can be justified. It was the language!
The torrent of abusive, sexually explicit insults shouted in public by some protesters—many of them young men and women—made one question what has happened to our social fabric. These are words that many of us would hesitate to utter even in private conversations, yet they are now being shouted through microphones and celebrated on social media. Hurling abuses, use of vulgar languages are treated as status symbol - some promoted laughter shows strictly on these lines only.
In Indian tradition, the tongue is symbolically regarded as the seat of Goddess Saraswati—the source of wisdom, learning, and refined speech. Whether one is religious or not, the symbolism is powerful: words should elevate, not degrade.
When vulgarity becomes normal, society loses something precious.
Protest or Mob Rule?
Equally troubling is what happens after such incidents.
If governments withdraw legal cases simply because protests become politically inconvenient, what message does that send? Does numerical strength determine what is right? If might becomes right, democracy gradually risks becoming mob rule.
One public response to the controversy suggested that if someone's language was defamatory, the aggrieved person could pursue civil or criminal remedies. Legally, that may be correct.
Morally, however, is that enough? Should our only response to public obscenity be to ask whether it violates the law? Or should we also ask whether it reflects the standards we wish to uphold as a society?
The Responsibility of Parents
Perhaps the most painful question concerns parenting. When young people publicly use obscene language, what do their families think? More importantly, what values have they absorbed while growing up?
Political disagreement is perfectly legitimate. Supporting or opposing any political leader is every citizen's democratic right. However, can personal political hostility justify encouraging children to use degrading language in public?
Whether one supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi or opposes him, he occupies the country's highest elected office and is an elderly public figure. Basic civility should not depend on political preference. The same standard should apply to every leader, regardless of party. Respect for institutions does not require agreement with those who lead them.
Respect for Those Who Protect Us
Another disturbing trend is the increasing hostility shown towards the armed forces and the police. These institutions are not beyond criticism. In a democracy, every institution must remain accountable.
Yet, it is equally true that millions of Indians live their daily lives safely because soldiers guard our borders and police maintain internal order. Disagreement should never translate into contempt for those who perform these difficult responsibilities.
A mature democracy balances criticism with respect.
Have We Neglected Character Building?
The larger concern goes beyond any one protest. For decades, education has focused increasingly on academic achievement and professional success. Character formation, moral education, civic responsibility, and ethical conduct have gradually received less attention.
Earlier generations often learnt these values at home, reinforced by schools and communities. Whether because of changing family structures, cultural influences, or political polarisation, that moral foundation appears weaker today.
Perhaps it is time to ask whether we have become successful without becoming wiser.
A Society Divided
Political polarisation has reached a stage where many people judge behaviour not by whether it is right or wrong, but by whether it serves their preferred political side. When this happens, vulgarity is excused if "our side" uses it and condemned only when "the other side" does. Such selective morality weakens public life. A healthy democracy requires disagreement without dehumanisation.
A Warning from History
India's history reminds us that nations are rarely weakened only by external enemies. Internal divisions, erosion of values, and the gradual normalisation of unacceptable behaviour can prove equally damaging.
Ancient political thinker Chanakya warned that a state faces dangers not only from outside aggression but also from internal decay. His message remains relevant: societies often decline from within before they are defeated from without.
Whether or not one agrees with every political viewpoint expressed today, we should all ask ourselves one question:
Are we building a culture where disagreement is expressed with dignity—or one where abuse has replaced argument?
Perhaps it is time for all of us—regardless of political affiliation—to rediscover the virtues of civility, restraint, and mutual respect. Those values have always been among India's greatest strengths.
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