"Mera desh mahaan," a phrase every Indian has spoken at least once, filled with pride and love.

Our country, with its rich history and even richer culture, was once the land sought after by different empires across the world. A place once called the "Golden Bird" for its prosperity and wisdom. We still take pride in this long lasting legacy, in the struggles for independence, the countless uprisings, and the ideals our forefathers envisioned. But between all this pride, we must ask ourselves, are we truly as great as they hoped we would be?

We borrowed the English language from the British and made it our own, bridging the linguistic gap in a nation where dialects change every 50-100 kilometers. Yet, one important thing we did not take from them, or from any developed nation, is civic sense. We compare ourselves to developed countries like the USA or rapidly advancing nations like China, yet we hesitate to put in the work required to reach their level. Any attempt at progress is often met with resistance or mockery. We demand cleanliness but refuse to throw our own wrappers in a dustbin. We want development, but the moment it challenges our personal conveniences, we reject it under the guise of "preserving culture." We want the women in our homes to be safe, yet many fail to extend the same respect to women outside their circles. At its core, civic sense is simply the understanding and following the rule of society and carrying on the social responsibility. As a developing nation, we should all share the burden of progress. Yet, too often, we shift blame onto the government, even for something as small as picking up a piece of litter, because we see such tasks as beneath us.

I'll admit, I, too, have been guilty of loitering at times while criticizing the government for not being as efficient or good like the one in developed nation. Of course, India's massive population plays a role, but comparing ourselves to China who's population is similar to ours isn’t entirely fair either to us. Our cultures, languages, and mentalities differ vastly. India is a diverse and fertile land, yet despite our potential, we continue to lag behind. A major reason for this is the way certain propaganda and outdated beliefs which have been imposed on us over generations. In our country, everything, from education to jobs, feels like a ruthless competition, something that we need to pass one way or another, where falling behind invites ridicule. This fear of being different discourages resistance to the status quo. As a result, many of our brightest minds choose to leave rather than fight for change, despite the countless opportunities available here.

Civic sense plays a crucial role in this issue. Those who attempt to be responsible citizens, whether by calling out misconduct or simply following the rules, are often mocked or shamed. The deeply ingrained VIP culture, where the privileged receive preferential treatment, continues to shape the mindset of older generations, who then pass it down to the youth. Who in turn are afraid of doing anything to people with power, who misuses it to the fullest. The consequences of this lack of civic responsibility are visible everywhere, but nowhere is it clearer than in Delhi. The national capital, which should be a symbol of progress, is instead suffocating under toxic air, and polluted water. Despite warnings from experts and strict government regulations, many refuse to acknowledge their role in the crisis. Bursting crackers during different festivals, celebration, and occasions despite bans, from burning waste in open fields, and throwing extra garbage in water to excessive vehicular pollution are all dismissed under the guise of "tradition" or "necessity." Instead of taking accountability, people prefer to blame industries or the government while continuing their harmful practices. Even when solutions are available, such as carpooling or using public transport, many see them as inconveniences rather than responsibilities.

Meanwhile, lawlessness on the streets has become the norm. Loitering, breaking traffic rules, and even urinating in public have become everyday occurrences, with no one willing to step in. While these actions may seem insignificant on an individual level, they create a domino effect. When one person disregards the rules, others follow blindly, leading to larger societal problems. The same logic applies in reverse, when someone sets a positive example, others are encouraged to do the same. A perfect example is Indore, a city that has embraced civic responsibility, where people actively follow regulations and maintain cleanliness. As part of this country, it is our duty to stand against what is wrong and support what is right. A society functions only when its people take responsibility for maintaining order. The government is not meant to hand everything to us. It is there to establish guidelines and implement them. But ultimately, it is up to us to follow and enforce them in our daily lives. Loitering, shouting in public, cursing, these behaviors, though normalized, are unacceptable and should be recognized as such. The only way to bring change is by raising our voices. Change often begins with one person. At first, they may be mocked, but if they remain steadfast, others who were hesitant will start following, and those who once shamed them will begin to feel shame themselves. The government must also take stricter action. Instead of catering to VIP culture and favoring only the privileged, it should uphold the true spirit of democracy, where every citizen is treated equally. When the powerful are held accountable by society, their influence diminishes in the face of collective judgment. Media, too, plays a crucial role. Rather than fueling division with biased and hateful rhetoric, it should present unbiased truth, fostering empathy among people. Schools must take responsibility for guiding younger generations toward the right path, instilling values that promote civic responsibility. Social media, instead of being a platform for trolling and spreading hate, should be a space for constructive dialogue, mutual support, and strict action against bullying rather than encouraging it. Change isn’t just a word in the dictionary, it’s a movement. It doesn’t start with 'C' and end with 'E'; it starts with 'Me' and ends with 'We.' Instead of just questioning the government and blaming others, let’s start with ourselves. Let’s be civic, and let’s be the change we want to see.

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