Before We Question the World, Let Us Question Ourselves

Nowadays, all I see is people wanting to be rich and famous. Perhaps it is because they believe that money and fame bring respect, influence, and the freedom to get what they want and do what they want.

And honestly, I don’t think they are entirely wrong.

We live in a society where money often determines how people treat us, while fame can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Together, they give us access to opportunities, privileges, and influence that many other things in life cannot.

So people want to be rich. They want to be famous. And some are even willing to do whatever it takes to get there.

But is that really what we want from life? Is that the society we want to build?

Where are we heading as a country?

Over the past few days, I have been seeing protests, hatred, and growing internal turmoil. While the world is already struggling with conflicts and wars, we seem to be fighting our own battles within. I find myself wondering why we have reached a point where so much of our energy is spent fighting one another rather than trying to make things better.

I worry about the future of this country.

India has long been associated with the stories of Lord Rama, the wisdom of sages and rishis, and a civilisational tradition that speaks of resilience, tolerance, and acceptance. We have often taken pride in our ability to accommodate different beliefs, perspectives, and ways of life.

But where are we today?

We all want something from life. Most of us want financial security, success, recognition, and a better standard of living. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of that.

But how many of us want to be good to others?

How many of us genuinely want to be understanding, responsible, accountable, empathetic, and considerate? How many of us want to make other people’s lives a little better simply because we can?

And how many of us are willing to be civic-minded, even when nobody is watching?

Somewhere along the way, being nice has started to be mistaken for being weak. Being understanding is sometimes seen as a lack of strength. Taking responsibility is less attractive than pointing out someone else’s mistakes.

Questioning others, protesting against them, and holding them accountable can all be necessary. But we seem to have become far more comfortable demanding accountability from others than practising it ourselves.

We want others to take action, but what are we doing?

We expect everyone else to be responsible. We have opinions about almost everything, and we are often quick to express them. We do not always think twice before lashing out at someone, yet we expect others to treat us with kindness and respect.

We demand from others what we are not always willing to give ourselves.

And that makes me wonder: where exactly are we going wrong?

Two things come to mind whenever I think about this.

The first is a childhood film, Bharateeyudu. There is a scene in which a reporter questions the Chief Minister about what the government can do better. The Chief Minister challenges him to occupy the position of Chief Minister for a day and demonstrate what he would do differently.

The underlying point is simple: it is easier to say what someone else should do than to take responsibility for doing it yourself.

Of course, questioning those in power is essential in a democracy. Public officials must be held accountable, and citizens must be able to demand better governance. The lesson is not that we should stop questioning authority. It is that criticism becomes far more meaningful when we are also willing to contribute to the solutions we demand.

The second is a Telugu saying my mother often repeats:

“Inta gelichi racha geluvu.”

In essence, it means that we should first establish ourselves and set things right within our own home before going out to conquer the world.

I have always found something profound in that thought.

If we want change so badly, why can’t we begin by doing the things that are within our control?

We simply need to start.

And this brings me to something important: I am not suggesting that people should stop protesting or questioning those in power. Protests have played an important role in bringing injustice to light and demanding change. Sometimes, they are necessary.

But there is a difference between protesting to bring about change and creating disruption without a clear purpose or a constructive path forward. There is a difference between questioning someone because we want accountability and questioning them merely because we want to prove that they are wrong.

Action speaks louder than words.

You do not need power to make a difference. You do not need to announce that you are changing the world. You just need to do what is right, consistently.

And if your actions genuinely make a difference, people may eventually choose to follow your example.

Perhaps that is how meaningful change begins: not with the number of people who listen to us, but with the number of lives we positively influence.

I hope that one day we become a more understanding society. I hope we learn to disagree without hating one another, to question without humiliating one another, and to demand accountability without forgetting our own responsibilities.

I hope that instead of constantly pointing fingers at what others are not doing, we begin by doing what we can.

While writing this piece, a statement comes to my mind which my law school professor used to say while teaching. She used to say you new generation are so hell bent on rights that you forget your duties. When everyone, and when i say everyone, it is everyone and nobody excluded, does their duty properly, then there is no need for you to fight for your rights. And this line stuck to me even now and that is when i have decided that before i question anything, let me first question myself to see if i am doing my duties well.

I do not interpret it to mean that people should remain silent when their rights are violated. Rights are fundamental, and people must be able to defend them. Doing our duties does not excuse others from fulfilling theirs, nor does it absolve those in power of their obligations.

But her words made me look inward.

Before I question the government, society, or the people around me, am I doing my part? Am I fulfilling my responsibilities? Am I treating others the way I expect to be treated? Am I contributing to the change I want to see?

I cannot expect the world to become better if I am unwilling to examine my own actions.

And perhaps that is where I need to begin.

Before we question the world, perhaps we should have the courage to question ourselves.

Because the India we dream of will not be built only by the people we elect, the leaders we follow, or the voices we applaud.

Because it will be built by the citizens we choose to be.

And that choice begins with each one of us.