Democratic Awakening, Youth for Democracy and Healthy Society
It is our collective responsibility to oppose the destructive forces that deliberately create religious and caste-based tensions in society. Only when society stays united can peace and prosperity prevail. In communities where citizens live together harmoniously, trust one another, and engage in dialogue, even disagreements are resolved through discussion and justice.
In a society enriched with diverse languages, religions, and traditions, people respect one another and nurture affection and love for each other’s cultures. Indian culture is inclusive and based on the teachings of saints who preached universal brotherhood. The common people of India do not confine themselves within narrow boundaries of religion, caste, or language. Otherwise, Shivaji Gaikwad, popularly known as Rajinikanth, could never have ruled the hearts of Tamil audiences despite being from Maharashtra.
Such countless examples convey a strong message of widespread acceptance in society. One should indeed be proud of one’s religion, caste, and region — but never let that pride turn into arrogance or hatred. Today, hatred and envy are being spread across the world for selfish gains, causing harm to the entire human race. We must not forget the timeless wisdom: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
Society must reject these divisive ideologies and take initiative to promote unity and brotherhood. Our true strength lies in our unity!
Equality is the second essential condition for a strong and healthy society. Nature or God has given equal status to all living beings, including humans. The principle of "Men are born equal" is an eternal human value. A society with vast economic disparity cannot truly be a happy one. When a few live in luxury while the majority struggle in hardship, such an imbalance must be corrected. "Let there be no world where one laughs while millions weep." The underprivileged must be given greater opportunities for progress. Everyone should have the right to dream of a better life — and the ability to achieve it.
Economic considerations are an integral part of a strong and healthy society. The basic needs of all citizens are directly linked to their financial income. Across the world, economic inequality is growing at an alarming rate. Today, 10% of the wealthy control 90% of the wealth, while the remaining 90% of people are left with just 10% — a deeply disturbing disparity. The issue of unemployment is also becoming increasingly severe. Employment generation depends heavily on economic and industrial development. Poverty is closely connected to many aspects of society, including public health. How can a society be considered strong when it is plagued by poverty, hunger, and disease? A truly healthy society must ensure fair distribution of wealth, ample employment opportunities, and economic systems that uplift every individual — not just a privileged few.
Mahatma Phule firmly stated that the root cause of the backwardness of the majority community lies in ignorance and lack of education. Social equality and the journey towards becoming a global power are possible only through the highway of education. From primary to higher education, world-class educational opportunities should be easily accessible to all, as this is the foundation of a strong and just social system. If we truly wish to include the poor and marginalized communities in the stream of progress, there is no alternative to education. European nations established dominance over the world through the power of education and research. Countries that spend less than 6% of their national income on education and less than 3% on research tend to remain economically weak and fall behind in global competition. Education is the backbone of development, and without giving it top priority, a nation’s progress will be hindered.
According to the Constitution, the judiciary must function effectively to protect the fundamental rights and human rights of all citizens. Along with keeping a check on the government and administration, it is expected that the judiciary safeguard democratic values and the constitutional rights granted to the people. If those in power or the government act against the Constitution, the judiciary must not allow such violations. Justice should be easily accessible to all and delivered promptly. Laws must be stringent, and their enforcement should be strict and uncompromising. Law is the guardian of a strong society.
Along with education, good health has become a fundamental necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of healthcare systems and made public health a top priority. Today’s fast-paced lifestyle has led to a rise in diseases such as heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer — a concerning trend that can be addressed through proper preventive measures. Hence, building a widespread health movement is the need of the hour. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental well-being are key components of good health. Health is not just limited to doctors or hospitals — it is directly linked to factors like food quality, financial stability, public hygiene, and environmental pollution. A truly advanced and strong nation is one where the entire society is healthy. Therefore, promoting health awareness and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is our shared responsibility.
A strong democracy is the soul of a good and just society. The core values of democracy — liberty, equality, and fraternity — are the very pillars upon which the strength of any society rests. Every citizen must have the freedom of movement, thought, and expression. All essential elements of a healthy society can only be fully realized in a democratic system, because in democracy, the people are at the center and hold the highest authority. In contrast, other forms of governance such as dictatorship, autocracy, or communism suppress individual freedoms, turning people’s aspirations into secondary concerns. To ensure democracy remains secure, the Constitution has created autonomous institutions like the Parliament, Judiciary, Government, Administration, and Election Commission. These bodies are deliberately kept independent so they remain free from external interference. Only when this autonomy is preserved can democracy stay strong and resist tyranny or authoritarianism. In a robust society, citizens truly understand the importance of democracy — and such informed citizens are always ready to defend and uphold it.
The strength and progress of a society are deeply rooted in its national and social values. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar once said, “I am first and foremost an Indian, and I shall remain an Indian till the end.” Religion, caste, region, and language are merely external identities. While these aspects may shape our personal and family life, national interest must always come first. A nation is not just about its mountains, rivers, or borders — its true essence lies in its people. True patriotism means showing equal respect, love, and empathy for all. Living with a spirit of coexistence and unity, without discrimination of any kind, is the purest form of nationalism. Serving the nation does not only mean fighting in the army or raising slogans. It means performing our duties with sincerity, treating our everyday work as a contribution to the country. Each citizen must strive to protect national resources, fulfill their responsibilities, and promote collective well-being. We must cultivate the patriotism and work ethic seen in countries like Japan. Because building a strong nation depends on the dedication and efforts of every individual.
Social Commitment – A healthy society is built when its citizens show genuine concern and commitment towards all sections, especially the underprivileged. Supporting those in need and standing by them in their struggles is a mark of social responsibility. Honesty – Fulfilling one’s duties with sincerity and integrity is essential. A strong society rejects corruption in all forms, refrains from seeking illegal benefits, and actively opposes unethical practices. Courage – Citizens must have the bravery to raise their voices against injustice and falsehood, to stand firm on the side of truth and righteousness. Fearlessness in the face of wrongdoing is a sign of a strong and conscious society. Unity – Social unity strengthens the community. There are forces that try to create divisions based on religion, caste, or other identities — resisting such divisive efforts and preserving harmony is crucial for social strength. Social Responsibility – Every individual, as a responsible member of society, must perform their duties diligently. Law-abiding and socially aware citizens help build a strong and disciplined society. Following rules not only maintains order but also ensures collective welfare. Punctuality – Valuing and respecting time enhances efficiency and improves the overall quality of social life. A punctual society is a progressive society. These values form the foundation of a progressive, united, and resilient nation.
The foundation of a progressive society lies in a scientific and rational mindset. A scientific mindset means having the spirit of inquiry, the courage to ask questions, and the readiness to make decisions based on evidence and reason — this is the true direction of social advancement. Unfortunately, even today, our society remains entangled in superstitions, blind faith, rigid traditions, and harmful practices. These elements act like shackles that hold society back and prevent it from moving forward. To break free from these chains, developing a scientific mindset is absolutely essential. It empowers individuals to think critically, question irrational beliefs, and adopt decisions based on facts and logic rather than fear or inherited customs. Promoting a scientific mindset is not just about encouraging scientific knowledge; it is about building a culture that values curiosity, truth, and progress — which is crucial for a healthy, forward-moving, and enlightened society.
