Individual Responsibility: The Need of the Hour to Uplift Our Nation

 Recently, as I was travelling to my hometown, I had some experiences that made me think deeply. I reached Yeshwanthpur railway station and went to a small hotel nearby to freshen up and have breakfast. While sitting there, I observed many people around me — people who were working very hard to earn a simple living.

There was an old man cleaning tables, working tirelessly despite his age and tiredness. I also saw a person whose hand was paralysed, but life had not given him a choice — he too was working, carrying out his duties. Both of them were working just to make ends meet. As I stepped outside, I saw a group of young boys who didn’t even have slippers on their feet. Forget education — some of them were on the streets, begging for food and money.

At the same time, I noticed how well-developed the city was, filled with tall buildings, big businesses, and rich people. But nobody seemed to notice or care about the small group of people struggling for basic things like food, shelter, and dignity. Everyone was busy with their own lives, business, and personal comfort.

This made me ask myself — where are we heading as a country? Why have we forgotten the rich values and culture of India? Why are we ignoring those who need our help the most?

It’s true that we can earn a lot of money, achieve our personal dreams, and gather wealth. But if we don’t use some of what we have to help others, especially the poor and needy, then we will never experience true happiness. That real joy doesn’t come from things — it comes from the heart, through acts of kindness and service.

As a nation, while we are growing economically and our GDP is increasing, the bigger question is — are we reaching out to the poor and working to uplift them? Are we thinking about those children without slippers or those old men cleaning tables?

Each one of us has the capacity to make a difference. The only thing we need is the decision to do so. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones. Beyond caring only for our families and close friends, we should learn to care for people at large.

This is the core message of India — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning ‘the whole world is one family’. It reminds us that every person is a part of our family, and we should treat them with the same love and concern.

I strongly believe that every school should teach children about this rich Indian wisdom and our cultural values. This will help young students grow into good human beings and responsible citizens — people who will think about others, not just about money and selfish needs.

A living example of this ideal is Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, founder of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence. He has been thinking seriously about how to uplift the poor and needy in our country. Through projects in nutrition, education, and healthcare — all offered completely free of cost — he is truly following the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in both letter and spirit.

I feel blessed to work under his leadership for this cause. It fills my heart with satisfaction, and I have found real joy in serving people. At the same time, I am living a comfortable life, earning a good salary, and also improving spiritually.

As the youth of this country, we must join hands with such individuals and organisations that are working for the betterment of society. If we really want to see a better Bharath and a better world, the time has come to take personal responsibility — not just think about it, but act on it.

Mohan Kumar KM

Academic Administrator and Mentor at Sri Sathya Sai Institutions.