The Reasons Behind Indians’ Lack of Discipline and Civic Sense
While observing Indian society, a recurring theme emerges: a significant portion of the population lacks the discipline and civic sense that is crucial for societal harmony and functionality. This issue is multifaceted and deeply rooted in cultural, educational, and social factors. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and propose potential solutions.
Cultural Factors
The Indian culture is rich and diverse, with many communities holding their own unique beliefs and customs. However, some communities, particularly those influenced by Hinduism, do not emphasize the importance of discipline and civic sense from an early age. Unlike some other traditions, such as Jainism and Buddhism, which hold events to integrate discipline and values into the lives of young people, Hinduism tends to focus more on religious fervor than on civic education. This results in a lack of structured guidance for young individuals, leading to disorganization and a sense of chaos.
Religious practices in Hinduism often revolve around loud gatherings and worship, where young people are exposed to chaotic and disorganized events rather than structured learning environments. This approach, while spiritual, often does not provide the necessary guidance on how to behave as responsible and disciplined citizens.
Education System
The Indian education system is another crucial factor contributing to the lack of discipline and civic sense among the youth. Public schools, which primarily serve lower-income families, are often underfunded and poorly regulated, leaving little to no room for moral and civic education. Teachers are overworked, and there is often a lack of emphasis on teaching values and discipline. In many cases, the priority is on academic performance rather than character development. Additionally, rural students, who make up a significant portion of the student population, often receive no moral or civic education due to inadequate resources and poorly equipped schools.
Social and Economic Factors
The social and economic conditions of many Indians also play a significant role in this issue. In poor families where both parents work as daily wage laborers, there is little to no time available for parents to teach their children about discipline and civic sense. Instead, they resort to physical abuse and psychological distress to enforce discipline, which is counterproductive and harmful to the child's wellbeing. The societal pressure to earn a living often leads to a neglect of moral and civic education at home.
In contrast, in more affluent households, children may learn some level of discipline and civic sense, but these values can be undermined by exposure to media that promotes uncivic behavior. Many children learn about morals, ethics, and values from movies or media, which can often be degenerative and detrimental to their development.
Proposed Solutions
To address this issue, several steps can be taken. First, the religious community, particularly Hinduism, should emphasize the importance of discipline and civic sense in their teachings. This can be done through simpler and more accessible means, such as teaching key values and lessons from the Bhagavat Gita during community events. Educated seniors can play a crucial role in simplifying these teachings so that they are easily understandable to young people.
Second, the education system must be overhauled to include moral and civic education in the curriculum. Government and non-governmental organizations can work together to provide resources and training for teachers to effectively teach these values. Public schools should receive adequate funding and support to improve the quality of education and address the lack of discipline and civic sense among students.
Finally, parents and communities must prioritize the moral and civic education of their children. This can be done through community events, parent-teacher associations, and the involvement of local leaders in promoting positive behavior.
Discipline and civic sense are not just individual traits but are essential for the well-being of society as a whole. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective solutions, we can help shape a more disciplined and civic-oriented future for India.