- By Dr. Manju Lodha
The phase through which today’s society is passing is deeply concerning. Several recent incidents have shaken our collective conscience to the core. In some places, murders are committed in the name of romantic relationships; in others, someone’s life is taken simply because they disagreed to a marriage proposal; and somewhere else, a minor issue triggers an explosion of violence.
A recent incident on a local train forces us to introspect. It was raining, and a window was open. One passenger simply said to another, “Please close the window.” Over this trivial matter, the argument escalated to physical violence, and one person lost their life. The question is: how have we become so intolerant that even a simple request enrages us?
Whether it is the tragic incident in Lonavala or the murder case in Mussoorie—these are not just crimes; they are grave questions staring back at society. Which direction is our younger generation heading? What is the reason that our ability to accept disagreement, failure, rejection, or differences of opinion is continuously eroding?
To some extent, the hustle and bustle of modern life, the influence of social media, the desire for instant success, and emotional imbalance are responsible. However, we cannot evade our responsibility by merely blaming external circumstances. The family is a child’s first school. If a home is filled with dialogue, love, patience, and values, those same qualities will reflect in the child’s personality.
The youth must understand that if they wish to reject a relationship, they should learn to say a courageous “No.” Talk to your parents, discuss it with your family, and choose the path of communication. Violence can never be a solution under any circumstance. Taking an innocent life solves no problem; instead, it devastates multiple families.
At the same time, parents also need to understand their children’s emotions and desires. Forcing a decision solely under the pressure of society, prestige, or tradition is not justified. When communication ends, tragedies are born.
Today, there is a dire need for tolerance, empathy, patience, and self-restraint. We do not just need to give the next generation degrees and wealth; we must provide them with values that make them good human beings. True strength lies not in defeating someone else, but in conquering one’s own anger and ego.
Remember:
A moment of anger can lead to a lifetime of regret,
While a moment of dialogue can save many lives.
- When tolerance is lost, relationships begin to shatter,A small spark of anger causes homes to scatter.
- When fights break out over just closing a window pane,Understand that the light of humanity within the heart is beginning to wane.
- Hold onto the thread of dialogue, do not let hatred grow,If you are human, let humanity within you flow.
- That every whim must be fulfilled is not life’s law,Learn to smile even after hearing a “No”—that is the greatest victory of all.
- Let us leave behind just this gift for the generation to come,Give them love, values, and patience, and make a better world for everyone.
In Conclusion:
Taking someone’s life is never a solution to any problem; rather, it is a symptom of a criminal mindset. If you want to show courage, do not show it by murdering someone—show the courage to say a clear and timely “No.” If you want to show power, do not show the power of violence; show the power of dialogue. When there is communication in families, respect in relationships, and tolerance in minds, only then can the rising trend of crime be curbed.
Because where dialogue stays alive, relationships stay alive; and where relationships stay alive, society remains safe.
- Those who take decisions in anger weep all their lives,It is by lighting the lamps of dialogue that a relationship thrives.
- History is never written with violence, it only leaves tears behind,It is through love, patience, and tolerance that safe societies we find.