[3 Aug 23] Finding Courage to Speak Out

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When I was in 5th standard at the age of 12, I visited the headmaster’s office to complain about the unhygienic meals we were receiving at school. Though I received a positive response, no action was taken. Despite this, I felt proud for reporting something wrong. Back then, I believed that if I studied hard, I would do well in exams, and if I spoke up about wrong things, they would be promptly addressed through punishment or warnings.

However, as I grew older, I realized that the real world doesn’t always work this way. Now, at 27, I am a father to an 8-month-old girl, a taxpayer, and responsible for my family. It has been over 15 years since I reported something wrong, and I wonder what happened to the young boy who used to stand against injustice. I have become silent about many things happening around me.

When I discuss these matters with others, they often tell me to focus solely on my life and family, not worrying too much about the issues in society, as they believe nothing will change. But deep inside, I have cried and struggled with these conflicting thoughts. I even consulted a psychologist to check my mental well-being, and I was assured that I am fine, but I tend to overthink.

As a citizen of a country facing internal challenges and deteriorating day by day, I feel concerned. Despite paying significantly more taxes than most Indian IT employees, I see no progress in the state. Shouldn’t I think about it? Is it really just overthinking?

People often ask me what I can achieve by speaking out since nothing seems to change. But today, I have found the courage to express the pain within me. I recently shared a WhatsApp story with a video titled “Why should we pay taxes?” and received replies from those who genuinely pay taxes. Interestingly, those who don’t pay or care about taxes didn’t even bother to watch the video.

When I reflect on figures like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, I find answers to my questions and those posed by others. Bhagat Singh always pointed out that our enemies are not external but within the country, referring to businessmen and politicians. They saw that some businessmen, in collaboration with politicians, were taking advantage of the colonial system for their own gains, often at the expense of the masses.

Over a century has passed since Bhagat Singh’s time, yet the truth in his words remains evident today. This makes me wonder what Bhagat Singh would do in our era, facing similar challenges.

“They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit” — Bhagat Singh