'Where Are We Heading? '

 The Harsh Reality; Where Are We Heading?

India is a land of contradictions—rich in culture, yet poor in execution; overflowing with potential, yet struggling with fairness. As citizens, we carry the weight of many hopes, but it’s hard not to question: are we heading towards the India we dream of, or are we lost in the maze of inequality and injustice? Here's a closer look at some of the pressing issues that demand immediate action.

The Tax Game: 

Taxes, they say, are the price we pay for a civilized society. They fund roads, schools, hospitals, and welfare schemes. But in India, this "price" seems to be unevenly distributed. The rich find ways to dodge taxes, the poor enjoy subsidies and freebies, and the middle class? They are left footing the bill.

Consider this: D. Gukesh, the youngest World Chess Champion of our country, recently won ₹11 crore as prize money. Out of this, ₹4.67 crore—nearly half—went straight into the government’s pocket as tax. The remaining ₹6 crore might look substantial, but if Gukesh invests it, he faces a 12.5% capital gains tax. If he opts for a fixed deposit, a hefty 40% tax applies to the interest earned. And should he decide to treat himself to a car, like a Toyota Fortuner, he’d pay ₹25 lakh for the vehicle and an additional ₹25 lakh in GST and cess.

The question is: where does all this money go? Roads are riddled with potholes, public infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and the middle class struggles to find any tangible benefits from the taxes they pay. It feels like we’re fueling a machine that works for everyone but us.

Shattered Trust:

2024 has been marred by relentless darkness—stories of rapes, suicides, and unchecked crime dominate the headlines, eroding our collective trust in justice. Safety, once a fundamental right, now feels like an unattainable dream, with men, women, children, and even the elderly living in perpetual fear. What deepens the wound is the blatant misuse of power. When a wealthy industrialist’s son causes an accident or a politician’s child gets entangled in a scandal, they evade consequences with shocking ease, while the common citizen is left to endure endless delays and shattered hopes for justice.

Even those tasked with upholding the truth—lawyers, judges, and law enforcement—often serve the powerful instead of the people. A lawyer defending a crime is as guilty as the one committing it. Isn’t it time we question the system that allows such impunity? The once-proud saying, “Kanun ke haath lambe hote hain” (The law has long arms), now feels like a distant memory.

Fractured Unity:

A nation woven together by its rich diversity, now faces voices that threaten to fracture its unity. Recently, singer Jazzy B publicly supported the Khalistan movement, calling for a separate Sikh state. At a time when we should be dreaming of an Akhand Bharat—an undivided India—such divisive ideologies are deeply concerning. What makes this even more troubling is how these voices continue to find platforms to reach millions. Jazzy B, for instance, recently performed in Delhi alongside AP Dhillon and Honey Singh, artists whose influence shapes the opinions of countless fans. Why are we allowing figures who spread division to thrive within the heart of our democracy? Celebrities wield enormous power over public sentiment, and when that power is misused, it becomes a direct threat to the very fabric of our national unity.

The Real Picture of Our Democracy:

Democracy is supposed to be the voice of the people, but today, it feels more like a one-sided conversation. Politicians seem more interested in securing votes than addressing real issues. The promises made before elections fade into silence once power is won. Instead of solving problems, the government often turns a blind eye. Crimes go unpunished, resources are mismanaged, and divisive forces are left unchecked. This isn’t the democracy we read about in our civics books. This is a democracy losing its soul, its principles.

What Needs to Change?

India doesn’t need grand speeches or tall promises; it needs action. A nation’s true strength lies in its ability to uplift and empower its people. It’s time we reassess the systems that govern us and demand a change for the better. Transparency in taxation should no longer be a luxury but a right. People must witness the impact of their hard-earned money, especially the middle class, who has long been the silent engine driving this nation. Chanakya, in his timeless wisdom, said that only three things should be free in a nation: healthcare, education, and justice. Yet, ironically, these are the very things that have become the most expensive in India today. Meanwhile, everything else seems to be offered as “free,” but at what cost?

The system needs a transformation—one that enables people to earn with dignity and enjoy the rewards of their labor. Let the government serve as a facilitator for growth, not a dictator over the middle class. Justice must not be a privilege but a guarantee. Wealth or status should never determine the speed or fairness of legal proceedings. Every citizen, no matter their background, must be afforded equal treatment under the law.

Welfare schemes should not create dependency but opportunities. The aim should be to empower the poor—giving them jobs, education, and the dignity to rise above their circumstances. Let these programs become stepping stones, not crutches. And as we strive for unity, we must confront any force that seeks to divide this nation. Celebrities and influencers who spread divisive ideologies should be held accountable for the impact of their words and actions. No matter their fame or status, no one should be allowed to undermine the unity of India.

Lastly, politicians must remember that their power derives from the people, and it is their duty to serve, not to exploit. It’s time for a governance that is accountable, transparent, and dedicated to the well-being of its citizens—one that empowers its people to thrive rather than stifling them with unjust systems. The change we seek starts with us, and it’s time to demand the India we deserve.