Sandeep is a young man from that village who actively participated in the gram sabha. His opinions found support among the young men around him, despite the pressures they faced. Initially indifferent, they faced mental pressures from those who opposed him. Sandeep’s companions, overwhelmed by these assaults, distanced themselves from him. However, Sandeep remained steadfast in his commitment, refusing to abandon the principles and rights of humanity. He consistently endeavoured to illuminate the truth to the best of his ability, despite disapproval from his family. Yet, Sandeep did not lose sight of his humanity.
Many of us aspire to leave a lasting legacy, seeking to carve out a niche within society. We harbour the hope that our presence will linger in the memories of others long after we’ve departed this world. Along this journey, we often find amusement in straying from the path of truth as we pursue our dreams. Conversely, there exists a cohort driven by a noble cause—to unearth the truth and tirelessly work towards the betterment of society.
Let us now turn our attention to the incident described above. Few of us would have approved of Sandeep’s behaviour. His family, in particular, strongly opposed his actions. Initially, his companions supported him, but eventually, succumbing to pressure, they abandoned their principles and authenticity. Sadly, this is a common pattern of behaviour among many of us.
Individuals like Sandeep, however, find fulfilment in life by staying true to themselves in society, even though society often disapproves of such behaviour. It’s a battle one must face alone. By adopting such behaviour, we may find ourselves perceived as enemies of society. Those close to efforts to spread the truth may question, “Why invite trouble when holding a stick?” Such comments are not uncommon. “Why must we harbour ill feelings toward others?” is another question frequently raised.
We feel the need to live an authentic life, but life’s situations often don’t align with this desire. Consequently, we find ourselves compromising and settling for momentary happiness, That’s what a college teacher was talking to us about. Humans are not islands; I agree. It is wrong or inhuman to cover up the truth and authenticity that we have embraced because we need the support of others. Courage is needed at such times. Mental balance is essential. “Why do I have to?” “Why should I be different?” There is no point in asking such illogical questions.
If we aim to build a society based on authenticity, where truth is upheld and lies are recognised as such, it becomes imperative to keep our minds open. Why should we fear calling out improper behaviour in others, even if it contradicts the principles of humanity? Should we remain silent out of fear of damaging relationships, thus straying from the path of truth and undermining authenticity? It is crucial to cultivate the ability to withstand constructive criticism from others. We must develop within ourselves the capacity to train our minds effectively and uphold the principles of humanity we have embraced, especially in the face of adversity.
If we listen to others and conform to their expectations, we are often labelled as ‘good’ by society. This is an undeniable reality. But how sustainable is this facade? Those who compromise truth and forsake their humanity may indeed find temporary happiness. This, too, is a reality, yet there’s nothing inherently wrong with enduring criticism or facing hardships in pursuit of a life aligned with pure human values and the quest for lasting fulfilment. Ultimately, truth prevails.
