India is a land of festivals. The very air seems to change when a festival arrives, carrying with it the fragrance of celebration and the warmth of togetherness. Almost every Indian is familiar with this atmosphere of joy and pomp. But, unfortunately, there is another kind of familiarity that has gradually crept into our lives. Terms like rape, religious riots, protests, unlawful use of force, terrorism, attacks, and murders have become almost as familiar as the festivals we celebrate. How unfortunate it is that, for many people, the day begins with newspapers filled with stories that are unbearable to read and to reflect upon.
With the number of crimes skyrocketing, our country seems to be getting divided into two kinds of people: those who support a particular case and those who oppose it. Differences in opinion are completely valid because, after all, that is what makes us human. But the peculiar thing about these divisions is that people often become so consumed by proving their own side right that they forget to look at the bigger picture. They take a stand without always understanding the complete reality of the situation.
Those who support a particular side may sometimes do so without being fully aware of the facts. They follow the crowd, staying in “jhunds”, without questioning what lies beneath the surface. On the other hand, those who oppose that side may become so fixated on their own arguments that they overlook the violence or suffering that has taken place. And somehow, this division of opinions leads to even greater consequences. Instead of fighting for the actual cause, people end up fighting among themselves. In this process, relationships are lost, hatred spreads, and people get hurt.
The funniest part of all this is how people react. They take to social media to express their thoughts, often adding sarcastic remarks and taunts directed at those who hold opposing views. In response, the other side takes to its own social media accounts to post memes saying, “Kutte toh bhaunkte rahenge.” And then begins the war. A series of Instagram stories follows. Arguments erupt in comment sections. The blocking and reporting game begins. It is comical how even those who choose to remain neutral are attacked with statements like, “If you don’t have a say in this, that means you’re choosing the crime.” Eventually, some of them choose to deactivate their accounts just to escape the chaos.
And so, the cycle continues. People who were once best friends begin to drift apart because of a difference in opinion. Somehow, the forever they once dreamed of becomes ashes in the fire of their arguments.
As a nation, we are privileged to live among people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ways of thinking. This diversity gives us countless opportunities to learn from one another and broaden our perspectives. Yet, instead of learning something meaningful from each other, we often fixate on one another’s mistakes and react with violence. Is this what fighting like a hero supposed to look like? Not at all.
Standing up for what is right is important. But fighting among ourselves just to prove that we are right defeats the very purpose of standing up in the first place. We live in a land of diversity, and we must be prepared to encounter a wide range of thoughts. The correctness of an opinion cannot always be judged through the lens of our own beliefs alone. We must be willing to listen, question, understand, and, when necessary, reconsider our own perspectives. Losing friendships and destroying the spirit of brotherhood simply because of a difference in opinion is not worth it.
Witnessing celebrations, festivals, and weddings in grand ways is one of the beautiful things about our country. These occasions remind us that, despite our differences, we can still come together to celebrate life. So, instead of spreading hatred towards one another, why not embrace the happiness our culture brings us? Why not focus on building a society where kindness is celebrated?
One must always stand up for the right cause. That is part of what it means to be human. But standing up for what is right should never become an excuse to target individuals, humiliate others, or inflict harm. Fight for the cause, but fight for it the right way, not through violence, hatred, or enmity. Enmity is easy to ignite, but peace and love require courage.
So, let us remember what celebrations are truly meant to bring us: joy, togetherness, and a sense of belonging. Let us celebrate life with love and spread colours of happiness. Let us burn crackers together on our balconies, in the spirit of celebration, rather than let our streets, our friendships, and our nation become the ground on which hatred burns.