Answer

Introduction

Civic sense fundamentally entails responsible behaviour in public places. It involves self-discipline and consideration for others, not driven by fear of legal action but by an innate understanding of shared public spaces and community well-being. In India, its erosion is evident through increasing public disorder and intolerance, reflecting deep cracks in social cohesion and collective responsibility.

Body

Key Social and Institutional Challenges in Nurturing Civic Responsibility in India

Social Challenges

• Disregard for Rituals and Order: Erosion of civic sense undermines social harmony and sacred public conduct.
  Eg: At the 2025 Mahakumbh, individuals snatched puja items before ritual completion, showing disrespect for shared religious spaces.
• Impatience and Aggression: Rising intolerance manifests in public outbursts over minor inconveniences.
• Disrespect for Public Property: Vandalism reflects detachment from collective assets and civic responsibility.
  Eg: On International Yoga Day 2025 in Visakhapatnam, people fought for yoga mats, leading to a stampede like situation.
• Everyday Indifference to Civic Duties: Apathy to public hygiene and order leads to systemic decay.

Institutional Challenges

• Historical Pride as a Shield: Excessive glorification of past deters reflection on current civic shortcomings.
  Eg: Many dismiss civic lapses by invoking India’s “great civilisation” without addressing present flaws.
• Defeatist Attitude: The “we are like that only” mindset discourages reform normalises disorder, preventing collective efforts to improve public behaviour.
• Sense of Entitlement: Regional and religious pride fuels instances of communal violence, which hampers social fabric in which perpetrators are often shielded by group loyalties.
• Impact of Social Media: Anonymity enables abuse and misinformation, deepening social divisions.
  Eg: The rise of deepfakes and online hate speech exacerbates community tensions nationwide.

Addressing these challenges requires targeted, value-based reforms rooted in India’s civilisational ethos.

Steps to Bridge Gaps in Civic Responsibility in Line with a Good Civilization

• Civic Education from Early Age: Instil civic values through school curricula and campaigns.
  Eg: Bharat Scouts and Guides promote discipline and community service among youth.
• Community-Led Public Behaviour Initiatives: Engage citizens in local governance and cleanliness drives.
  Eg: The Swachh Bharat Mission empowered citizens to improve sanitation and civic pride.
• Strengthen Legal Enforcement with Public Awareness: Combine penalties with education to change behaviour.
• Encourage Ethical Leadership and Role Models: Leaders with civic integrity inspire societal discipline and shared responsibility.
  Eg: Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam’s legacy inspires youth to uphold discipline and national pride.
• Harness Technology for Civic Engagement: Use apps and social media to report civic issues and spread awareness.
  Eg: MyGov platform enables citizen participation in policymaking and public service monitoring.
• Revive Cultural and Ethical Foundations: Promote Tagore’s dharma-based civilisation ideals emphasizing shared responsibility and empathy.
  Eg: Initiatives like Mission LiFE encourage sustainable living linked to traditional values.

Conclusion

The widening gap between India’s civilisational pride and its declining civic discipline threatens its social cohesion. A nation mirrors its people. For India to flourish and preserve its rich legacy, citizens must internalise civic sense through shared responsibility and respect for public spaces, ensuring a truly enduring civilisation and reducing the gap between Sabha and Sabhyata.

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