As humanity races into the future, we find ourselves caught in an era of paradox—our economies grow while social harmony falters, technological progress surges forward even as unemployment rises, and advancements in health and education somehow end up inaccessible to many who need them the most. The stark reality is that the well-being of society has taken a back seat to profits, and our world seems increasingly indifferent to the moral and ethical values that should underpin a truly evolved and enlightened civilization.
A Cinematic Reflection of a Bleak Reality
Many recent Indian films, such as Ganapath, Kalkki and Roopanthara, have painted a haunting vision of the future—a future in which water, clean air, and empathy itself are scarce commodities. These films mirror a world where nations hoard resources, leaders act out of self-interest, and the masses are left to fend for themselves in a grim landscape marked by cruelty and scarcity. Their fictional scenarios hold a disturbing echo of today’s global issues. Yet, as alarming as these portrayals are, the brutal truth is that we see similar patterns in our current world. However, for many, the issues don’t seem to hit close enough to home to spark a response.
In India, these concerns manifest in profound ways. Rising unemployment, inequality, and resource shortages are no longer hypothetical or futuristic concerns—they are very much a reality for countless communities. Yet the responsibility for addressing them has been left in the hands of those who suffer the most, with little to no support from those who have the power to enact real change. This deep divide between those with resources and those without has eroded social harmony, making it clear that our society is rapidly losing its sense of morality and empathy.
Healthcare and Education: Businesses, Not Services
Two pillars that should be fundamental to the progress and well-being of any society—healthcare and education—have transformed into highly profitable industries. Access to quality healthcare and education has become a luxury rather than a right, effectively alienating vast segments of the population from services they desperately need. For instance, according to the National Health Profile of India, over 63 million people in India are driven into poverty each year due to healthcare costs. Despite these grim statistics, both sectors continue to prioritize profit margins over people, as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions focus on maximizing their revenues instead of serving communities.
The rising cost of education tells a similar story. For millions of young Indians, quality education remains out of reach, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Data from the Ministry of Education shows that dropout rates remain high in rural India, and even where access to education exists, it is often of poor quality, offering little chance for upward mobility.
Propaganda and the Politics of Power
The present-day world is dominated by powerful narratives and agendas, fueled by imperialist ambitions and corporate interests. Many of the challenges we face—wars, political instability, terrorism—are often framed through a lens designed to mislead and divert attention from the systemic oppression in various regions. By painting entire populations as adversaries or threats, governments and corporations justify actions that perpetuate the exploitation of these communities. This subtle, pervasive manipulation shifts our focus away from issues that matter, such as income inequality, resource management, and social justice, creating a society in which human suffering is accepted as inevitable rather than preventable.
For example, India’s environment has suffered as its people pay the price of relentless industrial expansion. According to a report from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, over 5.6 million hectares of forest cover were lost between 2001 and 2020. These are not just statistics; they represent communities uprooted, biodiversity lost, and an ecosystem under severe threat. And this is only one of the many areas in which social and environmental welfare are sacrificed for profit.
The Need for Social Consciousness and Action
Given the dire state of affairs, a serious question arises: where is our collective social consciousness? Why have we allowed ourselves to grow so disconnected from the suffering of our fellow humans and the degradation of our environment? Social well-being cannot be achieved through passive observation; it requires active involvement, awareness, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. We must address these issues not just at an individual level but as a society, supporting systemic changes that prioritize people over profit.
To make a lasting impact, we need to foster a society that values moral principles, empathy, and social responsibility above economic gain. Education can be a powerful tool in this journey. By educating communities about their rights and responsibilities, we can cultivate a mindset that champions social justice, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity. We must empower individuals to question dominant narratives and resist the exploitation of communities under the guise of progress.
Let us work to create a world in which healthcare, education, and social services are accessible to all, where nations prioritize the welfare of their citizens over the accumulation of power, and where communities work together for a better future. This is not a utopian ideal—it is a necessity if we wish to live in a world that future generations will thank us for.
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