It's Time

India. A country of 1.3 billion people. Approximately 17% of the world's population. That's 1.3 billion people that can raise their voices and make a difference. 

I lived in the city of Bengaluru for almost 9 years. As I grew up, I became more aware of what was happening around me and I did not like what I was seeing. Hearing that an 8-year-old girl was molested at a renowned school was incredibly scarring. As time progressed however, I repeatedly saw things like this happening in my own city, through the media. Now as I think of this more and more, I am doubting the protection we are supposed to be receiving as Indian citizens. Shouldn't such despicable people be under some sort of government control? I recently came to know of a similar incident where a young woman was taken away. Passers-by called for help, but none arrived. The woman was later found severely injured and is now critical. One thing we could all do that might help is just not being afraid to raise our voices.

Since moving to the United States of America, I've seen how different it is to the Indian culture. Education, lifestyle, everything. Something I would love to change in the Indian mindset is the thought that foreign countries aren't someplace we can flee to if things are not going right. Instead, we should see these countries as a kind of inspiration. Something as simple as starting a petition that says people in your neighborhood will use only mass transportation for a few days could help. Maybe the idea will catch on, and slowly move through the country. Our government, at the end of the day, is not what is going to change our country. We, as citizens, must understand that and work towards making our country better and more attractive for us and our future generations. Let's make a India a land of beauty through its land, people, and culture.

To all my fellow peers; we are the future of our country. It's time we step up. It's time we stop biting our tongues. It's time we use our voices. It's time we show our talents, express our thoughts, and turn them into something amazing. It's time we do what is right. It's time, my friends, we make a difference.