Our elders often emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity and respect for privacy in married life. They believed that relationships, especially those as sacred as marriage, must be protected from public glare and controversy. These values were not just traditions but a moral compass that guided generations toward a more respectful and responsible society.
However, times have changed—and unfortunately, not always for the better. Today’s young generation seems to be treading a path where restraint, modesty, and moral responsibility are increasingly being disregarded. From social media feeds to real-life scenarios in parks, streets, colleges, and even schools, public displays of nudity, romantic intimacy, and inappropriate behaviour have become disturbingly common.
What was once considered private is now flaunted openly, sometimes even proudly, without regard for cultural or social sensitivities. Recently, a deeply shocking incident surfaced on social media where a principal of a college, ironically run by a religious organisation, was seen engaging in a public act of intimacy. It was not only disturbing but deeply disappointing to witness someone in such a respected and responsible position behaving in a way that defies basic decency. For a moment, my head hung in shame, thinking of the students who look up to such individuals as role models.
We are not saying that people should not fall in love or have personal lives. But there is a time, a place, and a boundary for everything. When doctors, engineers, civil servants, and educators—the pillars of our society—start indulging in such acts publicly, it sends a damaging message to the youth. It tells them that respect, tradition, and responsibility are outdated concepts.
Society needs introspection. Families, educational institutions, and cultural organizations must come together to redefine the meaning of personal freedom versus public responsibility. We must teach our children that while careers and qualifications are important, character and conduct define who we truly are.
Being progressive doesn’t mean abandoning values. Being modern doesn’t mean being shameless. A well-educated person must know the difference between expression and exhibitionism.
It is time to ask: Are we raising a generation that will bring pride to their families and communities, or are we blindly following trends that destroy the very fabric of our cultural ethos?
The answer lies not just in debate, but in collective action—through awareness, education, and responsible leadership.