Contribution of Society in Nation Building by Maj Gen Abhi Parmar (Retd)

The recent theft of thousands of flower pots in Lucknow after the Prime Minister’s visit has triggered some very disturbing thoughts about our collective civic behaviour. To start with it was an utterly disgusting and shameful behaviour from citizens of a city once known for its ‘adab, tahzeeb and kayda’.

Why is it that the Indian public has got into the habit of stealing or destroying unguarded government property? Such acts cannot be dismissed as isolated mischief; they point to deeper malaise. Is this an inherent dissatisfaction of the public against the incumbent administration, where government assets are subconsciously seen as symbols of power rather than shared public wealth? Or is it a lingering resentment born of decades in which many Indians were denied basic amenities, breeding a mindset where anything “free” or unattended is fair game to grab?
Another explanation that comes to mind is the chronic lack of civic sense and poor education—not merely formal literacy, but education in citizenship. Have we failed to inculcate the idea that public property is like our own property and we must protect it ? ( not by stealing it though) Coupled with this is the visible erosion of fear of strong punishment for such offences. When petty theft, vandalism, and open defiance of traffic laws go largely unchecked, the message sent is clear: rules exist, but consequences do not. Over time, slackness of law enforcement normalises wrongdoing, and what was once shameful becomes socially acceptable, even casual.

There is also the uncomfortable question of the yawning gap between the privileged class and the rest of the public. When citizens repeatedly see ostentatious displays of power, entitlement, and immunity from consequences enjoyed by a few, it can trigger a latent anger and quiet rebellion in many.t Government property then ceases to be viewed as a collective asset and instead becomes a symbol of exclusion and inequality. This perhaps explains why even well-to-do people—those owning cars and enjoying material comfort—also indulge in such acts; resentment is not confined to economic deprivation alone but is deeply rooted in perceived injustice and unequal treatment.

What, then, should be done to restore a sense of accountability and inspire citizens to selflessly contribute to the growth of the nation? The answer lies in a combination of strict and visible enforcement of law, sustained civic education from childhood, and consistent messaging that public property is like our very own property and needs to be protected and not be vandalised. Equally important is leadership by example—clean streets, orderly traffic, and protected public spaces create norms that people tend to follow. Ultimately, a nation grows not merely through grand policies and infrastructure, but when its citizens feel pride in being Indians first, and act accordingly, even when no one is watching.

Thoughts of a concerned Lucknowite.