Dr Jyoti Sharma
My world, where is it going?
No love, no affection, no warmth is showing.
People are eating the people, it’s true,
Lost in the madness, what can we do?
The public has been appalled by the recent “Sourabh Murder” case, in which a wife viciously killed her husband. A crucial question is brought up by this incident: why is it occurring?
I considered the increasing criminal mentality in society as I researched related cases and heard the accounts of the offenders.
Humanity appears to be slipping in the modern world. The number of cases of rapes, molestation, parental abuse, children leaving their elderly parents, and other heinous crimes is rising at a startling rate. Once thriving on principles, love, and respect, society is now afflicted by greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy.
We frequently hear tragic stories where parents mistreating their own children, sons and daughters discarding their parents, defenseless females being raped and attacked. We are prompted to consider the direction of society by these instances. For what reason are people becoming criminals in their own homes?Today, people seem to be in a relentless race for name, fame, love, wealth, and social status. In this pursuit, people forget their moral values and ethics, leading them to commit unimaginable crimes.
Factors Affecting People’s Changing Attitudes:
Absence of Family Values: As family ties deteriorate, there is less moral guidance and emotional support.
Overuse of mobile phones: Social isolation and flimsy relationships result from fewer in-person encounters and lack of emotional intelligence.
Disengagement from Traditional Values: Modern, fast-paced lifestyles are displacing cultural and ethical precepts.
Impact of Aggressive Content: Negative and violent online content encourages intolerance and a lack of compassion.
Disconnection from Grandparents: There is a gap with previous generations as a result of the disregard for the knowledge and experiences of elders.
Fall in Intellectual Engagement and Reading: People are reading less thought-provoking books and having fewer in-depth discussions, which has an impact on wisdom and critical thinking.
Erosion of Cultural Identity: People are influenced by globalization to adopt foreign lifestyles, which causes them to become disconnected from their heritage.
Virtual life is becoming more important than reality: Social media and other electronic diversions are taking the place of interpersonal connections and obligations in the actual world.
The aforementioned incidents point to a deeper underlying problem: “a weakening of the moral fabric and emotional instability.” Personal conflicts, materialistic desires, and social pressures frequently drive people to take drastic measures, and a lack of emotional intelligence, patience, and ethical education all contribute to the rise in criminal behavior. The question we must ask ourselves is: How can we stop this growing criminal mentality?
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, Verse 21), Lord Krishna states:
Trividham Narakasyedam Dvaram Nasanam Atmanah
Kamah Krodhas Tatha Lobhas Tasmad Etat Trayam Tyajet
Krishna cautions that destructive inclinations drive a person to misery and ruin. One must deliberately practice self-control, patience, and contentment while avoiding excessive cravings, unbridled wrath, and greed in order to have a morally upright and tranquil existence.
Similarly, all Dharma traditions emphasize the importance of overcoming these negative traits. o Islam (Quran, Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69) – Teaches that striving in the path of God leads to divine guidance and peace.
Christianity (Bible, Matthew 11:28-30) – Jesus Christ calls upon people to come to Him for relief from suffering and burdens.
Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 749) – Guru Arjan Dev Ji states that remembering God’s name removes all suffering. o
Across different religious and spiritual traditions, the teaching is the same inner peace, contentment, and a moral life result from letting go of negative tendencies and giving yourself over to the Divine. Before more lives are lost to unbridled emotions and rash crimes, society has to reflect and act.
The Importance of Spiritual and Moral Education
Spiritual and moral education is essential for building a strong, ethical, and compassionate society. It helps individuals develop a clear sense of right and wrong, guiding them to make ethical decisions in their personal and professional lives. In today’s fast-paced, materialistic world, where moral values are often overshadowed by personal ambitions, spiritual and moral education is more important than ever.
Quality Time Over Screens: Parents must actively spend quality time with their children to prevent excessive mobile phone usage.
Encouraging Personal Interactions: Face-to-face meetings should be prioritized over social media to strengthen emotional bonds and reduce digital isolation.
Connecting with Grandparents: Children should be encouraged to spend time with their grandparents, learning wisdom, traditions, and life experiences from the older generation.
Mental Well-being Through Guidance: A child’s mental health improves when parents provide proper guidance and instill values of discipline, respect, and empathy.
Role of Schools: Schools play a vital role in shaping a child’s character and should integrate moral and spiritual education into the curriculum.
Mandatory Moral and Spiritual Education: Ethical and value-based education should be made compulsory to help children develop a strong ethical foundation and emotional intelligence.
Character Over Academic Success: “A less educated good person is better than an educated but morally corrupt person.” Education should focus not just on academics but also on building character, integrity, and compassion.
Creating a Responsible Society: A society that values moral and spiritual teachings will produce responsible, kind, and ethical future generations.
Preserving Cultural and Ethical Roots: Parents, schools, and society must take proactive steps to ensure younger generations stay connected to their heritage and traditions.
In a world increasingly driven by materialism and self-interest, spiritual and moral values serve as the foundation of a just and compassionate society. By nurturing these values in children and fostering ethical education, we can create a future rooted in integrity, empathy, and wisdom. True success lies not just in achievements but in the strength of one’s character. It is only by reconnecting with our moral and spiritual roots that we can build a better, more harmonious world.
“With morals as roots and spirit as light,
we rise in truth, love, and right.”
(The author is Lecturer Department of Commerce Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu)
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