D. Ghai
A few years ago, I was told-proudly-that I belong to a country once known as a Vishwaguru: a global leader, a beacon of wisdom and knowledge. It was also said that India would soon reclaim this prestigious status. As a young and proud citizen, the term “Vishwaguru” fascinated me. It became a part of my vocabulary and, for a while, even my identity. The idea that my country could once again guide the world filled me with awe and optimism.
But with age and a more critical view of the world, I began to question whether this vision aligns with our present reality. My thoughts drifted back to a story I read in fifth grade: The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Back then, it was just an entertaining tale. Perhaps we were too young to grasp its deeper meaning. Today, I understand why such stories are introduced early-because, as children, we see them with wonder, free from cynicism. But when adults revisit them, the parallels become unsettling.
In the tale, the Pied Piper plays his magical flute and the town’s children follow him blindly into the unknown. In today’s world, we too follow flutes-not played by mythical figures, but by social media influencers, politicians, and celebrities. Their tunes come in the form of trending reels, viral speeches, or catchy hashtags. And just like the children of Hamelin, we often follow without question-whether to a pilgrimage site, a tourist destination, or even while making life-altering decisions like choosing schools for our children.
This uncritical following becomes dangerous when it’s driven by misplaced pride or misinformation. Consider a recent statement made by a politician on national television: “Kashmir has become the new Switzerland.” The very next tourist season, there was a surge in domestic tourism to the Valley. Many families packed their bags and headed off-perhaps unaware of the complex and volatile realities on the ground.
Ironically, the same leaders who declare these places safe are never seen walking through them alone-let alone with their families. Instead, they travel with extensive security details. And yet, the common citizen is led to believe that all is well.
What’s the result of this gap between perception and reality?
We recently lost 27 lives at a tourist spot that was described as “totally safe.” These weren’t isolated tragedies. They followed a pattern we’ve chosen to ignore. For example, in June 2024, militants attacked a passenger bus in Reasi district, killing 9 pilgrims and injuring 41 others. In May 2024, a tourist couple from Rajasthan was shot and injured near Pahalgam. Thankfully, they survived. In March 2022, a grenade was thrown in a crowded marketplace on Hari Singh High Street in Srinagar, killing 2 civilians and injuring 24 others.
These events didn’t receive the attention they deserved. They were footnotes in the larger narrative of peace and progress.
So where does this leave us?
This isn’t just a moment for government introspection-it’s a wake-up call for all citizens. We need to develop the habit of questioning what we are told. Before we follow the next “Pied Piper,” we must ask: Where are they leading us? Is it safe? Is it wise? Is it true?
True national pride doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to our flaws. It means caring enough to improve them. For the sake of our families and the future of our children, we must move from blind belief to informed decision-making.
Only when we set our own house in order-safeguard our people, tell the truth, and hold leadership accountable-can we genuinely aspire to become the Vishwaguru we so proudly dream of.
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