Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Subscriber Argues India Lacks Character Despite Economic Rise
Imagine a student who gets straight A's but is mean to others.
This article says India is like that student.
We are becoming very good at making money and building things, but some people worry that we are becoming rude and boastful.
The writer thinks our schools teach us to compete too much and that this makes us think being the best is more important than being kind.
They say that on our roads, people act impatiently and don't follow rules, like they are too important to wait.
Even though we want to be a 'Developed India' (Vikshit Bharat), the writer believes we need to focus on being good people with strong character, not just rich people.
They compare us to places in Europe where people are taught to work together and be humble.
The main idea is that just being smart or rich isn't enough; we also need to be good human beings with humility and respect for others.
A subscriber argues that India, despite its economic progress and aspirations for a 'Vikshit Bharat', suffers from a 'crisis of character' and lacks moral direction.
The education system is criticized for fostering arrogance and competition over empathy, collaboration, and humility, producing 'overachievers' who are 'dangerously hollow'.
Societal behaviors, such as impatience and rule-breaking on roads, are presented as evidence of a national character driven by self-importance rather than civic responsibility.
The writer contrasts India's perceived arrogance with European educational values that emphasize collaboration and discourage public ranking.
The piece concludes that a truly developed India ('Vikshit Bharat') must prioritize character, humility, and emotional intelligence alongside economic growth.
- Who
- A subscriber to ThePrint, Mohan Murti (Advocate & International Industry Arbitrator)
- What
- Argues that India, despite its economic rise and ambitions for a 'Vikshit Bharat', is experiencing a 'crisis of character' due to an education system and societal values that promote arrogance, competition, and superficiality over humility and genuine development.
- When
- Recent observation and reflection, contrasting with the aspiration for 'Vikshit Bharat 2047'.
- Where
- India, with comparisons drawn to European educational and social practices.
- Why
- To highlight a perceived disconnect between India's economic and developmental progress and its citizens' moral and ethical standing, urging a focus on character building.
Subscriber's View: 'Arrogant Bharat'
Implied Counter-Argument: 'Vikshit Bharat'
Education System's Focus
Subscriber's View: 'Arrogant Bharat'
The education system prioritizes competition and marks over curiosity, empathy, teamwork, and humility, producing 'overachievers' who are 'dangerously hollow' and arrogant.
Implied Counter-Argument: 'Vikshit Bharat'
While not explicitly stated, the implied counter-argument suggests that the focus on academic excellence and competition is geared towards achieving a 'Vikshit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, fostering ambition and drive.
National Character and Behavior
Subscriber's View: 'Arrogant Bharat'
India's rising economic status is contrasted with a perceived decline in national character, evidenced by rudeness, self-importance, disregard for rules (traffic, civic), and a lack of cooperation.
Implied Counter-Argument: 'Vikshit Bharat'
The 'Vikshit Bharat' vision implies a nation progressing not just economically but also in terms of its development and global standing, suggesting that outward displays of confidence, even if perceived as arrogance by some, are part of this rise.
Global Comparison and Values
Subscriber's View: 'Arrogant Bharat'
The subscriber contrasts India's perceived arrogance with European values, where public ranking is discouraged, and humility is expected, suggesting India has adopted a value system focused on external validation and materialism ('wealth with worth').
Implied Counter-Argument: 'Vikshit Bharat'
The goal of 'Vikshit Bharat' suggests a desire for global recognition and a developed status comparable to or exceeding other advanced nations. This pursuit might inherently involve a level of nationalistic pride and self-promotion.
- Subscriber's Concern
- Lack of moral compass, character, and coexistence skills in the younger generation.
- Criticized System
- Indian education system for prioritizing competition and marks over holistic development.
- Perceived National Trait
- Arrogance, self-importance, and loudness.
- Metaphor for Manners
- Indian roads (honking, signal jumping, bullying pedestrians).
- Contrasted Values
- Indian focus on competition vs. European focus on collaboration and humility.
- Subscriber's Vision for India
- A 'Vikshit Bharat' built on humility, respect, and emotional intelligence, not inflated egos.
- Subscriber's Background
- Advocate & International Industry Arbitrator, former MD Europe Reliance Industries Ltd.
