Live and Let Live with Dignity

In the breath-taking valleys of Kashmir, where the snow-capped mountains stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history, dignity was once a natural way of life. Rooted in culture, shaped by spirituality, and reflected in our language and customs, dignity tied together our self-worth, family values, and communal bonds. But over time, through foreign rule, political upheaval, and institutional neglect, Kashmiris have seen this essential human right—dignity—torn away piece by piece.

The call today is not just for justice or peace, but for something more foundational: the right to live, and to let others live, with dignity.

A History of Dignity Denied

To understand the pain and yearning of today’s Kashmir, one must look back at its turbulent past. For over three centuries, Kashmiris have faced a systematic assault on their dignity through disempowerment.

In the 18th century, the Afghan rulers treated Kashmiris with contempt. Their rule was marked by religious persecution, forced labor, and public humiliation. People were expected to dismount from their horses in front of Afghan soldiers, and a single word out of place could mean a brutal beating.

The 19th century brought Sikh and then Dogra rulers, whose administrations were no kinder. The ordinary citizen was denied agency, voice, and dignity.

The 20th and 21st centuries have continued this erosion. Despite political promises, many Kashmiris remain trapped in cycles of conflict and economic alienation. The long queues at government offices, the neglect in hospitals, and the rigid VIP culture have turned everyday public life into a quiet battleground for dignity.

The Collapse of Courtesy and Respect

In modern-day Kashmir, the absence of dignity is not just political—it’s deeply personal. It is seen in how a pensioner is treated at a government office, how a woman is spoken to in a bank, or how a patient is neglected in a hospital corridor.

Public institutions, both government and private, have become places where the common man feels small and unheard. The rise of VIP culture only deepens this divide—where one citizen’s privilege comes at the cost of another’s humiliation.

Even our language, once poetic and kind, now carries the frustration of a people tired of being dismissed. Words like “meherbani” and “shukriya” are being replaced with harshness. But in our tone, in our speech, lies the power to uplift or degrade.

The Real Meaning of Living with Dignity

Living with dignity is not about status or wealth. It is about being treated—and treating others—as human beings deserving of respect. From the vegetable vendor to the domestic worker, every individual has the right to be acknowledged with kindness.

Sadly, many in Kashmir have come to accept mistreatment as normal. Fear of retaliation, lack of awareness, and generations of disempowerment have conditioned people to remain silent. But silence should not be mistaken for acceptance. Teaching our children to speak up—calmly, respectfully, but firmly—is the first step to reclaiming our collective dignity.

A simple phrase, “I deserve to be treated with respect,” when said with conviction, can begin to shift the culture.

Institutional Reform: A Moral Imperative

While dignity begins at home, it must be protected by the systems that shape public life. Government offices, hospitals, banks, and private businesses must transform from centers of control into spaces of service.

Hospitals must see patients as people, not burdens. Government staff must see citizens as equals, not inferiors. The private sector must treat employees with the same respect given to executives.

This is not idealism—it is duty. Institutions should embrace dignity by implementing proper grievance redressal systems, employee training programs, and citizen charters. Leadership, in both public and private spaces, must set the tone: authority must come with accountability, not arrogance.

Reviving Kashmiri Culture: A Path Back to Respect

Kashmiri culture, at its core, is a culture of dignity. We are taught to walk with humility, to speak with softness, and to honour guests and neighbours alike. These are not outdated traditions—they are timeless values we must re-embrace.

Hospitality, respect for elders, community support—these are the foundations that once made Kashmiri society strong and compassionate. Instead of copying the worst habits of modern bureaucracies or social hierarchies, we should revive our own heritage as a model of public decency and personal honour.

Home: The First School of Dignity

Dignity is first learned, and most deeply felt, in the home. When children are heard and respected, when spouses support each other, and when elders are valued, we create an atmosphere that nurtures self-worth.

If we allow mockery, silence, or neglect to become the norm in our families, we risk raising generations that accept disrespect in the outside world. Let us make our homes sanctuaries of dignity—where every voice matters, and every heart feels seen.

The Way Forward: A Dignified Kashmir

Kashmir cannot truly heal or progress until dignity becomes a daily reality for its people. This means:

• Respecting others regardless of status or background.
• Speaking kindly, even in disagreement.
• Demanding fair treatment without aggression or fear.
• Reforming institutions to serve, not suppress.
• Teaching dignity through action—at home, in schools, and in workplaces.

The beauty of Kashmir lies not just in its landscapes, but in its people—their resilience, their grace, and their hope.

Let us build a society where every man, woman, and child walks freely, speaks confidently, and lives peacefully—with dignity not as a dream, but as a basic right.

Let us live with dignity—and let others live with dignity too.