A Tiny Tragic Tale

The internet is filled with an overwhelming amount of information, much of which can be easily overlooked or ignored. Occasionally, amidst this sea of content, there are words that strike deep and demand attention. They hold the power to compel action, as ignoring them may lead one toward an unending darkness.

For me, it was a single sentence from a Tweet by writer Veena Venugopal: "Indian citizens don’t think democracy is worth fighting for." This statement, stemming from an article discussing the general sentiments of individuals in India, compelled me to craft this brief narrative.

In a humble village nestled amidst rolling hills, a woman of quiet grace lived her days, content in her simple life. Yet, fate twisted cruelly, the woman of gentle spirit faced a harrowing plight when she was forcibly taken from her home by ruthless individuals engaged in sex trafficking. Despite the valiant efforts of a few, the clutches of abductors held her tight.

Subsequently, a disheartening reality unfolded. Some villagers, driven by clandestine desires or fleeting pleasures, sought her company by paying a fee. Among the initial visitors were those who harbored unspoken admiration for her, unable to express it openly. As time passed, others arrived solely for their own satisfaction. Their footsteps echoed through her door, transforming her existence into a commodity, an object for their whims.

Gradually, the entire village became aware of her tragic circumstance, The once-respected woman became a symbol, not of resilience or hope, but of exploitation and disregard. Amidst this awareness, there was a collective resignation—no one dared to challenge the established order, believing her unworthy of rescue or defence. she was not worth the fight, not worth the effort to reclaim her dignity.

In the same breath, some speak of democracy—a parallel drawn to this tragic tale. A notion surfaces, suggesting democracy too has been reduced to a mere token, a pawn for personal gain, no longer worth the fervor of defense, the battles of principles, or the sacrifice of ideals. The resonance of this belief mirrors the resignation felt for the woman ensnared in the village—a resignation that echoes a sorrowful truth.