Karnal, 4th August:- Modern India is continuously progressing in the fields of science, technology, education and lifestyle. With changing times, many new trends are also developing in society. One such trend is that of moving around in public places with the face covered with cloth, scarf, veil or other means. Many people do so due to sunlight, dust, pollution, health reasons or personal convenience, while in some cases it has become merely a part of fashion. This subject is now becoming a topic of discussion from the point of view of security and social responsibility.
Recently, the incident of murder of a teacher in Sikrauna village of Faridabad shook society. According to preliminary information, the accused had kept his face covered, due to which identifying him became challenging. Such incidents raise the question of how to strike a balance between clarity of identity and security in public places.
It is necessary to clarify that wearing a mask or face covering for health reasons can be completely appropriate and necessary. During the Covid-19 pandemic, masks played an important role in protecting people. Therefore, the purpose of discussion on this subject is not to oppose any essential or medical use, but to consider those situations where security challenges can arise due to identity being completely hidden.
In Indian culture, a person's identity is considered to be associated with his conduct, integrity and social responsibility. Our cultural ideals emphasize transparency, self-confidence and good conduct. This is why the spirit of trust and responsibility has always been given importance in society.
Under the influence of social media and modern fashion, many youths have started considering walking with the face completely covered as a normal behaviour. Although this may be their personal decision, yet from the point of view of public security, it is necessary to consider its effects. In schools, colleges, markets, bus stands, railway stations, banks, ATMs and other sensitive places, clarity of identity is often an important part of security arrangements. Today, CCTV cameras installed on a wide scale are proving helpful in crime control, but when the face is completely covered, their utility can become limited.
Society, family and educational institutions also have an important role on this subject. Parents should make children understand that along with fashion, social responsibility is also important. Teachers should develop awareness towards civic duties and security among students. Social organizations should also run public awareness campaigns so that the feeling of collective responsibility towards security becomes stronger.
The administration can also develop such guidelines as may be required so that a balance remains between security and personal freedom. Systems like identity verification in sensitive areas are already implemented in many countries. In India too, while respecting the freedoms granted by the Constitution, practical and balanced measures can be considered.
It is equally important that while discussing this subject, no religion, community or tradition should be targeted. Every citizen has the right to his attire and personal dignity. The objective should only be that public security becomes stronger, criminals do not get an opportunity to hide their identity and common citizens can live their lives in a safe environment.
Ultimately, the real identity of a person is built by his character, behaviour and deeds. For building a safe, cultured and responsible India, it is necessary that citizens be aware, families remain vigilant and administration works with alertness. Balance between security, freedom and social trust is the identity of a strong and developed society.