Some incidents shake the ground beneath our feet and put the definition of being human into question. Crimes against children have always been a horrific reality, but recently a frightening trend has emerged. These crimes are happening against children who are so young that they don't even understand the meaning of crimes or exploitation. When we hear about incidents of sexual exploitation and ruthless violence against children under five years old, a question arises in the mind: Where is our society going? What has happened to our conscience that it has become a silent spectator to such horrific incidents?
The recent incident in Hoshiarpur is one such ruthless tragedy. A small child who didn't even have the awareness of who is family or stranger was made the victim of such a disgusting crime that the entire country was shaken. People heard the details and the anger was immense. But the truth is that this is not the first case, and if no major change comes, it won't be the last either. Every case is not just the crime of one individual, but a mirror of our society's thinking, which shows how careless and cruel we are towards children.
When a two, three, or four-year-old child becomes the victim of such brutality, we have to think: Where has empathy gone? What has happened to the human heart that it can become blind in such baseness? These questions are not just about the criminals, but about all of us. When we hear such incidents, get shocked, and then quickly forget, we become part of that silence which makes this oppression even more horrific.
It is easy to talk about laws. In India, there are strict laws against sexual crimes, such as the POCSO Act, which was made for the protection of children. But despite these, crimes continue. This means that laws are necessary, but not sufficient. The problem lies in our thinking, declining human values, and decreasing empathy.
Childhood should be the safest, children should only receive toys, lullabies, and family love. But they sometimes become victims of the most horrific violence. This is not just an attack on their bodies, but an attack on humanity. It shows that our society is so broken and morally weak that it cannot protect its most vulnerable and innocent members.
The role of family and community is also important. Often, crimes happen where there is a lack of awareness. Often neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances are the criminals. The silence of communities, hesitation to intervene, or the choice to "not get involved," all create opportunities for predators. If family and community do not become the first layer of protection, then the law can only work after the damage.
Media and culture are also responsible. The unchecked flow of violent and pornographic content corrupts individuals' minds. When children are presented as objects in advertisements or society tolerates ordinary sexism, empathy decreases and respect for innocence ends.
Do we teach our children respect, empathy, and kindness? Are schools, religious places, and community spaces active in creating a culture of sensitivity? Or are we forgetting moral values in the pursuit of economic and technological progress? It is easy to blame governments, but no government can do anything alone. This determination should arise from within us, from our families, and communities.
The Hoshiarpur incident shows that if change does not come soon, we are heading towards a future where innocence will be the most insecure. A society that cannot protect its children loses its moral credibility. The progress of our cities or the success of the economy means nothing if a child's cry does not awaken our inner soul.
Individually, we should never remain silent on a child's safety. Families should talk openly about child safety. Society should create an environment where predators cannot hide. At the national level, strict compliance with laws is the need of the hour.
The choice before us is clear: either we act now, or such crimes will become ordinary headlines. The Hoshiarpur tragedy is not just a case of brutality, but a wake-up warning. Until we rekindle the moral flame of society, we will continue to watch not only the murder of children but also the soul of humanity.

-Davinder Kumar