“We have told the young men of our country, ‘Build up your own industries, build up your own schools and colleges, settle your own disputes. You are always told that you are not fit for self-government. Show by example that you are. Show it by developing self-government through self-help and not by depending on others.’”
— Sri Aurobindo
The terms ‘subject’ and ‘citizen’ get interchanged often, but they don’t mean the same thing. A subject owes its allegiance to the ruler and depends on it for everything—livelihood, sources of entertainment, and life overall.
Meanwhile, a citizen is a member of society, one who takes active interest in art, supports local artists and businesses, and works to improve the quality of their surrounding.
Today, our rulers are corporations, mobile apps, the media… this, in turn, has led to tamas that has robbed humankind of its potency. We think more about entitlement (fal) than duties (dharma). We demand more rights and zero responsibility. We think hard work is bad. (Remember how Narayana Murthy was harpooned for saying that the youth should work 70 hours a week?)
Enough tamas. Now, follow your dharma as a nāgarika. Support local businesses instead of chasing discounts, attend music and art shows, and address issues you notice around you. Who knows when you stumble across an idea that turns into a startup?
Until you fulfill your dharma, you will remain stuck in the death-rebirth loop. Better to do your duties and be free from this misery, no?