India at a Crossroads: Social Inequality, Ethics and the Search for a Humane Society

M Aarthi

Abstract: Literature has long served as a critical mirror of society, drawing attention to social weaknesses and encouraging collective reflection and reform. Contemporary India continues to encounter a range of distressing social realities that demand sustained attention. Persistent inequality, poverty, corruption, caste and religious tensions, superstition, rural-to-urban migration, illiteracy, unemployment, unequal access to public services, and weaknesses in education and healthcare continue to affect the quality of social life. This paper examines these concerns through the relationship between economic disparity, public ethics, political responsibility, education, and individual morality. Although economic growth has created new opportunities, its benefits have not been distributed evenly. The continuing distance between privileged and marginalized communities raises questions about justice, accountability and the meaning of democratic citizenship. Corruption and the pursuit of material gain further weaken public institutions and social trust. The paper argues that sustainable national development requires more than economic progress. It also depends upon ethical education, responsible citizenship, social compassion, non-violence, truthfulness, restraint and respect for human dignity. The values associated with moral leadership, including those exemplified by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, provide a framework for reconsidering the role of parents, teachers and citizens in nation-building. The study concludes that meaningful social transformation begins with self-awareness, ethical responsibility and a commitment to the welfare of others.

Keywords: Indian society, social inequality, poverty, corruption, public ethics, moral education, human dignity, social responsibility

How to Cite?: M Aarthi, "India at a Crossroads: Social Inequality, Ethics and the Search for a Humane Society", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 939-940, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26817152226, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26817152226

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