A society is not judged solely by its economic growth, towering skyscrapers, or technological advancements. It is equally measured by the everyday behaviour of its people—the way they treat public spaces, respect one another, and fulfil their responsibilities as citizens. Unfortunately, across many parts of the world, public courtesy and civic sense appear to be in decline. From littering streets and ignoring traffic rules to damaging public property and displaying disrespect in shared spaces, acts of everyday irresponsibility have become so common that they are often accepted as normal.
Civic sense is more than simply following laws. It is the awareness that individual actions affect the wider community. It includes simple habits such as waiting patiently in queues, using dustbins, respecting public infrastructure, obeying traffic signals, keeping noise levels under control, and showing consideration for others. These may seem like small gestures, but collectively they determine the quality of life in any society.
One of the most visible signs of declining civic sense is the condition of public spaces. Parks, railway stations, bus terminals, beaches, and roads are frequently littered despite the presence of waste bins. Public walls become canvases for illegal posters and graffiti, while newly built infrastructure is sometimes damaged through neglect or vandalism. Governments spend millions on maintenance and cleanliness, yet these efforts often fail because public cooperation is lacking. No city can remain clean if citizens themselves refuse to take responsibility.
Road behaviour presents another worrying example. Traffic rules are designed not merely to regulate movement but to protect lives. Yet jumping red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, unnecessary honking, illegal parking, and reckless speeding continue to be common in many cities. Pedestrians often ignore designated crossings, while motorists frequently fail to respect them. Such behaviour not only increases accidents but also reflects a broader disregard for the rights and safety of others.
The rise of social media has added another dimension to this problem. In the pursuit of online attention, some individuals perform dangerous stunts on public roads, disturb public places for entertainment, or create unnecessary disruptions simply to generate viral content. The desire for digital recognition has, in some cases, overtaken basic respect for public order. What was once considered inappropriate behaviour is now sometimes celebrated with likes, shares, and millions of views.
Several factors have contributed to the erosion of civic responsibility. One is the weakening emphasis on value-based education. Schools have traditionally focused on academic excellence, but lessons on discipline, public responsibility, and ethical conduct often receive less attention. While students are taught mathematics, science, and technology, they may not receive equal guidance on becoming responsible citizens.
Families also play a critical role. Children learn civic behaviour by observing adults. If parents throw litter from car windows, ignore traffic regulations, or show disrespect towards public workers, children are likely to consider such behaviour acceptable. Civic values cannot simply be taught through textbooks; they must be demonstrated consistently in everyday life.
Urbanisation has further complicated the issue. Large cities bring together people from diverse backgrounds, often creating a sense of anonymity. In close-knit communities, individuals may feel more accountable for their actions because they know their neighbours. In crowded urban environments, however, personal accountability sometimes weakens, encouraging careless behaviour under the assumption that someone else will deal with the consequences.
Weak enforcement of laws also contributes to the problem. Rules lose their effectiveness when violations go unpunished. Whether it is littering, illegal parking, vandalism, or public nuisance, inconsistent enforcement creates the impression that civic misconduct carries little consequence. Strong regulations are important, but they must be implemented fairly and consistently to encourage responsible behaviour.
Yet the responsibility does not lie with governments alone. Civic sense cannot be imposed solely through fines and penalties. It must arise from personal values and collective responsibility. Every citizen shares ownership of public spaces and public resources. Roads, parks, public transport, schools, hospitals, and government buildings belong to society as a whole. Damaging them or neglecting them ultimately harms everyone, including those responsible for the damage.
Media and educational institutions can play a greater role in promoting positive behaviour. Public awareness campaigns should move beyond slogans and encourage practical actions that people can adopt daily. Stories highlighting responsible citizenship deserve as much attention as those exposing misconduct. Positive examples often inspire change more effectively than criticism alone.
Technology can also support civic responsibility. Mobile applications that allow citizens to report potholes, broken streetlights, illegal dumping, or damaged infrastructure have already shown success in many cities. However, digital tools can only complement civic responsibility; they cannot replace individual commitment.
Ultimately, a nation’s progress depends not only on government policies or economic performance but also on the everyday conduct of its people. A clean street, an orderly queue, a courteous driver, or a person who picks up litter without being asked may seem insignificant in isolation. Together, however, these actions create safer, cleaner, and more respectful communities.
Public courtesy is not a sign of weakness or mere etiquette—it is a reflection of maturity and shared responsibility. Civic sense begins with ordinary choices made by ordinary people every single day. If every individual waited for others to change first, society would remain stagnant. But if each person accepted responsibility for their own behaviour, even the smallest acts of consideration could collectively transform public life. After all, great nations are not built only by ambitious policies or grand projects; they are built by citizens who understand that respect for others and respect for public spaces are the foundations of a truly civilised society.
—Dhruba Deka