It is often said that the true measure of a society lies not in how it treats its powerful, but in how it treats its most vulnerable. Recently, while travelling in a local bus, I witnessed an incident that forced me to reflect deeply on this very idea. It was not an unusual day, nor was the journey remarkable. Yet, what unfolded before my eyes left me questioning the state of our collective conscience.
A man boarded the bus, he was not entirely mentally stable, though not severely unwell either. His demeanor was innocent, even cheerful, as he responded to the environment around him. Some passengers, however, chose to treat him as a source of entertainment. They misled him by naming faraway destinations, tricking him into thinking the bus was going to places it clearly was not. He smiled in response, oblivious to the mockery. To him, their words were real, perhaps even amusing. To me, it was an act of subtle cruelty.
At that moment, it was not the man who appeared “abnormal.” Instead, it was we, the so-called “normal” members of society, who were unstable in our humanity. Our laughter came at the cost of someone’s dignity. Our sense of superiority rested on the vulnerability of a person who could neither defend himself nor even recognize the insult.
What made the incident even more striking was the irony that followed. When the man alighted after a short distance, some of the same passengers began to discuss his background. They acknowledged that he had once been a well-adjusted, “normal” person who unfortunately suffered a mental breakdown later in life. They even called him a “nice person.” This left me puzzled, if they were aware of his circumstances, if they knew he was once like them, why then did they choose to mock him in the first place?
This contradiction is not limited to that bus ride. It mirrors a larger societal issue. We often fail to recognize that mental health challenges are not a mark of weakness or failure. They are part of human life, just as physical illnesses are. Every individual we ridicule could easily be one of us, our family members, or our friends. By making fun of them, we are not just insulting an individual, we are undermining our shared humanity.
It is important to remember that a mental health condition does not erase a person’s worth, dignity, or identity. The man in the bus still carried memories, emotions, and stories, just as we all do. What he lacked was not intelligence or character, but society’s empathy.
This incident must inspire us to re-evaluate how we interact with vulnerable individuals. Compassion is not a grand act; it is reflected in the small choices we make every day, choosing not to laugh at someone’s condition, offering a helping hand, or simply showing patience instead of irritation. These gestures may seem minor, but to the person on the receiving end, they can make a world of difference.
Mental health awareness is thankfully increasing in our country, with government and community initiatives spreading understanding and support. Yet, the success of such efforts depends as much on society as on policies. A law or scheme cannot build kindness, only people can. When we embrace empathy, we create an environment where vulnerable individuals can live with dignity rather than shame.
We must also teach our children the value of respect. The younger generation often learns by observing. If they see adults mocking someone with a disability or mental health condition, they will adopt the same attitude. But if they see kindness and acceptance, they will grow up to be compassionate citizens who uplift, rather than demean, those around them.
In our daily rush, we forget that behind every face lies a story. The man in the bus may not even remember the words spoken to him, but those moments revealed far more about us than about him. They revealed the gaps in our humanity. They reminded us that intelligence, education, and social standing mean little if they are not accompanied by empathy.
As a society, we must rise above the temptation of ridicule. We need to build a culture where no one feels lesser because of their health, status, or circumstances. Every individual deserves dignity, not because of what they can do, but simply because they are human.
The question, therefore, is not why the man was smiling in innocence. The real question is: why were we laughing? If we can honestly answer that, perhaps we will begin to understand what it means to be truly human.
In the end, compassion costs nothing. Yet, its value is immeasurable. Let us choose, every day, to add kindness to the world rather than cruelty. Let us prove that our society is not one that mocks the vulnerable but one that lifts them up.
(Author is a Library Futurust, Writer and Social Innovator from Kulgam. Email:- wani [email protected])
