Citizens turning into unquestioning followers is detrimental to democracy. A healthy society is not built on devotion, but on dialogue. It thrives when its people think, question, and engage. Blind faith comes at the cost of truth, accountability, and the very spirit of democracy. Every statement defended, every decision justified, and every criticism dismissed without questioning is not in favour of a healthy democracy.

The role of sections of the media is concerning. News, which is ideally meant to inform and challenge power, is echoing particular narratives, selectively framing events, and blurring the line between reporting and propaganda. The consequences are visible around us. Society is being divided into rigid camps, and conversations are turning into confrontations. An “us versus them” mindset, where differing opinions are seen as threats rather than perspectives, is being fostered. Amid sensitive global developments, such as the recent Iran–US negotiations held in Islamabad, Pakistan, sections of the Indian media were seen to frame the coverage through a narrow, biased lens. Innocent human lives are being lost; the future of humanity is at stake. Economies around the world are badly affected. A large number of Indian citizens are facing the brunt of this unnecessary war. Peace is what matters; the war should be stopped. Who facilitated it, mediated, or brokered it? Not important.

When the head is blurred, and the body is made larger than life, reality looks distorted. Questions fade, and noise becomes truth.

A society that does not question risks weakening its democratic values. True democracy thrives not on blind faith, but on informed and thoughtful participation.

Photos and text by Prerna Jain.