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The Courage to Stand Tall: Defying Injustice with Self-Respect
Dr.Vijayalakshmi Aluri, Winner of World Bank’s Projects competition, Author, Health Educator, Social worker and Gynecologist, Sri Sri Holistic Multi specialty Hospitals, Hyderabad.
The Price of Self-Respect
Society often demands obedience, not for the sake of harmony but to maintain control. History has shown that many rules are created not to guide, but to suppress. Yet, every great change has been sparked by those who refused to bow down to injustice.
Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “I respect orders, but I respect myself too, and I do not obey foolish rules made especially to humiliate me.” These words define the battle between blind obedience and self-respect.
This is the story of Vikas, a young journalist, grandson of my childhood friend, Savitri, who dared to defy an oppressive system. His act of defiance cost him his career but won him something far greater — his dignity.
The Chains of Conformity
Vikas was born in a small town where traditions were valued more than individual opinions. From a young age, he had been a keen observer, questioning the customs that others followed blindly.