In Waiting for Godot, two men pass their days in endless anticipation of someone who never arrives. They talk, argue, and hope, while life moves past them without consequence.
That absurdity feels uncomfortably close to the mood that has settled over Kashmir in recent years.
A habit of waiting has taken root in public life. Many people tend to believe that some external force will step in and fix what is broken. Streets gather waste, water bodies choke, institutions falter, and a silent agreement forms that responsibility lies elsewhere. Personal spaces stay orderly and cared for, while the shared environment receives little attention. That imbalance slowly erodes the foundation of a healthy society.
This mindset shows up in everyday crises. Unemployment fuels frustration, drug use spreads among the young, and families struggle with rising tensions that often end in separation. Mental health concerns grow more visible, and physical ailments follow the stress that builds over time. Discussions happen in homes and social circles, but collective action rarely gathers force. A few voices raise concern about pollution, governance failures, or social decay, though they often stand alone.
People deserve better systems and responsive leadership. That expectation remains valid. At the same time, a society cannot outsource its conscience. Waiting for a distant solution weakens the instinct to act in the present. A sense of entitlement begins to replace a sense of duty, and that shift deepens the very problems people hope someone else will solve.
Kashmir holds a long tradition of community life where neighbours looked out for one another and local institutions held real influence. That memory still exists, though it needs renewal.
Schools, colleges, mosques, shrines, health workers, and local leaders can play a direct role in rebuilding a culture of participation. Civic groups can organize cleanups, awareness drives, and local problem-solving forums that bring people together around shared concerns.
Change begins with small acts that build trust. A neighbourhood that keeps its surroundings clean sends a message. A group that speaks openly about addiction offers a path for others to follow. A community that questions poor management creates pressure for improvement.
Each step breaks the pattern of passive waiting.
Kashmir does not lack awareness or intelligence. It needs a shift in attitude that places responsibility closer to home. People who stop waiting and start acting create momentum that spreads through society. That shift restores balance between private care and public duty.
The characters in Samuel Beckett’s play remain trapped in their waiting. Kashmir does not have to follow that script.
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