Magazines and newspapers during British rule were the 19th-century equivalent of a Twitter storm with a purpose. They didn’t just report the news; they were the news. These publications were instrumental in awakening the Indian masses and fostering a sense of national identity like, for example, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Kesari and Mahratta were not just newspapers but catalysts that turned drawing-room discussions into full-blown political movements.

Think of it like this: if today’s Instagram influencers can make you buy a new gadget or try a viral dance, back then, the fiery articles in Bengalee or Amrita Bazar Patrika could make you question colonial oppression and demand your rights. They were WhatsApp forwards of yesteryears, but instead of dubious health tips, they spread ideas of swaraj (self-rule) and swadeshi (self-sufficiency).

Magazines such as Indian Opinion started by Mahatma Gandhi acted like today’s viral TED Talks, offering thought-provoking content that reshaped the socio-political landscape. These publications didn’t just inform; they inspired, ignited, and united. They were the paper bullets that pierced through the British armor, proving that the pen, indeed, is mightier than the sword.

Kant’s philosophy beautifully captures the essence of human dignity. He argues that while everything with a price can be swapped for something else, dignity is priceless and irreplaceable. This simple yet often overlooked idea highlights the intrinsic worth of every individual, reminding us that everyone deserves respect and moral consideration, no matter the circumstances.

Human dignity is a cornerstone of ethical living and social justice. It is a fundamental value that safeguards the respect, rights, and moral standing of individuals. Recognizing it means acknowledging that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and equality, without discrimination or prejudice.

However, in Indian society, violations of human dignity are regrettably commonplace. Caste-based discrimination, older than even our capital Delhi, remains a significant issue where individuals from lower castes often face social exclusion and inequity. Gender inequality also manifests in various forms, from domestic violence to workplace discrimination, undermining the dignity of women and other gender minorities.

All of this, coupled with poverty and lack of access to essential resources like education and healthcare, strips many of their dignity. Child labor and human trafficking further illustrate the grim reality of dignity violations, where vulnerable individuals are exploited and deprived of their basic rights.

Basically, Kant’s concept of dignity highlights the invaluable nature of human worth but the persistent dignity violations in Indian society remind us of the urgent need to uphold and protect this fundamental human value for all.