Civic Sense in India: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective on a Collective Blind Spot

“Yeh mera kaam nahi hai.”

This single sentence reflects a deeper psychological pattern we often see in society.

Civic sense in India is more than following traffic rules or avoiding littering. It is about empathy, responsibility, and the ability to think beyond oneself. From a psychiatrist’s lens, civic behavior is closely linked to emotional maturity and impulse control.

Many everyday issues like jumping signals, spitting in public, breaking queues, aggressive honking often stem from low frustration tolerance and an exaggerated sense of urgency. The mindset of “my time is more important than yours” reflects subtle narcissistic traits reinforced by social normalization. When rule-breaking becomes common, it reduces guilt and increases collective desensitization.

Another important factor is diffusion of responsibility. When everyone sees garbage on the road, no one feels personally accountable. This psychological phenomenon weakens ownership and strengthens apathy.

Parenting and early modeling play a crucial role. Children who grow up watching adults disrespect public spaces internalize the same behavior. Civic sense, therefore, is not taught through punishment alone, but through consistent modeling of respect and accountability.

At its core, civic responsibility is a marker of psychological health at a societal level. A mentally healthy society values boundaries, both personal and public. When we respect shared spaces, we indirectly signal respect for each other.

Change will not come only through stricter laws, but through cultivating empathy, emotional regulation, and collective identity.

Because civic sense is not just about clean roads, it is about a clean conscience.

Dr Sahil Arora
Psychiatrist | Psychotherapist, VHC