The Nobility of Living for Others

 

“परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः” — The Nobility of Living for Others

The ancient Sanskrit maxim “परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः” means: “Trees bear fruit for the benefit of others.” This simple expression contains a profound lesson about selflessness, generosity and the true purpose of human life.

A tree does not consume its own fruits. It does not rest beneath its own shade, nor does it demand anything from those who benefit from it. It quietly offers fruits to the hungry, shelter to travellers, flowers to worshippers, wood for human needs and a home to countless birds and creatures. It absorbs harmful carbon dioxide, releases oxygen and protects the soil, yet it never announces its contribution or seeks recognition.

The tree therefore represents the highest form of service—giving without discrimination and serving without expectation. It does not ask about a person’s religion, caste, language, wealth or social position before providing shade. Even when someone throws stones at it, the tree responds by giving fruits. Its generosity remains unaffected by the conduct of those who approach it.

Human beings can learn a great deal from this silent teacher of nature. Knowledge becomes meaningful when it enlightens others. Wealth acquires dignity when it helps the needy. Power becomes respectable when it protects the weak. Professional ability becomes valuable when it advances justice and public welfare. A life concerned only with personal comfort may achieve material success, but a life dedicated to the welfare of others earns lasting respect.

Selfless service does not necessarily require great wealth or extraordinary sacrifice. A kind word, sincere guidance, timely assistance, the sharing of knowledge or standing beside someone in distress can become genuine acts of paropakara. What matters is the purity of intention and the willingness to contribute without constantly calculating personal gain.

This principle does not mean that one must neglect personal responsibilities or permit exploitation. A tree can serve others only when its roots remain strong and it continues to receive nourishment. Similarly, a person must preserve health, dignity and legitimate interests while serving society. True selflessness is neither helplessness nor self-destruction; it is the responsible use of one’s strength for a purpose larger than oneself.

The teaching is also deeply relevant to public life. Those holding positions of authority should remember that office, knowledge and power are not personal possessions. They are trusts meant to be exercised for the welfare of society. Leaders, administrators, professionals and citizens must work with the understanding that their abilities carry corresponding responsibilities.

Nature constantly demonstrates that existence is based upon cooperation. Rivers carry water for others, clouds bring rain, the earth produces food and the sun distributes light without discrimination. The tree forms part of this great tradition of giving. Human civilisation can remain peaceful and compassionate only when people learn to receive with gratitude and give with generosity.

Let us therefore become like trees—firmly rooted in values, patient during adversity and generous in prosperity. Let our knowledge provide direction, our conduct provide inspiration and our achievements create opportunities for others. The true measure of life is not merely what we accumulate, but what we contribute to the world.

A tree becomes great not because it stands tall, but because it bends with fruits and gives them to others. In the same way, a human being becomes truly great through humility, compassion and selfless service.

Let us work sincerely for the welfare of society and humanity, just as trees silently serve the entire creation.

The First Step Towards Becoming Better

 

The First Step Towards Becoming Better

“If you want to become good, you must first acknowledge what needs to be corrected within you.”

The journey towards becoming a better human being begins with honest self-examination. This thought does not ask us to condemn ourselves or believe that we are entirely bad. Rather, it reminds us that genuine improvement becomes possible only when we recognise our mistakes, weaknesses and unhealthy habits.

A person who considers himself perfect will seldom feel the need to learn, change or grow. Pride convinces us that we are always right, while humility gives us the courage to examine our conduct. The moment we admit that we may have acted wrongly, spoken harshly or treated someone unfairly, we open the door to meaningful transformation.

Recognising our faults is not a sign of weakness. It requires considerable courage to accept responsibility without blaming circumstances or other people. Anyone can defend a mistake, but it takes maturity to acknowledge it, apologise sincerely and make a determined effort not to repeat it.

Just as a patient must first recognise an illness before seeking treatment, a person must identify inner weaknesses before overcoming them. Anger, jealousy, arrogance, greed, selfishness and dishonesty cannot be corrected while we deny their presence. Self-awareness therefore becomes the foundation of self-discipline and character-building.

Acceptance, however, should not lead to hopelessness or constant self-criticism. Its purpose is not to make us feel worthless but to help us understand where improvement is required. We should be able to say: “Yes, I have weaknesses and have made mistakes, but I am willing to learn, change and become better.”

True greatness does not lie in never making a mistake. It lies in recognising a mistake, correcting it and emerging from the experience with greater wisdom. A person who honestly examines his thoughts, words and actions grows stronger with every lesson.

We should therefore ask ourselves regularly: Have my words hurt someone unnecessarily? Have I acted fairly? Did pride prevent me from accepting the truth? What can I do today to become kinder, wiser and more responsible than I was yesterday?

The person who admits a fault does not become smaller. On the contrary, that acceptance demonstrates courage, maturity and inner strength. Perfection may remain beyond human reach, but continuous improvement is always possible.

Self-awareness is the beginning of wisdom, humility is the foundation of growth, and the honest acceptance of our shortcomings is the first step towards becoming a truly better person.

The First Step Towards Improvement

 

The First Step Towards Improvement

“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” — Epictetus

Accepting our mistakes and weaknesses is not a defeat; it is the beginning of self-improvement. A person who believes that they are always right eventually stops learning. In contrast, one who honestly examines their conduct continues to grow wiser and better.

Admitting a mistake does not make a person smaller; it makes them wiser, stronger and greater.

सुधार की पहली सीढ़ी

 

सुधार की पहली सीढ़ी

“यदि आप अच्छा बनना चाहते हैं, तो पहले स्वीकार करें कि आपके भीतर कमियाँ हैं।” — एपिक्टेटस

अपनी गलतियों और कमजोरियों को स्वीकार करना पराजय नहीं, बल्कि आत्मसुधार का आरम्भ है। जो स्वयं को पूर्ण और सदैव सही मानता है, वह सीखना बंद कर देता है। इसके विपरीत, जो ईमानदारी से आत्मपरीक्षण करता है, वह निरन्तर बेहतर बनता जाता है।

अपनी भूल स्वीकार करने वाला व्यक्ति छोटा नहीं, बल्कि अधिक समझदार और महान बनता है।

सुधार की पहली शर्त—अपनी कमियों को स्वीकार करना

 

सुधार की पहली शर्त—अपनी कमियों को स्वीकार करना

“यदि आप अच्छे बनना चाहते हैं, तो पहले यह मान लें कि आप बुरे हैं।” — एपिक्टेटस

इस कथन का अर्थ स्वयं को अपमानित करना या अपने अस्तित्व को निकृष्ट समझना नहीं है। इसका वास्तविक संदेश यह है कि मनुष्य के सुधार की यात्रा उसी क्षण आरम्भ होती है, जब वह पूरी ईमानदारी से अपनी कमियों, गलतियों और दुर्बलताओं को स्वीकार करने का साहस करता है। जो व्यक्ति स्वयं को पहले से ही पूर्ण, निर्दोष और सर्वज्ञ मान लेता है, उसके लिए सीखने और बदलने के सभी द्वार धीरे-धीरे बंद हो जाते हैं।

मनुष्य की सबसे बड़ी कमजोरी यह नहीं कि उससे गलतियाँ होती हैं; सबसे बड़ी कमजोरी यह है कि वह अपनी गलतियों को स्वीकार करने से इनकार करता है। वह अपने अनुचित व्यवहार के लिए परिस्थितियों को दोष देता है, अपनी असफलता का उत्तरदायित्व दूसरों पर डालता है और अपने अहंकार की रक्षा करने के लिए सत्य से दूर भागता रहता है। ऐसी मानसिकता व्यक्ति को आत्मसुधार से वंचित कर देती है।

एक रोगी तभी स्वस्थ हो सकता है, जब वह पहले यह स्वीकार करे कि वह अस्वस्थ है। इसी प्रकार, किसी व्यक्ति के स्वभाव, विचार और आचरण में परिवर्तन भी तभी सम्भव है, जब वह यह माने कि उसके भीतर क्रोध, ईर्ष्या, अहंकार, लोभ, स्वार्थ, असत्य या अन्य कमियाँ मौजूद हो सकती हैं। अपनी कमजोरी को पहचानना पराजय नहीं, बल्कि उस पर विजय प्राप्त करने की पहली सीढ़ी है।

अहंकार व्यक्ति को यह विश्वास दिलाता है कि वह हमेशा सही है। इसके विपरीत, विनम्रता उसे अपने भीतर झाँकने की शक्ति देती है। विनम्र व्यक्ति आलोचना को शत्रुता नहीं समझता, बल्कि उसमें छिपे सुधार के अवसर को पहचानता है। वह अपनी भूल के लिए क्षमा माँगने में संकोच नहीं करता और अनुभव से शिक्षा लेकर आगे बढ़ता है।

आत्मस्वीकृति का अर्थ यह भी नहीं है कि हम निराश होकर स्वयं को दोष देते रहें। वास्तविक आत्मस्वीकृति वह है, जिसमें व्यक्ति कह सके—“हाँ, मुझसे गलती हुई है; मेरे भीतर कुछ कमियाँ हैं, लेकिन मैं इन्हें सुधारने के लिए तैयार हूँ।” यही विचार अपराधबोध को आत्मबल में और असफलता को अनुभव में बदल देता है।

जीवन में श्रेष्ठ बनने का मार्ग दूसरों की कमियाँ गिनाने से नहीं, बल्कि अपनी कमियों को पहचानने से निकलता है। दूसरों को बदलना कठिन है, परन्तु अपने विचार, वाणी और व्यवहार को बदलना हमारे हाथ में है। प्रत्येक दिन स्वयं से प्रश्न करना चाहिए—क्या आज मैंने किसी को अनावश्यक दुःख पहुँचाया? क्या मेरे शब्दों में कठोरता थी? क्या मैंने सत्य और न्याय का साथ दिया? क्या मैं कल की अपेक्षा आज कुछ अधिक संवेदनशील, विनम्र और उत्तरदायी बना हूँ?

जो व्यक्ति प्रतिदिन आत्मपरीक्षण करता है, वह धीरे-धीरे अपने व्यक्तित्व को निखारता है। वास्तविक महानता निर्दोष होने में नहीं, बल्कि अपनी त्रुटियों को पहचानकर उन्हें सुधारते रहने में है। पूर्णता शायद किसी मनुष्य के लिए सम्भव न हो, लेकिन निरन्तर सुधार प्रत्येक व्यक्ति के लिए सम्भव है।

अतः यदि हम वास्तव में अच्छे बनना चाहते हैं, तो हमें सबसे पहले अपने अहंकार का पर्दा हटाकर अपने वास्तविक स्वरूप को देखना होगा। अपनी कमियों की स्वीकृति ही चरित्र-निर्माण, आत्मज्ञान और श्रेष्ठ जीवन की आधारशिला है।

जो अपनी भूल स्वीकार कर लेता है, वह छोटा नहीं होता; बल्कि उसी क्षण वह पहले से अधिक समझदार, शक्तिशाली और महान बन जाता है।

Subversion Must Never Be Allowed to Take Root in Bharat

 Subversion Must Never Be Allowed to Take Root in Bharat

No nation can remain secure if subversive forces are permitted to organise, finance themselves and gradually penetrate its institutions. Activities intended to weaken Bharat’s sovereignty, constitutional order, social harmony or national security must be identified at the earliest stage and dealt with firmly in accordance with law.

Certain individuals and organisations occasionally behave as though they are above the Constitution and beyond the reach of the legal system. Such an attitude cannot be tolerated in a constitutional democracy. No person—regardless of political influence, financial strength, social position or institutional connection—is superior to the Constitution of Bharat. Rights and freedoms are precious, but they cannot be misused as shields for violence, unlawful disruption, terror financing, espionage or deliberate assistance to hostile interests.

Any allegation that a person or organisation is acting on behalf of a foreign power must, however, be established through credible evidence and an impartial investigation. Suspicion alone cannot replace proof, and lawful dissent must never be confused with subversion. At the same time, where reliable evidence reveals foreign funding, clandestine coordination, money laundering or assistance to forces working against Bharat, the authorities must act promptly and decisively.

The financial lifelines of unlawful networks must be traced and severed. Every suspicious transaction, anonymous donation, shell entity, benami arrangement and unlawful foreign contribution should be examined by the competent agencies. Cutting illicit money routes is one of the most effective ways to prevent hostile networks from spreading their influence. Such action must be transparent, accountable and subject to judicial scrutiny so that national security and constitutional liberty remain equally protected.

The Union and State authorities, intelligence agencies, financial regulators and law-enforcement bodies must coordinate effectively. Institutional complacency can allow a temporary threat to become an entrenched network. Preventive vigilance, professional investigation, speedy prosecution and proportionate punishment under law are therefore essential.

Bharat must remain open, democratic and fearless—but never careless. Let every citizen remember that freedom survives only when accompanied by responsibility, constitutional discipline and vigilance. We must stand united against every proven attempt to weaken our nation, while continuing to uphold the rule of law that gives Bharat its enduring strength.

Protect the Constitution. Secure the nation. Stop unlawful subversion. Cut illicit financial networks.

Joy Hind.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Food Safety Is National Security

 

Food Safety Is National Security

The growing concern over food adulteration is not confined merely to frozen meat, fish, milk or sweets. Vegetables, fruits, spices, edible oils, grains, packaged foods, bottled drinking water and practically every other item consumed in our daily lives must be brought under regular and effective scrutiny. Anything that reaches the dining table has a direct bearing upon public health and must therefore satisfy the prescribed standards of purity, hygiene and safety.

Food inspection cannot remain an occasional exercise undertaken only after a scandal, public complaint or medical emergency. It must become a continuous and routine administrative responsibility. Surprise inspections should be conducted at markets, cold-storage facilities, warehouses, processing units, restaurants, sweet shops, dairies, slaughterhouses, bottling plants and distribution centres. Samples must be collected scientifically, tested by accredited laboratories, and the results—along with the action taken—should be made publicly available wherever legally permissible.

The use of prohibited colours, harmful preservatives, industrial chemicals, contaminated water, artificial ripening agents, pesticide residues or other toxic substances may expose consumers to serious health risks. Some hazardous contaminants are associated with cancer and other chronic illnesses, although the rise in cancer cases cannot responsibly be attributed to food adulteration alone without reliable scientific and epidemiological evidence. That is precisely why surveillance, research and transparent publication of data are urgently necessary.

I apprehend that food adulteration on such a scale may not always be the work of isolated and petty offenders. Wherever intelligence or evidence indicates the existence of an organised network, unlawful financing, deliberate sabotage or external involvement, the competent agencies must investigate it thoroughly. However, no conspiracy—international or otherwise—should be declared as an established fact without credible evidence. Suspicion must initiate a lawful inquiry; it must never replace proof.

Every citizen of Bharat—irrespective of religion, language, region or political belief—has an equal right to safe food and clean drinking water. Any attempt to poison or weaken a section of society would be a grave crime against the entire nation. The investigation must therefore focus upon conduct, evidence, financial trails and statutory violations, and not upon a person’s religion, identity, political opinion or lawful exercise of freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is a constitutional value and must be protected. At the same time, no constitutional freedom provides immunity for financing criminal activity, spreading deliberate disinformation, obstructing lawful investigation or encouraging violence. If any individual or organisation is suspected of supporting unlawful activities, the authorities must proceed strictly on the basis of admissible evidence, due process and equal application of the law—not merely because that person is vocal on public issues.

Those attempting to destabilise our institutions often depend upon organised funding, logistical assistance and networks of influence. Where credible indications exist, the agencies should lawfully examine the money trail, supply chain, beneficial ownership, procurement records and digital evidence. Honest businesses and innocent citizens must be protected, while habitual adulterators, corrupt officials and organised syndicates must face swift prosecution and proportionate punishment.

The Central and State Governments, food-safety authorities, municipal bodies, police, health departments and accredited laboratories must act in coordination. Accountability should extend not only to manufacturers and sellers but also to officials who ignore complaints, manipulate reports or permit offenders to continue through corruption or negligence.

This is not a matter for communal suspicion, political sensationalism or unsupported allegations. It is a matter of public health, consumer protection and national security. Let our agencies be strengthened, our laboratories modernised, our inspections made routine, and our laws enforced without fear or favour.

Safe food is not a privilege—it is the fundamental expectation of every citizen. Protecting the nation begins with protecting what its people eat and drink every day.

Joy Hind!

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Safeguarding the Integrity of Bharat’s Fourth Pillar

 

Safeguarding the Integrity of Bharat’s Fourth Pillar

The media is widely regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. Its sacred responsibility is to inform citizens truthfully, question those in authority fearlessly, expose injustice impartially, and protect the constitutional interests of the nation. A free and responsible press strengthens democracy; however, freedom of the press cannot become a licence to circulate misinformation, manufacture distrust, or deliberately weaken Bharat’s unity and international standing.

Regrettably, certain representatives of this fourth pillar appear to have accelerated their efforts to create narratives prejudicial to Bharat. Through selective reporting, distorted presentation of facts, sensationalism and constant negativity, they sometimes seem more interested in discrediting the nation than in correcting its shortcomings. Whether such conduct arises from political prejudice, commercial interest, ideological hostility or external influence must be examined objectively and transparently.

Perhaps these elements are being treated as the last instruments of those external forces that cannot tolerate the rise of a confident, self-reliant and globally respected Bharat. When enemies fail to weaken a nation from outside, they often attempt to influence public opinion from within. A fabricated narrative can sometimes cause greater damage than a conventional weapon because it attacks the confidence, unity and collective consciousness of an entire society.

Such tendencies must therefore be identified through credible evidence, exposed through facts, and “bulldozed” through constitutional, democratic and lawful means. This expression must never be understood as a call for violence, intimidation or persecution of journalists. It means dismantling falsehoods with truth, defeating propaganda with evidence, enforcing accountability through due process, and strengthening media ethics through lawful institutions.

At the same time, honest and courageous journalists who serve the public interest must be respected and protected. Criticism of the government is not criticism of Bharat, and disagreement is not disloyalty. The real dividing line lies between responsible journalism and deliberate disinformation. Every allegation of anti-national activity must be tested fairly, without suppressing legitimate criticism or freedom of expression.

Bharat does not fear questions, but it must remain vigilant against calculated deception. Let truth answer propaganda, let constitutional institutions investigate genuine wrongdoing, and let the rule of law prevail over anger or vigilantism. The nation must stand united—not against journalism, but against every attempt to misuse journalism for weakening Bharat.

Let falsehood be exposed, propaganda be defeated, and national integrity be protected—firmly, fearlessly and lawfully.

Joy Hind!

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

যিনি নিতে জানেন, কিন্তু দিতে শেখেননি

 

যিনি নিতে জানেন, কিন্তু দিতে শেখেননি

আমার কলেজজীবনের এক বন্ধু আজও আমার সঙ্গে একই পেশায় যুক্ত। সমাজে তাঁর একটি পরিচিতি ও ভাবমূর্তি রয়েছে; তাই তাঁর নাম প্রকাশ করা সমীচীন হবে না। তবে ব্যক্তিগত ও পেশাগত সম্পর্ক বজায় রাখার ক্ষেত্রে তাঁর একটি অদ্ভুত চারিত্রিক বৈশিষ্ট্য বহুদিন ধরেই আমার দৃষ্টি আকর্ষণ করেছে।

কয়েক দিন আগে তাঁর জন্মদিন ছিল। যথারীতি তিনি ফেসবুকসহ বিভিন্ন সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যমে নিজের জন্মদিনের কথা প্রচার করেছেন। ভারতে ফেসবুক ও সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যম জনপ্রিয় হওয়ার পর থেকে তিনি প্রতিবছর অত্যন্ত নিষ্ঠার সঙ্গে এই কাজটি করে আসছেন। আপনি হয়তো তাঁর জন্মদিন ভুলে যেতে পারেন, কিন্তু তিনি আপনাকে ভুলতে দেবেন না। জন্মদিন আসার আগেই কিংবা সেদিন সকাল থেকে তাঁর পোস্টগুলি যেন একটি নির্ভুল অ্যালার্মের মতো সবাইকে স্মরণ করিয়ে দেয়—আজ তাঁর জন্মদিন!

তিনি বন্ধু, সহকর্মী ও পরিচিত ব্যক্তিদের জন্মদিনের অনুষ্ঠানে অংশগ্রহণ করেছেন; অন্যের আয়োজনে উপস্থিত থেকে সৌজন্য গ্রহণও করেছেন। কিন্তু আশ্চর্যের বিষয় হলো, নিজের জন্মদিনে কাউকে আমন্ত্রণ জানিয়ে কোনো অনুষ্ঠান করার কথা তিনি জীবনে কখনও ভাবেননি। কলকাতা তো দূরের কথা, পৃথিবীর কোথাও নিজের জন্মদিনে কাউকে আপ্যায়ন করার জন্য তিনি আহ্বান জানিয়েছেন বলে আমার জানা নেই।

প্রতিবছর জন্মদিনে তিনি স্ত্রী ও সন্তানদের নিয়ে যাদবপুরের ৮বি বাসস্ট্যান্ডের নিকট, একটি পেট্রোল পাম্পের পিছনে অবস্থিত পরিচিত রেস্তোরাঁয় যান। এটি তাঁর বহু বছরের পারিবারিক রুটিন। পরিবার নিয়ে জন্মদিন উদ্‌যাপন করা অবশ্যই প্রশংসনীয়; প্রত্যেকেরই ব্যক্তিগত পরিসর ও নিজস্ব পছন্দের অধিকার রয়েছে। কিন্তু যিনি সারাবছর বন্ধু ও সহকর্মীদের সঙ্গে ঘনিষ্ঠতার দাবি করেন এবং সামাজিক সম্পর্কের সুবিধা গ্রহণ করেন, তিনি যদি কখনও তাঁদের সঙ্গে নিজের আনন্দ ভাগ করে নেওয়ার ন্যূনতম আগ্রহও প্রকাশ না করেন, তখন সেই সম্পর্কের প্রকৃতি নিয়ে প্রশ্ন জাগা স্বাভাবিক।

গত কয়েক বছর ধরে আদালত-চত্বরে তিনি কয়েকজন সহকর্মীকে নিয়ে একটি ঘনিষ্ঠ গোষ্ঠীও গড়ে তুলেছেন। বাইরে থেকে সেটি বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণ বা সামাজিক সম্পর্ক বলে মনে হলেও, আমার পর্যবেক্ষণে তার প্রধান উদ্দেশ্য যেন পেশাগত যোগাযোগ বজায় রাখা, মামলার কাজ ও নিয়োগ পাওয়া এবং আর্থিক সুবিধা অর্জন করা। সামাজিক কল্যাণ, সহকর্মীদের বিপদে পাশে দাঁড়ানো কিংবা নিঃস্বার্থ সৌহার্দ্য—এসবের বিশেষ কোনো প্রকাশ সেখানে চোখে পড়ে না।

তবুও সেই সহকর্মীরা প্রতিবছর তাঁর জন্মদিনে আদালত-চত্বরে ছোট একটি কেক নিয়ে আসেন এবং সামান্য মূল্যের কোনো উপহার দিয়ে তাঁকে শুভেচ্ছা জানান। উপহারের মূল্য অর্থে সামান্য হতে পারে, কিন্তু তার সঙ্গে জড়িয়ে থাকে আন্তরিকতা, সময়, স্মরণ এবং ভালোবাসা। তিনি আনন্দের সঙ্গে কেক কাটেন, শুভেচ্ছা ও উপহার গ্রহণ করেন এবং সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যমে সেই মুহূর্তের ছবিও প্রকাশ করেন। কিন্তু সম্পর্কের অপর প্রান্তে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকা মানুষগুলির প্রতি একই আন্তরিকতা ফিরিয়ে দেওয়ার প্রবণতা তাঁর মধ্যে খুব কমই দেখা যায়।

তিনি যেন সম্পর্ককে পারস্পরিক আদান-প্রদানের বিষয় হিসেবে নয়, বরং নিজের প্রয়োজন পূরণের একটি মাধ্যম হিসেবে দেখেন। তিনি নিতে অভ্যস্ত—শুভেচ্ছা, উপহার, পেশাগত সহযোগিতা, সামাজিক স্বীকৃতি ও মামলার কাজ; কিন্তু দেওয়ার সময় তাঁর হাত যেন সংকুচিত হয়ে যায়। অথচ দেওয়া মানেই মূল্যবান উপহার কিংবা ব্যয়বহুল ভোজ নয়। একটি আন্তরিক আমন্ত্রণ, এক কাপ চা, একটি ফোনকল, বিপদের সময় পাশে দাঁড়ানো অথবা অন্যের আনন্দকে নিজের আনন্দ বলে গ্রহণ করাও সম্পর্কের প্রতি সম্মান প্রদর্শনের সুন্দর উপায়।

মানুষের প্রকৃত চরিত্র সে কত বড় কেক কাটল, কত উপহার পেল কিংবা সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যমে কতজন তাকে শুভেচ্ছা জানাল—তার দ্বারা নির্ধারিত হয় না। চরিত্রের পরিচয় পাওয়া যায়, সে অন্যের আনন্দে কতটা আন্তরিকভাবে অংশ নেয়, সম্পর্কের প্রতি কতটা দায়িত্বশীল থাকে এবং প্রাপ্ত সৌজন্যের কতটুকু ফিরিয়ে দিতে জানে, তার মাধ্যমে।

গল্পের নৈতিক শিক্ষা

সম্পর্ক কোনো একমুখী রাস্তা নয়। কেবল গ্রহণ করে যাওয়া এবং প্রয়োজনের সময় মানুষকে ব্যবহার করা সম্পর্ক রক্ষা নয়; সেটি সুবিধাবাদিতা। বন্ধুত্ব ও সহকর্মিতার আসল সৌন্দর্য পারস্পরিকতা, আন্তরিকতা এবং দেওয়া-নেওয়ার ভারসাম্যের মধ্যে নিহিত।

জন্মদিনের সবচেয়ে বড় শিক্ষা বয়স বৃদ্ধি নয়—হৃদয়ের পরিধি বৃদ্ধি। যে ব্যক্তি প্রতিবছর নিজের জন্মদিন সবাইকে মনে করিয়ে দেন, তাঁরও উচিত অন্যদের কথা মনে রাখা এবং নিজের আনন্দের সামান্য অংশ তাঁদের সঙ্গে ভাগ করে নেওয়া। কারণ কেকের আকার বা উপহারের মূল্য নয়, মানুষের উদারতা ও পারস্পরিক আচরণই শেষ পর্যন্ত তার প্রকৃত পরিচয় হয়ে থাকে।

যিনি শুধু নিতে জানেন, তিনি সাময়িকভাবে অনেক কিছু সংগ্রহ করতে পারেন; কিন্তু যিনি দিতে জানেন, তিনিই মানুষের হৃদয়ে স্থায়ী আসন লাভ করেন।

Judicial authorities supporting refusal of permission for passport/travel abroad

 

Judicial authorities supporting refusal of permission for passport/travel abroad

A distinction must be maintained between:

1. Issuance or renewal of a passport by the Passport Authority; and
2. Permission to leave India or release of a deposited passport by the criminal court.

Mere pendency of a criminal proceeding may not justify mechanical refusal in every case. However, the court may refuse permission where credible material shows a risk of abscondence, previous non-cooperation, violation of bail conditions, pending warrants, likelihood of delaying the trial, or prejudice to the investigation.

1. Mahesh Kumar Agarwal v. Union of India & Another, 2025 INSC 1476

The Supreme Court recognised the authority of the criminal court to regulate the issuance and use of a passport while criminal proceedings are pending. Although passport issuance cannot be mechanically refused, permission to travel abroad remains subject to judicial supervision.

The decision supports refusal where the applicant:

• is likely to evade the proceedings;
• has not complied with earlier directions;
• cannot satisfactorily secure his return;
• has withheld details of pending criminal cases; or
• seeks unrestricted travel inconsistent with the conditions of bail.

The restriction must, however, be necessary, proportionate and supported by recorded reasons.

 

2. Gian Singh v. State of Rajasthan, (1999) 5 SCC 694

The Supreme Court recognised the legitimate apprehension that an accused permitted to leave India might not return for trial. Although the passport was ultimately released in that case, it was released only after the accused executed a substantial bond with two solvent sureties and undertook to remain available when his presence was indispensable.

This judgment supports the proposition that the court must first secure the accused’s attendance and may refuse permission where bonds, sureties or other safeguards are inadequate.

3. Ruddrakhya Ghosh v. State of West Bengal, CRR 148 of 2026, decided on 27 April 2026, Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court examined an order refusing return of a passport on the grounds that the accused had allegedly evaded notices, failed to cooperate and might flee justice. The High Court ultimately ordered conditional release because those allegations were not adequately supported by the record.

The judgment is important for the opposite side because it identifies the circumstances that can justify refusal: proven non-cooperation, avoidance of summons, outstanding warrants, previous breach of undertakings, or other objective material establishing flight risk. Mere apprehension, without supporting records, is insufficient.

Statutory grounds supporting refusal

Under Section 6(2) of the Passports Act, 1967, refusal may be justified where:

• criminal proceedings are pending before a court—Section 6(2)(f);
• summons or warrant for appearance or arrest remains outstanding—Section 6(2)(g);
• an order prohibiting departure from India is operating—Section 6(2)(g);
• the applicant was recently convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years—Section 6(2)(e);
• issuance would be contrary to public interest—Section 6(2)(i).

The exemption under G.S.R. 570(E), dated 25 August 1993, is conditional. The applicant must obtain the appropriate court order, disclose all pending criminal cases and undertake to appear whenever required.

Grounds that may be urged in opposition

Refusal of permission may be sought where:

1. The applicant has previously remained absent without exemption.
2. Summons, bailable warrants, non-bailable warrants or proclamation proceedings are pending.
3. The applicant suppressed material facts concerning other criminal cases.
4. The applicant violated an earlier undertaking or overstayed after previous permission.
5. The investigation or trial is at a crucial stage requiring personal presence.
6. The applicant has foreign employment, assets or permanent connections and insufficient ties within India, creating a genuine flight risk.
7. The reason and duration of travel are vague or unsupported by tickets, invitation letters, medical records or employment documents.
8. The applicant has not supplied a definite itinerary, foreign address or date of return.
9. The proposed travel conflicts with existing bail conditions.
10. The applicant has attempted to influence witnesses, tamper with evidence or delay the proceedings.

 

Judicial authorities regarding permission for passport

 

Judicial authorities regarding permission for passport

Where criminal proceedings are pending, the accused may apply before the concerned criminal court for permission/no objection for issuance or re-issuance of a passport. The applicant should also furnish an affidavit or written undertaking affirming continued participation in the proceedings and appearance before the court whenever required.

Governing provisions

1. Section 6(2)(f), Passports Act, 1967
   The Passport Authority may refuse issuance of a passport where criminal proceedings against the applicant are pending before a criminal court in India.
2. Section 22, Passports Act, 1967 read with G.S.R. 570(E), dated 25 August 1993
   The statutory notification creates an exception. A person facing criminal proceedings may obtain a passport upon producing an appropriate order of the concerned court and furnishing a written undertaking to appear before that court whenever required during the validity of the passport.
3. Office Memorandum dated 10 October 2019
   The applicant must disclose every pending criminal case in the undertaking. Mere registration of an FIR or pendency of investigation, without cognizance by a criminal court, ordinarily does not attract Section 6(2)(f).

Important judicial references

1. Mahesh Kumar Agarwal v. Union of India & Another, 2025 INSC 1476

The Supreme Court authoritatively held that pendency of criminal proceedings does not create an absolute prohibition against issuance or renewal of a passport. The criminal court may grant permission or no objection after considering the circumstances and securing the applicant’s presence through appropriate conditions.

The applicant is required to furnish an undertaking that he shall appear before the concerned court whenever required. The Court may also direct that the applicant shall not leave India without prior permission. If the court specifies the passport’s validity period, the Passport Authority should honour that period; otherwise, the statutory default provisions may apply.

2. Nausheen Wasim v. State of West Bengal & Others, WPA 25175 of 2024, decided on 28 November 2024, Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court observed that if an applicant undertakes to cooperate with the trial and remain available whenever required by the criminal court, there is ordinarily no reason to refuse permission to travel abroad unless genuine circumstances indicate a risk of abscondence.

The Court recognised the relevance of an undertaking specifying the period of foreign travel and the date within which the applicant would return to India.

3. Vangala Kasturi Rangacharyulu v. Central Bureau of Investigation, 2020 Criminal Law Journal (SC) 572

The Supreme Court held that Section 6(2)(f) concerns criminal proceedings pending before a trial court. Pendency of a criminal appeal, by itself, cannot automatically justify refusal to renew a passport. The decision supports the proposition that passport restrictions must be applied according to the exact statutory conditions and not mechanically.

সংগ্রামই সাফল্যকে অর্থবহ করে তোলে

 

সংগ্রামই সাফল্যকে অর্থবহ করে তোলে

“সাফল্যের কোনো শিখর না থাকলে, কেউ কখনও সংগ্রামের কাহিনি পড়ত না।”
— দিব্যালক্ষ্মী চন্দ্র

সাফল্য কেবল কোনো লক্ষ্য অর্জনের নাম নয়; এটি ধৈর্য, অধ্যবসায়, আত্মত্যাগ এবং অসংখ্য প্রতিকূলতা অতিক্রম করার চূড়ান্ত ফল। পাহাড়ের চূড়ায় পৌঁছানোর আনন্দ তখনই অর্থবহ হয়, যখন তার পিছনে থাকে দুর্গম পথ অতিক্রমের কঠিন অভিজ্ঞতা। সাফল্য যদি সহজেই পাওয়া যেত, তাহলে তা কাউকে অনুপ্রাণিত করত না এবং সেই অর্জনের কাহিনিও স্মরণীয় হয়ে থাকত না।

প্রতিটি বড় সাফল্যের আড়ালে লুকিয়ে থাকে অসংখ্য বিনিদ্র রাত্রি, ব্যর্থতা, প্রত্যাখ্যান, সমালোচনা এবং বারবার নতুন করে শুরু করার ইতিহাস। পৃথিবী সাধারণত একজন মানুষের বিজয়টাই দেখে; কিন্তু সেই বিজয়ের আগে তাঁকে কত নীরব যুদ্ধ করতে হয়েছে, তা খুব কম মানুষই উপলব্ধি করে। সবাই সাফল্যের আলো দেখে, অথচ সেই আলোয় পৌঁছানোর জন্য কতটা অন্ধকার অতিক্রম করতে হয়েছে, তা কেবল সংগ্রামী মানুষটিই জানেন।

সংগ্রাম মানুষের ধৈর্য, সাহস ও সংকল্পের পরীক্ষা নেয়। প্রতিকূলতা আমাদের সহনশীল হতে শেখায়, ব্যর্থতা ভুল সংশোধনের সুযোগ দেয় এবং প্রত্যাখ্যান আরও যোগ্য হয়ে ওঠার প্রেরণা জোগায়। জীবনের প্রতিটি বাধা আমাদের ভবিষ্যতের জন্য প্রস্তুত করে এবং লক্ষ্যের আরও কাছে নিয়ে যায়।

মহান ব্যক্তিদের জীবন আমাদের অনুপ্রাণিত করে, কারণ তাঁদের চলার পথ কখনও সহজ ছিল না। তাঁরা প্রতিকূলতার কাছে আত্মসমর্পণ করেননি; বরং যন্ত্রণাকে শক্তিতে, ব্যর্থতাকে শিক্ষায় এবং সমস্যাকে সম্ভাবনায় পরিণত করেছেন। তাঁদের জীবন আমাদের শেখায়—পড়ে যাওয়া পরাজয় নয়; পড়ে গিয়ে আর উঠে দাঁড়াতে না চাওয়াই প্রকৃত পরাজয়।

তাই নিজের সংগ্রামকে কখনও দুর্বলতার পরিচয় মনে করা উচিত নয়। সংগ্রামই প্রমাণ করে যে আমরা সাহসের সঙ্গে লক্ষ্যের দিকে এগিয়ে চলেছি। জীবনের প্রতিটি কঠিন অধ্যায় ভবিষ্যতের সাফল্যের গল্পকে সমৃদ্ধ করে। শিখর যত উঁচু হয়, আরোহনের পথ তত কঠিন হয়; কিন্তু শিখরে পৌঁছানোর আনন্দ সমস্ত কষ্টকে সার্থক করে তোলে।

সাফল্য মানুষকে পরিচিতি দেয়, কিন্তু সংগ্রাম তার চরিত্র নির্মাণ করে। শিখর সম্মান এনে দেয়, অথচ যাত্রাপথ মানুষকে জ্ঞান, আত্মবিশ্বাস ও মানসিক দৃঢ়তা প্রদান করে। শেষ পর্যন্ত শুধু কোথায় পৌঁছলাম সেটাই গুরুত্বপূর্ণ নয়; বরং কত বাধা অতিক্রম করলাম এবং সেই যাত্রায় কেমন মানুষ হয়ে উঠলাম—সেটাই জীবনের প্রকৃত সার্থকতা।

Struggles Give Meaning to Success

 

Struggles Give Meaning to Success

“If success had no summit, no one would ever read the stories of struggle.”
— Divyalakshmi Chandra

Success is not merely the achievement of a goal; it is the culmination of patience, perseverance, sacrifice and countless struggles. The value of reaching a mountaintop lies in the difficult journey undertaken to reach it. If success could be attained easily, without obstacles or failures, it would neither inspire others nor become a story worth remembering.

Behind every remarkable achievement lies an untold history of sleepless nights, disappointments, criticism and repeated attempts. The world generally notices the victory, but rarely observes the silent battles fought before it. People admire the light of success, yet only the successful person truly knows how much darkness had to be crossed to reach it.

Struggles test our determination and reveal the strength hidden within us. Difficulties teach patience, failures provide valuable lessons, and rejection encourages self-improvement. Every obstacle prepares us for greater responsibilities and brings us closer to our destination. A person who has never experienced hardship may achieve something, but may not fully understand its value.

The lives of great personalities continue to inspire us because their journeys were not easy. Their accomplishments became meaningful because they refused to surrender before adverse circumstances. They transformed pain into strength, failures into lessons and challenges into opportunities. Their stories remind us that falling is not defeat; refusing to rise again is the real failure.

Therefore, we should never be ashamed of our struggles. They are not signs of weakness but evidence that we are courageously moving towards our goals. Every difficult chapter contributes to the final story of success. The higher the summit, the more demanding the climb—but the view from the top makes every hardship worthwhile.

Success receives admiration, but struggle creates character. The summit gives recognition, while the journey gives wisdom, confidence and inner strength. Ultimately, it is not only where we arrive that matters, but also what we overcome and who we become along the way.

মানব চরিত্র অত্যন্ত জটিল ও পরিবর্তনশীল।

 

মানব চরিত্রের জটিলতা

মানব চরিত্র অত্যন্ত জটিল ও পরিবর্তনশীল। ভালোবাসা, সম্মান ও সহানুভূতি একজন খারাপ মানুষকেও মহৎ করে তুলতে পারে; আবার অপমান, প্রতারণা ও অবিচার একজন ভালো মানুষকেও নিষ্ঠুর করে তুলতে পারে। তাই কারও বর্তমান আচরণ দেখে তাঁর চরিত্রের চূড়ান্ত বিচার করা উচিত নয়। কঠিন পরিস্থিতিতেও নিজের বিবেক ও মানবিকতা অক্ষুণ্ণ রাখাই প্রকৃত মনুষ্যত্ব।

— মুন্সী প্রেমচন্দ

মানব চরিত্রের জটিলতা

 

মানব চরিত্রের জটিলতা

“মানব চরিত্র এতটাই জটিল যে, কখনও নিকৃষ্ট মানুষও দেবতুল্য হয়ে ওঠে, আবার কখনও অত্যন্ত ভালো মানুষও পশুর মতো আচরণ করে।”
— মুন্সী প্রেমচন্দ

মানব চরিত্রকে সহজে বিচার করা যায় না। মানুষের অন্তরে ভালোবাসা ও ঘৃণা, দয়া ও নিষ্ঠুরতা, ত্যাগ ও স্বার্থপরতা—সবকিছুই পাশাপাশি অবস্থান করে। পরিস্থিতি, পরিবেশ, সঙ্গ, জীবনের অভিজ্ঞতা এবং অন্য মানুষের আচরণ তার চরিত্রের কোন দিকটি প্রকাশ পাবে, তা অনেকাংশে নির্ধারণ করে।

কখনও সমাজের চোখে খারাপ বলে পরিচিত একজন মানুষও ভালোবাসা, সম্মান, বিশ্বাস এবং সহানুভূতি পেয়ে সম্পূর্ণ বদলে যেতে পারে। আন্তরিক স্নেহ কঠিন হৃদয়কে কোমল করে এবং সঠিক পথনির্দেশ মানুষের অন্তরে ঘুমিয়ে থাকা মানবিকতাকে জাগিয়ে তোলে। তাই একজন পথভ্রষ্ট মানুষের মধ্যেও সংশোধন ও মহৎ হয়ে ওঠার সম্ভাবনা থাকে।

আবার একজন সৎ, সরল ও সংবেদনশীল মানুষ যখন বারবার অপমান, প্রতারণা, অবিচার ও বিশ্বাসঘাতকতার শিকার হন, তখন তাঁর মনের কোমলতা ধীরে ধীরে নষ্ট হয়ে যেতে পারে। তাঁর সরলতাকে দুর্বলতা এবং সহনশীলতাকে কাপুরুষতা বলে মনে করা হলে তিনি একসময় কঠোর, ক্ষুব্ধ কিংবা প্রতিশোধপরায়ণ হয়ে উঠতে পারেন। অর্থাৎ, প্রতিকূল পরিস্থিতি কখনও একজন ভালো মানুষের আচরণেও অমানবিক পরিবর্তন আনতে পারে।

এই বক্তব্য আমাদের শিক্ষা দেয় যে, কারও বর্তমান আচরণ দেখে তাঁর সম্পূর্ণ চরিত্র সম্পর্কে চূড়ান্ত সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া উচিত নয়। প্রত্যেক খারাপ মানুষের মধ্যে পরিবর্তনের সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে; আবার প্রত্যেক ভালো মানুষকেও নিজের সততা ও মানবিকতা রক্ষা করার জন্য প্রতিনিয়ত আত্মসংযমের পরীক্ষা দিতে হয়।

আমাদের কথা ও ব্যবহার অন্য মানুষের চরিত্রের ওপর গভীর প্রভাব ফেলে। ভালোবাসা, সম্মান ও ক্ষমা একজন বিপথগামী মানুষকে সঠিক পথে ফিরিয়ে আনতে পারে; অন্যদিকে অপমান, অবহেলা ও নিষ্ঠুরতা একজন শান্ত মানুষকেও বিদ্রোহী করে তুলতে পারে। তাই আমাদের এমন আচরণ করা উচিত, যা মানুষের অন্তরের মানবিকতাকে জাগিয়ে তোলে—ধ্বংস করে না।

প্রকৃত মহত্ত্ব কেবল ভালো মানুষ হিসেবে পরিচিত হওয়ার মধ্যে নয়; বরং কঠিন পরিস্থিতিতেও নিজের বিবেক, সহানুভূতি ও মানবিক মূল্যবোধ অক্ষুণ্ণ রাখার মধ্যে নিহিত। অন্যায়ের প্রতিবাদ অবশ্যই করতে হবে, কিন্তু তা করতে গিয়ে নিজে যেন অন্যায়কারী হয়ে না উঠি। এটাই মানব চরিত্রের সবচেয়ে বড় পরীক্ষা এবং প্রকৃত মনুষ্যত্বের পরিচয়।

मानवीय चरित्र इतना जटिल है कि बुरे से बुरा आदमी देवता हो जाता है और अच्छे से अच्छा पशु।

 

मानव चरित्र की जटिलता

“मानवीय चरित्र इतना जटिल है कि बुरे से बुरा आदमी देवता हो जाता है और अच्छे से अच्छा पशु।”

— मुंशी प्रेमचंद

मानव चरित्र को समझना अत्यंत कठिन है, क्योंकि मनुष्य का स्वभाव हमेशा एक जैसा नहीं रहता। प्रत्येक व्यक्ति के भीतर प्रेम और घृणा, करुणा और क्रोध, त्याग और स्वार्थ—सभी भावनाएँ विद्यमान रहती हैं। परिस्थितियाँ, संगति, अनुभव और दूसरों का व्यवहार यह निर्धारित करते हैं कि उसके व्यक्तित्व का कौन-सा पक्ष सामने आएगा।

कभी-कभी समाज जिसे बुरा व्यक्ति मान लेता है, वही प्रेम, विश्वास और सम्मान मिलने पर अपने जीवन को पूरी तरह बदल देता है। किसी की सहानुभूति उसके भीतर सोई हुई मानवता को जगा सकती है। उचित मार्गदर्शन और सच्चा अपनापन कठोर हृदय को भी कोमल बना सकता है। इस प्रकार, बुरे से बुरा व्यक्ति भी अपने कर्मों में सुधार करके महानता की ओर बढ़ सकता है।

इसके विपरीत, एक सज्जन और संवेदनशील व्यक्ति जब लगातार अपमान, विश्वासघात, अन्याय और शोषण सहता है, तब उसके भीतर की अच्छाई धीरे-धीरे कमजोर हो सकती है। बार-बार चोट खाने से उसका विश्वास समाप्त हो जाता है और वह कठोर, क्रोधित अथवा संवेदनहीन बन सकता है। जब उसकी सरलता को कमजोरी और सहनशीलता को कायरता समझा जाता है, तब कभी-कभी वही अच्छा व्यक्ति अमानवीय व्यवहार करने लगता है।

मुंशी प्रेमचंद का यह कथन हमें सिखाता है कि किसी व्यक्ति के वर्तमान आचरण को देखकर उसके सम्पूर्ण चरित्र का अंतिम निर्णय नहीं करना चाहिए। हर बुरे व्यक्ति में सुधार की संभावना होती है और प्रत्येक अच्छे व्यक्ति को अपनी अच्छाई बनाए रखने के लिए निरंतर आत्मसंयम की आवश्यकता होती है। मनुष्य को परिस्थितियों का दास बनने के बजाय अपने विवेक और संस्कारों के अनुसार चलना चाहिए।

हमारे शब्द और व्यवहार भी दूसरों के व्यक्तित्व को प्रभावित करते हैं। प्रेम, सम्मान और क्षमा किसी भटके हुए व्यक्ति को सही मार्ग दिखा सकते हैं, जबकि अपमान, उपेक्षा और क्रूरता किसी शांत व्यक्ति को भी विद्रोही बना सकती है। इसलिए हमें ऐसा व्यवहार करना चाहिए जो दूसरों के भीतर की मानवता को जगाए, न कि उसे नष्ट करे।

वास्तविक महानता केवल अच्छा कहलाने में नहीं, बल्कि कठिन परिस्थितियों में भी अपनी अच्छाई, विवेक और मानवीय संवेदनाओं को सुरक्षित रखने में है। अन्याय का विरोध अवश्य करना चाहिए, परन्तु विरोध करते समय स्वयं अन्यायी नहीं बनना चाहिए। यही मानव चरित्र की सबसे बड़ी परीक्षा और मनुष्यता की सच्ची पहचान है।

मानव चरित्र की जटिलता

 

मानव चरित्र की जटिलता

मानव चरित्र परिस्थितियों और व्यवहार से गहराई से प्रभावित होता है। निरंतर अपमान, विश्वासघात और क्रूरता एक अच्छे व्यक्ति को भी कठोर बना सकती है, जबकि प्रेम, सम्मान और करुणा किसी बुरे व्यक्ति के भीतर भी अच्छाई जगा सकती है। इसलिए हमारा व्यवहार किसी को बिगाड़ भी सकता है और सुधार भी सकता है। सच्ची शक्ति अन्याय का विरोध करते हुए भी अपनी मानवता बनाए रखने में है।

— मुंशी प्रेमचंद

The Complexity of Human Character

 

The Complexity of Human Character

Human character is deeply influenced by circumstances and behaviour. Repeated cruelty, betrayal and humiliation may turn even a good person bitter, while love, respect and compassion can awaken goodness in a hardened heart. Therefore, our conduct has the power either to damage or transform others. True strength lies in resisting injustice without losing one’s own humanity.

— Munshi Premchand

The Complexity of Human Character

 

The Complexity of Human Character

“Human character is so complex that sometimes a good person turns into a devil because of another person’s bad behaviour, while a good person’s influence can transform even a cruel or immoral individual into a gentle human being.”

— Munshi Premchand

Human character is neither fixed nor easily understood. Every person carries within himself both virtue and weakness, compassion and anger, patience and resentment. Which side becomes dominant often depends upon the circumstances, relationships and treatment that a person experiences. Continuous humiliation, betrayal, exploitation and injustice may gradually destroy the goodness of an otherwise sincere person. When kindness is repeatedly mistaken for weakness and trust is constantly betrayed, even a calm individual may become bitter, harsh and revengeful.

At the same time, the opposite transformation is equally possible. Love, respect, sympathy and sincere guidance can awaken humanity even in a person who has travelled far along the path of wrongdoing. A kind word may soften an angry heart; genuine affection may reform a cruel person; and an act of forgiveness may inspire someone to abandon hatred altogether. Many individuals do not change because of punishment or fear—they change when someone treats them with dignity and reminds them that goodness still exists within them.

Premchand’s observation therefore reveals an important truth: our conduct does not affect us alone; it also influences the character and behaviour of those around us. A toxic environment can corrupt a noble mind, while a compassionate environment can reform a disturbed personality. Society is thus built not merely by laws and institutions, but by the daily behaviour of ordinary people toward one another.

However, this does not mean that a person is completely free from responsibility for his actions. Circumstances may influence human conduct, but conscience and self-control remain essential. True strength lies in preserving one’s goodness even when confronted with cruelty. We must learn to resist wrongdoing without becoming wrongdoers ourselves and oppose injustice without allowing hatred to consume our humanity.

The deeper message is simple yet powerful: goodness is contagious, but so is cruelty. Every word, gesture and action may either heal a person or wound him, reform him or corrupt him. Therefore, we should remain conscious of how we treat others. Sometimes, a little respect can save a person from falling into darkness, and a little compassion can transform even a hardened heart into a humane and gentle one.

A lawyer does not get even a single page of a law book for free—then how can his legal advice be expected for free?

 A lawyer does not get even a single page of a law book for free—then how can his legal advice be expected for free?

Legal advice is not merely a few spoken words; it is the result of years of education, continuous study, courtroom experience, professional expenditure and responsibility. A lawyer’s time and knowledge deserve proper respect and remuneration. Free legal aid may be offered to the genuinely needy, but professional advice should never be taken for granted.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Professional Advice Is the Fruit of Years of Sacrifice

 

Professional Advice Is the Fruit of Years of Sacrifice

“A lawyer does not get even a single page of a book for free; then how can he be expected to give legal advice for free?”

Behind every legal opinion lies a long journey of education, disciplined study, practical experience and professional responsibility. A lawyer must continuously purchase books, study statutes, follow judicial precedents, attend court proceedings, maintain an office and devote countless hours to research. Even a seemingly simple legal question may require careful examination of facts, applicable laws and recent judgments before responsible advice can be given.

Legal advice is not merely a collection of spoken words. It is the product of years of learning, observation, interpretation and experience. A few minutes of consultation may contain the accumulated wisdom of decades of professional practice. Moreover, incorrect or casual advice may seriously affect a person’s liberty, property, family, business or reputation. Therefore, a conscientious lawyer must apply both knowledge and judgment before expressing an opinion.

People willingly pay doctors for medical consultation, architects for designs, accountants for financial advice and engineers for technical expertise. In the same manner, the professional knowledge and time of an advocate deserve equal recognition and respect. Seeking free legal advice while expecting complete accuracy and responsibility undervalues the labour, sacrifice and accountability involved in the legal profession.

An advocate may certainly render free legal assistance to the poor, distressed and genuinely helpless as an act of humanity and professional duty. However, voluntary legal aid should never be treated as a general entitlement or used to diminish the value of an advocate’s services. Charity is a matter of conscience; professional service is a matter of rightful remuneration.

Respecting a lawyer’s professional fee means respecting the years spent acquiring knowledge, the time devoted to studying the matter and the responsibility undertaken while advising the client. Books are not free, education is not free, office expenses are not free, and a lawyer’s time and expertise cannot always be expected to be free.

Value legal advice, because behind every responsible opinion stands a lifetime of learning, labour and professional accountability.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

 

Ganesh Chaturthi - 14 September 2026 - Monday

 

Happy Birthday to Advocate Tirthankar Roy

 

Happy Birthday to Advocate Tirthankar Roy

Heartiest birthday wishes to Sri Tirthankar Roy, learned Advocate, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday on 1st September.

Sri Roy is a knowledgeable, sincere and accomplished legal professional who ordinarily practises before the Alipore Judges’ Court and Alipore Police Court, particularly on the criminal side. Publicly accessible legal records also reflect his appearances in criminal appeals, bail applications and other proceedings before the Alipore courts. His public Facebook profile identifies him professionally as an advocate. 

The first day of September appears symbolically appropriate for a person who occupies a distinguished position through professional knowledge, simplicity and humane conduct. In numerology, the month of September represents the number nine, often associated with completeness, wisdom and generosity. Thus, his birthday on the first day of the ninth month beautifully reflects a professional journey that strives for excellence while remaining complete in kindness and humanity.

What makes Sri Roy especially admirable is not merely his command of law, but his conduct towards others. He is neither egoistic nor affected by professional pride. Behind his firm and well-versed professional personality lies a genuinely compassionate heart. His warmth extends to colleagues, court staff and, particularly, junior advocates, whom he treats with encouragement, dignity and affection. His generosity cannot adequately be expressed in a few words—the more one speaks about it, the more one feels that much still remains unsaid.

His devotion and spirit of fellowship are equally reflected in the Ganapati Puja at Alipore Police Court, which he initiated twelve years ago. The present celebration marks the thirteenth consecutive year of that cherished tradition. What began through his initiative has grown into an enduring occasion of faith, unity and fraternity among members of the legal community.

On this memorable day, I pray that Almighty God and Lord Ganapati bless him with sound health, lasting happiness, professional distinction and many more years of meaningful service to the legal fraternity and society. May he continue to inspire others through his knowledge, humility, generosity and heartfelt kindness.

Happy Birthday, Tirthankar Roy. May your journey always remain illuminated by justice, wisdom and humanity.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Happy Birthday, Advocate Tirthankar Roy

 

Happy Birthday, Advocate Tirthankar Roy

Heartiest birthday wishes to Sri Tirthankar Roy, learned Advocate, on 1st September. A well-versed criminal lawyer practising at the Alipore Judges’ and Police Courts, he is admired for his professional knowledge, humility and heartfelt kindness—especially towards junior advocates. He initiated Ganapati Puja at the Alipore Police Court twelve years ago, and this year marks its thirteenth consecutive celebration. The more one speaks of his generosity, the less it seems. May Lord Ganapati bless him with good health, happiness and continued professional success.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta