Need To Cultivate Civic Sense

'We often dream of a better nation — cleaner roads, disciplined traffic, and respectful public behavior. But we sometimes forget that a nation is not just built by rules alone; it is built by the actions and attitudes of its people.'

I am writing this article to express the importance of something that plays a vital role in developing our society. It just needs a little awareness and responsibility -- I’m talking about civic sense.

Civic sense is the awareness that every citizen must have about how to behave in public — be it respecting the traffic rules, not littering, standing in queues, speaking politely, or taking utmost care of public property. 

In simple words, it’s about being an accountable and responsible human in society.

But here’s the truth: when things go wrong — when the roads are dirty, surroundings disrespectful and traffic chaotic — we immediately start blaming others. However, civic sense is a responsibility that every person must have, for the development of society and the country overall. 

No law can stop someone from spitting on the road if that person doesn't feel responsible for no policy can clean a city if some keep throwing garbage in the streets. We’ve had many different cleanliness drives and campaigns. But what’s the point if we clean one day and litter the next? 

It’s high time we understand that real change doesn’t come from just government offices — it comes from our homes, our classrooms, and our streets.

If every citizen just followed basic civic rules, we wouldn’t need huge campaigns or awareness drives. Our country would naturally become cleaner, more organised, and more respected — both by us and by the world.

And before we even talk about changing our society or our country, we should begin with our own school. Every day, many of us casually throw snack wrappers, tissue papers, or plastic bottles around the premises — as if it is someone else’s duty to clean them. But it’s not. 

A school is not just a place to learn subjects — it’s where we learn to build habits. And one of the most important habits we must build is respect for shared/collective spaces. 

Simply using the dustbin when needed, keeping classrooms neat and clean, and treating school property responsibly, these small acts are the seeds of civic sense.

 In conclusion, let’s stop waiting for others to fix our society. Let’s stop saying  “Hamro desh ta yestai ho.” Instead, let’s say — “I will make the difference.”

Because a nation is only as strong, as clean, and as respected as its people are.

Grade: X,  Modern Indian School 

Chobhar, Kirtipur