India, May 15 -- There is a troubling entitlement that has seeped into contemporary politics and the concept of citizen engagement. Today, many believe that citizen participation is limited to voting or being spurred into protests in service of partisan political agenda. The idea that effective governance means shielding citizens from the reality of global crises has become an accepted norm, one far removed from the foundational discussions held during the Constituent Assembly debates, where duties were frequently mentioned alongside rights.

Currently, the political class seems fixated on keeping citizens insulated and reactive. Oil wars may erupt, shipping lanes can collapse, and once stable regions may ignite, yet if petrol prices rise...