Most of the people who are reading this post were born in a free, economically resurgent and forward looking India. Our parents’ generation is responsible for having gotten us this far. But while they have achieved a lot, they could not succeed in solving a host of extremely pressing problems and dilemmas facing us today. The baton is in our hands now. We can choose to maintain the status quo or take a stand and change the society we all crib about. Here are a few things our generation needs to leave behind.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” – Edmund Burke

7. Looking to the government for solutions to our own problems.

The government didn’t do this. The government didn’t do that. We complain about our dirty streets and garbage strewn public spaces yet we don’t think twice before littering. We complain about corruption yet we don’t hesitate to give a bribe to get things done faster or get away from fines. Laws and rules can’t change things. It is we who have to change.

8. The “Chalta Hai” attitude.

Let’s accept it. We’re a bit lazy. We tend to turn a blind eye to many things that bother us, choosing to crib about them endlessly yet taking no steps to address said problems. “Chalta hai.” But no, when it comes to our everyday lives, “Nahi Chalta Hai!” (It’s not okay.) Rape nahi chalta hai. Corruption nahi chalta hai. Gundagiri nahi chalti hai. It’s heartening to see that a lot of us have come to realize this and are taking steps to remedy this behavior. Let’s vote. Let’s donate. Let’s teach. Let’s start respecting women. Let’s take the plunge into politics. Instead of “Chalta Hai,” let’s say, “Aise Nahi Chalega!”