ಬೇಲಿ ಎದ್ದು ಹೊಲ ಮೇಯುವ ಹಾಗೆ – “Like the fence itself jumps over and grazes the field.”
Today I experienced something that left me both surprised and saddened.
During a routine evening walk in my own community where I lived for a long duration, a security guard stopped me with a tone and choice of words that implied suspicion.
He actually asked me twice in two separate rounds, later claiming he hadn’t heard me the first time.
When I questioned why no one else walking nearby was stopped, he replied, “I ask only people I doubt.”
I raised my voice and asked what exactly made me look “doubtful” to him.
There was no answer.
I also asked why he hadn’t cross-checked my flat number and the details in the resident app when I told him both the times, if he was doubtful.
He grew embarrassed—and soon after, I learned he was speaking negatively about me to others.
This incident is more than a single interaction; it reflects a mindset of misusing authority under the name of “rules” or “doing my job.”
Security checks are important, but dignity is also equally important. Taking someone’s information in the name of security check and not scrutinizing it with the community app clearly indicate what he was trying to play.
Rules should protect people, not become weapons of embarrassment.
Too often, these so-called checks – online/offline turn into information gathering about women, kids or for data collection of everyone rather than genuine safety measures.
And it is not only women who suffer.
The weaker sections of society—anyone perceived as less powerful—are often mistreated in the name of power because many assume, “What will they do?”
Bystanders may stay silent, thinking it’s “just a routine check,” until the day it happens to them or their own family.
By then, they too may find themselves standing alone.
With this type of behavior, we lose hope in good people too—those who serve with real intention and follow proper process and procedure. I know many people who are in power but they use it for protecting others but not for misusing it on anyone.
Their sincere efforts get overshadowed by the few who misuse their role.
Respect is not optional.
A job title does not grant anyone the right to belittle or gossip.
Professionalism means treating everyone with courtesy, whether they are a resident, a visitor, or a stranger.
Let’s remember:
Rules exist to keep us safe, not to humiliate or to take control on the information gathered.
Jobs exist to serve people, not to overpower them.
Security doesn’t mean disrespect.
When we forget that, we lose more than we protect.
✊ Stand for Yourself — and for Others.
What we ignore as a “small thing” today can grow into a much bigger issue tomorrow.
Your instincts are powerful. Trust them.
Silence and tolerance in the face of unfairness only strengthen the wrong.
Speak up. Act. Change begins with courage.
⚖️ Do Not Expect a Huge Crowd to Stand With You.
Whether the battle is big or small, truth is often supported by few from ancient times.
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