In an era where public image often trumps inner integrity, the phrase “धर्म निभाना पड़ता है, ना कि दिखाना” serves as a gentle (and much-needed) reminder of what real responsibility looks like. Loosely translated, it means: “One must uphold their duty, not merely showcase it.”
It’s a statement loaded with moral clarity—quiet, firm, and rooted deeply in the Indian philosophical tradition where धर्म (Dharma) is not just about religion, but about righteousness, ethics, and duty.
Dharma: Not Just a Concept, But a Commitment
In ancient Indian thought, dharma isn’t something you perform for the crowd—it’s something you live, often quietly, and always sincerely. It’s what Arjuna struggled with in the Mahabharata, it’s what unsung caregivers do every day, and it’s what separates intent from action.
Dharma is not public relations.
It’s not a photo-op.
It’s not for applause.
It’s often inconvenient. It’s frequently thankless. And it’s absolutely essential.
Modern-Day Example: A Sanitation Worker During COVID-19
Let’s take a real-world example from recent history: During the COVID-19 lockdowns, while many people were locked safely in their homes, sanitation workers showed up every single day.
No hashtags.
No limelight.
No viral reels.
Just masks, gloves, and commitment.
These are people who quietly cleaned our streets, emptied our waste bins, and sanitized public spaces—without any press conferences or social media campaigns. That is dharma in action. Not flashy. Just necessary.
Another Example: A Teacher in a Remote Village
Consider a government school teacher in a remote village in Himachal or Odisha who walks 5 km every day to teach 12 students in a rundown classroom. She isn’t being followed by a news channel. She isn’t putting her lesson plans on Instagram.
But she shows up. Every day.
That’s dharma. That’s not for display, that’s for duty.
She isn’t doing it because it “looks good.”
She’s doing it because it is good.
Why Showing Dharma is Tempting, but Living It is Powerful
In the social media age, where optics are everything, there’s immense pressure to “appear” dutiful. We’ve all seen it—people broadcasting their acts of charity, help, or kindness with a side of filters and background music.
But here’s the difference:
- Showing dharma gets you followers.
- Living dharma builds trust.
Only one of those is sustainable.
Only one of those actually makes the world better.
Why This Matters Today
In a time where virtue signaling often substitutes for virtue itself, remembering that **dharma is a responsibility—not a performance—**is crucial. Whether it’s leadership, parenting, mentorship, or just being a decent human being, the real work often happens behind the scenes, with no audience.
When you help a colleague without telling the boss.
When you admit a mistake before anyone notices.
When you do the right thing when it’s hard—and when no one is watching.
That’s dharma.
That’s enough.
Final Thoughts
“धर्म निभाना पड़ता है, ना कि दिखाना” isn’t just a nice phrase to toss around during moral science class—it’s a compass. A reminder that the truest service often happens in silence. And the people who make the biggest difference rarely need to announce it.
So the next time you’re tempted to hit “post” on something good you did, ask yourself:
Am I doing this for the world to see? Or because it was the right thing to do?
Because Dharma doesn’t need a spotlight. It just needs you to show up.
