Prof Mithilesh Kumar Sinha
Retired Professor, Nagaland University, Lumami
We exist under the influence of a 'Humanity Deficit,' where the fragmentation of society and the commercialization of the human spirit serve as the driving forces behind global advancement. The term 'Humanity Deficit' denotes an expanding, systemic lack of empathy, ethical awareness, and human-centered values within society, propelled by technological, economic, and social influences. It represents a transition in which efficiency, automation, and profit-oriented objectives (the 'human ledger') eclipse human welfare, resulting in dehumanization, heightened social fragmentation, and a deterioration of moral principles.
In India, the 'humanity deficit' is exemplified by a reduction in fundamental human values amid swift modernization and economic development, highlighting the widening chasm between material advancement and ethical, compassionate conduct. This transformation is characterized by escalating individualism, avarice, and the disintegration of traditional, community-oriented value systems, culminating in a 'mechanical' way of life where empathy and respect for others are frequently neglected. A significant decline in human values in India, fueled by rampant materialism and competition, has led to extensive social disintegration, increased criminal activity, and a loss of empathy.
The decline of human values, insufficient public investment in social infrastructure, ongoing social and economic inequality, jobless growth coupled with high unemployment, malnutrition alongside health disparities, gender inequality, and inadequate education and skills contribute to a human deficit. Furthermore, an excessive focus on innovation—especially in the realm of Artificial Intelligence—results in a "humanity deficit" by placing productivity above human welfare.
These days, I perceive animals as more humane than humans. In contemporary society, individuals seem to be consumed by a singular focus on wealth, wealth! Today, people are willing to harm their parents and loved ones solely for the sake of property and associated greed! Every individual appears to be engrossed in technology, particularly mobile phones, neglecting the more beautiful world that exists outside. When people's mindsets become artificial, how can one expect them to respond with empathy? It seems that many have forgotten their very existence. They appear to be overwhelmingly focused on material possessions, firearms, hatred, prejudice, social media, drugs, alcohol, greed, ego, the desire to be 'right', 'winning', status, wealth, bullying, deceit, scamming, and engaging in fraudulent activities.
The erosion of human values, often described as a "humanity deficit," significantly hampers India's economic advancement by promoting corruption, inequality, and diminished social cohesion. This deterioration in values such as empathy, integrity, and responsibility results in inefficiencies that hinder growth. The "humanity deficit"—commonly referred to in economic terms as a shortfall in human capital (including skills, education, and health) or, more generally, as an ecological deficit (the consumption of resources at a rate faster than their natural regeneration)—exerts serious negative effects on sustainable economic growth. A lack of focus on the human aspect indicates that the workforce is not being adequately nurtured, which in turn leads to decreased productivity, diminished innovation, and sluggish economic development.
Tackling the "humanity deficit"—a phrase that describes the reduction in empathy, compassion, and human-centered values as a result of excessive digitization, increasing individualism, and an obsession with technology—necessitates a deliberate transition towards emphasizing human connection, mental well-being, and intentional, compassionate living.
