As Public policy enthusiasts, we often discuss the role of the government and the kind of policies to be implemented. We focus more on the governance. We speak about the rights, but very few talks about the duties. I got a chance to read Aranya Kanda of Ramayan, in which one character inspired me, the most and also made me pause for a while to rethink about my responsibilities as a citizen. In this piece, I would like to discuss about the most iconic character of Ramayana, “Jatayu” and the things we as a citizen of this country can learn from this beautiful character.

In the Valmiki Ramayana, Jatayu, the aged king of vultures and a trusted friend of King Dasharatha, witnessed Ravana abducting Maa Sita, carrying her away towards Lanka. Although old and aware of Ravana’s immense strength, Jatayu could not bear to see such an act of “adharma” unfold before his eyes. He confronted Ravana, appealed to him to release Maa Sita, and when his words were ignored, courageously engaged in a battle with the mighty demon king. Jatayu fought with remarkable determination, damaging Ravana’s chariot and attempting with all his strength to rescue Maa Sita despite the overwhelming odds against him.

The battle eventually took its toll, and Ravana, enraged by the resistance, struck down Jatayu by severing his wings. Mortally wounded, Jatayu fell to the earth but remained alive long enough to meet Rama and Lakshmana, to whom he recounted the abduction and indicated the direction in which Ravana had fled. Having done everything within his power to protect Maa Sita and aid Rama’s search, Jatayu breathed his last in Rama’s presence, earning the Lord’s deepest respect and gratitude for his selfless sacrifice in the cause of righteousness.

The significance of Jatayu’s action extends far beyond the Ramayana. His action offers profound lessons for modern citizens living in an age where many choose silence over responsibility. The old Jatayu had the option of remaining “neutral” and continuing his sleep even after witnessing such a heinous act unfold before him.

However, he chose otherwise. He did everything within his capacity to stop the abduction of Maa Sita and, in that process, set a strong benchmark of civic courage. His actions demonstrate that one need not occupy the highest political office or hold a position in the civil services to stand up against injustice. Every citizen has the ability and responsibility to resist wrongdoing and contribute to the larger public good. We need not necessarily take part in a combat fight with the wrongdoers, like how Jatayu acted then. We have provisions in our country to be a responsible whistleblower, adhering to the rule of law and the constitution.

In many ways, Jatayu represents the ideal citizen in a constitutional democracy. Democracies do not function merely because governments exist; they function because ordinary citizens remain vigilant, participate in public life, and refuse to be silent when faced with injustice. Whether it is reporting corruption, exposing abuse of power, assisting victims of crime, protecting public property, or standing up against discrimination, the strength of a society depends on the willingness of its citizens to act when circumstances demand it. Public institutions alone cannot ensure justice if citizens choose silence in the face of wrongdoing.

The story of Jatayu is also a reminder that success should not be the sole measure of public action. Technically, Jatayu failed in his mission—he could not prevent Ravana from taking Maa Sita to Lanka. Yet, the Ramayana remembers him not for the outcome, but for the courage of his attempt. In public life too, individuals who expose corruption, challenge injustice, or defend constitutional principles may not always achieve immediate success. Nevertheless, their actions strengthen democratic values and inspire others to act with integrity. The moral worth of an action often lies not in its result, but in the commitment to do what is right despite adverse circumstances.

At a time when societies across the world face challenges such as corruption, misinformation, declining civic participation, and growing public enthusiasm, the example of Jatayu remains remarkably relevant. His story teaches us that neutrality in the face of injustice is not always a solution. There are moments when silence indirectly benefits the offender and weakens the moral foundations of democracy. Responsible citizenship requires not only the enjoyment of rights but also the willingness to discharge duties towards fellow citizens and the nation.

Jatayu’s sacrifice, therefore, deserves to be remembered not merely as an episode from an ancient epic but as a powerful lesson in public ethics. He reminds us that the defence of justice is not the exclusive responsibility of rulers, governments, or law enforcement agencies. It is a shared responsibility of every citizen. In choosing duty over silence and courage over comfort, Jatayu left behind a model of citizenship that continues to hold relevance even in the twenty-first century.

The Author is a Public Policy Fellow at AgaPuram Policy Research Centre, Erode

The views expressed by the author are personal and do not reflect or represent the views of the AgaPuram Policy Research Centre.