Popular Indian actor Saanand Verma, recognized for his impactful roles on television and in films, has delivered a powerful message about the essence of genuine social service. He asserts that the most fundamental act of humanity—feeding those who are hungry—is where true social work begins.
Action Over Awareness: The Core of Social Change
Speaking with conviction about the purpose behind social causes, Verma clarified his stance. “For me, social work has only one true meaning – feeding those who are hungry,” he stated. He pointed out the uncomfortable reality that persists in the country, saying, “Covering our eyes doesn’t change reality, and the truth is that even today, our country is struggling with hunger.”
He emphasized that meaningful change must originate at the individual level. According to Verma, personal transformation is the non-negotiable foundation for any broader societal reform. “Unless we change ourselves first, we cannot talk about changing society,” he advised. He encouraged people to observe their immediate environment, identify problems, and start by helping even one person at a time.
Verma critiqued the current era of information overload and artificial intelligence, arguing that excessive awareness has paradoxically led to diluted action. “Awareness alone doesn’t help. Awareness is one thing; taking action is another,” he asserted. His call is for people to move beyond online discourse and engage in tangible help within their own communities.
Corruption as the Root Obstacle
The actor identified corruption as the most significant hurdle holding India back from its full potential. He expressed a strong belief that the nation's strength and prosperity have been severely undermined by this deep-rooted issue. “If corruption didn’t exist, India could have been much stronger—stronger than China or America,” Verma claimed.
He advocated for stringent measures against corrupt practices, suggesting that those found guilty deserve severe punishment. Verma even proposed the idea of lifelong imprisonment, maintaining that corruption is the source of numerous other societal problems that plague the nation.
Role of Influencers and the Social Media Paradox
Saanand Verma also highlighted the substantial responsibility carried by public figures and influencers in shaping public opinion. He believes they must leverage their platform to speak openly, fearlessly, and honestly about pressing social issues, as people pay close attention to their words. “Don’t be afraid to call out something wrong,” he urged, adding that real reform will come from people's efforts, not from technology or AI alone.
While acknowledging the utility of social media, Verma cautioned against over-dependence. He described it as a tool that requires wise and balanced usage. “The real essence of life is in human touch, not virtual interaction,” he remarked, advocating for healthier, real-world conversations to create a genuine social impact.
Saanand Verma's overarching message is clear and direct: reduce the talk about awareness and increase concrete work towards action, humanity, and real-world solutions. In a lighter vein, hinting at his selective engagement online, he quipped, “What's on My Phone ft. Saanand Verma: Meri contact list se zyada lambi meri block list hogi (My block list will be longer than my contact list).”
