VVIP culture in India refers to the deeply rooted practice of granting preferential treatment to individuals considered “Very Important Persons”—usually politicians, bureaucrats, celebrities, and other elites. While the term itself may seem innocuous, its real-life implications are far-reaching and often daunting. Why is it daunting?

Erosion of equality: It undermines the democratic ideal that all citizens are equal before the law and in public life.

Public resentment: Seeing elites live without problems while others wait in line or face hardships breeds frustration and cynicism.

Economic burden: VVIP culture discourages investment and innovation. Entrepreneurs spend too much time dealing with regulations that VVIPs circumvent.

Misleading perspective: Cities are cleaned and beautified only for VVIP visits, creating a misleading image of civic upkeep.

Spiritual distortion: As Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar pointed out, VIP darshan in temples “militates against divinity” and violates the sanctity of religious spaces.

At its core, VVIP culture is a symbol of systemic inequality, a relic of colonial and feudal mentalities that clashes with modern India’s aspirations for inclusion and equity. It’s not just about blaring sirens or jumping the queue; it’s about the invisible walls that separate the powerful from the people.