Dharma in modern life means more than following age-old rules; it’s about living responsibly and ethically in every moment. Derived from a Sanskrit root meaning “to sustain” or “to uphold,” dharma refers to duties, moral values, and conduct that supports both personal integrity and social harmony.

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, dharma asks us to balance our roles as professionals, family members, friends, and citizens. It means making choices not just for personal benefit but with empathy, fairness, and awareness of their consequences—how they affect others and the environment.

Honesty, compassion, non-violence, generosity—these universal ethical traits remain core.

Dharma also means being true to your own nature—your “svadharma”—your unique talents, circumstances, and responsibilities. Rather than blindly imitating others, it’s about doing what feels right given who you are and what is expected of you in relationships, work, and community. When we align our actions with inner values, dharma brings peace, trust, and purpose to our lives—and helps create a more just, compassionate society. Sampurn Chalisa