Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt austerity measures amid growing uncertainty in the Gulf region and its impact on global markets. People were advised to avoid unnecessary spending, postpone buying gold for a while, save resources and reduce petrol consumption, as fuel prices and energy concerns continue to rise globally. The message from the Prime Minister was simple and clear — during difficult times, a country becomes stronger not only through government decisions, but also through citizens acting responsibly and maintaining discipline in their daily lives.

Yet there is perhaps another form of austerity India urgently needs to discuss: digital austerity. I only wish the Prime Minister had also appealed to citizens to detox from smartphones for at least a few hours every week, if not an entire day. Such a step may sound symbolic, even impractical in today’s hyperconnected world. But its benefits could be enormous, not just for mental and physical health, but also for savings, family life, productivity, fuel conservation and social harmony.

I still remember the days of my school and college life in Srinagar when Sundays meant playing cricket in the Polo Ground, spending long afternoons talking with family members, taking some rest and seeing neighbours visiting each other for tea without any phone call or prior message. Life was simple, calm and more connected at a human level.

Today, Sundays do not feel different from Mondays. Mobile phones keep buzzing the whole day with notifications. Online shopping never stops. Office emails come even late at night. Social media works round the clock without any break. The smartphone, which was once meant to make life easier, has now slowly taken over people’s time, attention and daily routine.

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly spoken about the need to remain careful about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence and Deepfakes. 

Our country needs to seriously think about a bold idea: a proper and perhaps partly compulsory “digital detox” culture. This does not mean rejecting technology. That would neither be practical nor desirable. Technology has improved lives, expanded education, connected remote villages and strengthened businesses. Smartphones today are essential for governance, banking, communication and emergency services. But every powerful invention needs discipline, ethics and some rules. Roads need traffic........

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