Dear Friends,

I write to you today with a heavy heart—carrying not just the sting of personal humiliation, but a reflection on something much deeper and systemic.

A few days ago, I was invited by a retired colonel friend—someone I deeply respect—to play golf at an army course. As his guest, I paid a significant green fee and was happy to do so. We played a few rounds together, enjoying the game and the day.

Then came a moment that left me shaken.

At one particular hole, our fairway ran parallel to another. While I was preparing to take my shot, a group of officers appeared from the opposite side, unintentionally walking into my fairway. I paused, thinking they’d move along quickly, as per golf etiquette. Instead, they stopped and stood there, watching. Under pressure, I took my shot—it went into the bushes.

As I went to retrieve my ball, one officer grumbled that I was disturbing him. I apologized and stepped aside. He took his shot and mishit it. Then, to my disbelief, he walked back toward me—visibly angry—and demanded:
“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

Still calm, I replied lightheartedly,
“I’m just a human being, like yourself.”

That clearly upset him. He pointed at me and said with disdain,
“So, you’re a civilian. You have no right to be here.”

His words cut deeper than I expected. Suddenly, more of his group joined in, accusing me of disturbing their game—despite the fact that they were on the wrong fairway. My host tried to defuse the situation and so did I, but the remarks became increasingly abusive and condescending.

Here’s what truly shook me:
In most societies, we often point fingers at the uneducated for making discriminatory or classist remarks. But here I was—facing humiliation and bias from a highly educated, decorated, retired colonel. It wasn’t racial this time, but it was status-based discrimination—a deep-seated belief that one’s uniform, rank, or entitlement makes them superior.

As a nation, we must rise above this mindset—not just communally, but socially. Not just racially, but hierarchically. Whether you’re an officer or a civilian, rich or poor—your position or money does not make you superior to another human being.

Let me be clear: I have the highest respect for our armed forces. This story is not written to discredit them, but to shine a light on the fact that even spaces built with civilian funds—like this golf course—are being treated as exclusive assets for a select few. Officers play there for free. Civilians like me are charged heavily. And yet, when we enter that space, we’re reminded that we don’t belong.

But we do belong. These spaces are community assets, not personal privileges. That was my reason for sharing this story.

It’s not about one argument or one ruined shot—it’s about remembering who we are as a nation. Equal. Respectful. And united in our humanity.

Warm regards,
Kunal Jain
Founder, Kaushalm Foundation
(Jaipur | Florida)

Hindi poetry