Until the age of 19, I lived in the Communist Party commune where

"Until the age of 19, I lived in the Communist Party commune where eight families lived in 180 to 200 square feet of space. In that world, social justice was a given. We grew up valuing that." – Shabana Azmi

In the tapestry of human history, there are times when the conditions of life are shaped not by the will of one, but by the collective efforts and ideals of many. Shabana Azmi, an actress and activist, reflects on the profound influence of her early life in a Communist Party commune, where the concepts of social justice and community were not just ideals but lived realities. Living in close quarters with other families in cramped spaces, she learned the power of solidarity and the importance of ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. Her experience mirrors a time when the very structure of society was built upon the belief that the collective welfare was paramount, and that equality was the foundation upon which true peace and prosperity could be built.

The ancients, too, understood the importance of community and social justice in the functioning of a society. In the Greek city-states, particularly in Sparta, the well-being of the whole community was prioritized above the needs of the individual. The Spartan agoge, the education system for boys, emphasized collective strength, discipline, and loyalty to the state. Though their methods were harsh, the underlying principle was clear: society’s strength lies in its unity and in the fair distribution of resources, which was intended to ensure that all members could contribute and benefit equally. Similarly, Azmi’s experience growing up in a communal space where resources were shared, and the common good was valued, reflects the ancient ideal that justice is a living, breathing force in everyday life—not just a lofty idea or a political slogan.

In the context of communism, the emphasis on social justice is often tied to the redistribution of resources and the creation of a system where no one is left behind. While the realities of such systems are complex and have evolved differently around the world, the core idea remains a profound one: that true justice is not about elevating one above others, but about ensuring that every individual is treated with fairness and dignity. Azmi’s story speaks to this deeper value—the understanding that equality and justice are not abstract concepts, but principles that shape our interactions, our community, and our world.

This concept of social justice also echoes in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who, like Azmi, grew up in a world where the ideals of equality and justice were vital to his development. Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance to British colonial rule in India was rooted not just in political freedom, but in a moral call for the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of caste, creed, or class. Gandhi believed that true justice could only be achieved when every individual, from the poorest to the most powerful, was treated with equal respect. In the same way, Azmi’s formative years in a community that valued justice deeply shaped her worldview, instilling in her a lifelong commitment to equality and fairness for all.

However, the wisdom of Azmi’s reflection also carries an essential lesson about the human condition—that true justice is not easily attained, and that it often requires sacrifice and collective effort. The challenges of living in a commune—where space and resources are limited, and every individual’s actions affect the whole—offer a glimpse into the sacrifices required to build a just society. Yet, this communal existence is also where the strength of the human spirit is nurtured, where the bonds of solidarity are forged through shared hardships. This wisdom is captured in the ancient proverb, “A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong,” which speaks to the power of community in overcoming adversity.

Azmi’s acknowledgment that social justice was a given in her early life is a powerful reminder that justice is not something that should be granted by the few to the many, but something that should be the birthright of all. She learned that justice is not something external to be fought for, but a principle that can be woven into the very fabric of society, in the way we share resources, the way we treat one another, and the way we structure our communities. Her message to us is clear: true justice requires us to build systems that are grounded in solidarity, compassion, and equality, and that these principles must be upheld in both the smallest acts and the grandest designs.

In practical terms, the lesson is that social justice begins with action—in our homes, our workplaces, our communities. It requires that we challenge inequality wherever we see it, whether it is in the access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities. We must seek to build a world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, has access to the resources they need to live with dignity and purpose. Just as Azmi’s community provided her with the strength to embrace justice, so too can we create communities where compassion and equality are the bedrock upon which we build our collective future.