Cricketer Virat Kohli, who’s known for his aggressiveness on the field, recently said aggression is his strength and he does not think he should curb it. He got people thinking if aggression is actually a virtue.

For many, life is a rough route, where toughness comes in handy. From making it to a school, to completing college and entering the corporate world requires individuals to show hints of aggression at times, otherwise, they end up being overlooked.
Here, the question remains — how far is it right to be aggressive? TV actor and regular to reality shows, Sky Walker (aka Akashdeep Saigal) feels that being aggressive for the right reason is not a bad thing. “Being aggressive works well when it is for a good purpose. If you have to decide between right and wrong, or do something that is good for mankind, then there is no harm in being aggressive. But it should be channelised well,” he says.
Sky, who is famous for his aggressive behaviour on some of the shows he participated in, feels that aggression also stems when you have to survive a situation. “Being angry is an art which works well in many a task. If you are in a situation which requires you to be aggressive to surpass any kind of a fear, you should show aggression. In shows like Fear Factor, you have no option but to be aggressive for your own survival,” he adds.
Ex captain of the Indian football team, Baichung Bhutia suggests that aggression should be controlled, since if it goes even a bit over the right limit, it translates into anger. “There is a marked difference between being aggressive and being angry. Youth should not confuse the two. Anger does not work as one has a list of morals to follow in life and on the field (referring to sports). But being aggressive to some extent works as it comes with hunger to succeed. It is very important for youth to have control over aggression, and one should not continue with it after their target is achieved,” says he.
Famous for her calm composure, actress Shruti Seth feels that only a given situation can determine or justify use of aggression. It may be required one day, and not be useful the next day. “It depends on the indivual. Someone like Virat is in a competitive field, and if being aggressive gives him an extra push, then why not! But he would be different when he is not playing. So, it depends on the situation you are in, and aggression should be limited to your field and work. It should not seep into your everyday life,” she says.
Experts feel that aggression can be used for a good reason by young generation only when it is within limit. Dr Geetanjali Kumar, a counsellor and psychologist, says, “If youth limit aggression to competition, it is okay. It should be in permissible limit and for a positive reason. Just sometime back, a lady in Satyamev Jayate said, ‘Aansoo bankar nahi bahoongi main’. She was dealing with bigger crises in her life and showing aggression in such situations is not harmful. Youth should develop critical thinking to decide and make sure their aggression is not harmful.”
Sky agrees with Dr Kumar and adds, “Being aggressive is a fine line one walks because at times it can be destructive too. Youth should know the difference.”