—Syed Ahmed Ali
Youth are the backbone of the nation, playing a crucial role in nation-building. Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, aptly stated, ‘Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people.’
To understand the challenges confronting our youth in 2023 and explore strategic approaches for the way forward in 2024, we engaged in a dialogue with Muhammad Asadullah Azmi, Former Editor Chatrvimarsh and Social Worker Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh; along with Dr. Syed Umar Farooq, an Associate Professor, and Director at I.Q Academy Warangal, and Rakya Tabassum, President of GIO Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
Muhammad Asadullah Azmi Former Editor Chatrvimarsh and Social Worker Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
Today, we are living in young India, and it is a matter of great pride for us that we have the highest number of youth in the world. However, it is a matter of great concern that 2023 has passed, but it has left many challenges before our youth.
Education: Education in India has become prohibitively expensive. The commercialization of education has marginalized the economically disadvantaged, preventing their access to higher education. Escalating fees are burdening the youth, leaving them envisioning a bleak future.
Youth suicide rates are increasing globally, with over 8 lakh people taking their lives annually. Vishva’s organization reports that 17 percent of these cases are from India, primarily affecting young individuals.
Unemployment: Unemployment is a big challenge for Indian youth. Due to unemployment, the problem of mental depression is increasing among the youth. Every year, a long army of unemployed youth is standing before the country. The unemployment rate for youth in India is more than 23 percent.
Religious Intolerance: Another challenge is that of religious intolerance, which has reached its peak in the last 10 years among the youth, causing immense damage to the fabric of Indian society. Such radicalization of youth is a threat to the future of India and is a negative sign of the decline of moral values.
Decline of Moral Values: In 2023, the rapid decline of moral values among Indian youth, fueled by social media, is alarming. Incidents, such as youth committing heinous acts for personal gain, and the prevalence of obscene content on social platforms, highlight the concerning abyss of moral degradation.
Strategy to Overcome Challenges: To address these challenges in 2024, Indian policymakers must prioritize youth. A successful youth policy should provide opportunities, improve education, instill dreams, and create a positive environment. Religious education should be promoted, and measures taken against fundamentalist organizations and inflammatory speeches. Control over glorifying communal views is crucial to curb the rising youth suicide rate.
Dr Syed Umar Farooq, Associate Professor & Director I.Q Academy
In 2023, Indian youth face substantial challenges, constituting 50% of the population under 25 and 65% under 35, emphasizing the significant youth demographic exceeding 50 million individuals. Their predicaments are intimately intertwined with the nation’s trajectory.
The journey from childhood to adulthood encompasses diverse stages – learning, exploring, and career focus. However, a fulfilling life surpasses the pursuit of a high salary or relentless exam preparations.
Scrutinizing youth problems reveals pervasive frustration. Many are bewildered, like someone on a bus unsure where to disembark. Engaged in a race, the fundamental query is their gain. The overarching issue is a lack of understanding about life’s purpose.
Experts highlight daunting problems – unemployment, illiteracy, financial strains, mental health issues, technology gaps, and skill deficiencies. As a teacher, resolving a core issue could alleviate these challenges. Understanding life’s purpose can elevate job satisfaction, mental health, and education.
Further challenges include unemployment, inflation, and pandemic impacts on mental health and education. Setting life goals offers a remedy. For instance, striving to enhance the education system can effect substantial change. Overcoming these challenges necessitates determination and support from teachers, parents, and community elders.
Specifically, students and unemployed youth grapple with unique challenges exacerbated by the post-pandemic landscape. The education system, already strained, faces new hurdles, intensifying unemployment. Remedies involve embracing innovative teaching methods, leveraging technology for remote learning, and adapting curricula to post-pandemic needs.
Similarly, small businesses bear the brunt of post-pandemic challenges, grappling with economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors. Remedial measures include government support through financial assistance, skill development programs, and fostering a conducive business environment.
In essence, by setting goals, understanding life’s purpose, and implementing targeted remedies, young people can address profound issues like education quality, employment challenges, and small business resilience in the post-pandemic era. This approach not only benefits the youth but also contributes to the nation’s betterment.
Rakya Tabassum, President, GIO Muzaffarpur, Bihar
In recent years, Indian youth have faced significant challenges. While our country grapples with issues like poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, there are additional factors that could jeopardize our peaceful future, starting with the most concerning issue.
Many students experience extreme stress, leading to depression and even suicide attempts. Additionally, religious conflicts, circulation of fake news, and baseless hatred by the media play a poisonous role among the youth, causing division and animosity.
However, by adopting strategic approaches, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for the younger generation in 2024.
Appreciating Effort and Redefining Success: The immense pressure to excel academically has taken a toll on students’ mental well-being. Shifting the focus from solely emphasizing results to appreciating the hard work and effort put in by students is crucial. Celebrating their dedication and progress can help alleviate the burden they feel. Moreover, it’s essential to remind students that success is not solely defined by competitive examinations. Emphasizing the value of personal growth and enjoying the process of learning can make studying more enjoyable and less burdensome.
Embracing Unity and Tolerance: Religious conflicts among youth have become a concerning trend. Remembering that religion should bring people together, not tear them apart, is essential. The words of APJ Abdul Kalam resonate deeply: ‘For small people, religion is a fighting tool, but for great people, religion is a way of making friends.’ Promoting religious tolerance and understanding can help bridge divides and foster unity. Education on different faiths and encouraging dialogue that promotes respect and empathy can play a crucial role in nurturing a more harmonious society.
As a fellow youth, I’ve also experienced the negative effects of these challenges on our mental and physical well-being. It’s tough, and it takes a toll on us. But you know what? We are the future, and we have the power to make a change. We’re the new generation, and we can shape a better tomorrow for ourselves and those who come after us. Let’s stand together, raise our voices, and work towards creating a society that prioritizes the well-being of its youth. We’ve got this!
