Each
of us want to remain young and youthful. The reason for it is - it symbolizes
energy, charm, ideas and productivity. As we age, we gain experience and become
better equipped to face the challenges, but we surely start losing the
qualities that symbolizes a young mind. While it is true at individual level,
it holds true as a nation too! There are nations like the USA, Japan, Singapore
and many others which grew in all the sense of modern parameters - because they
marshalled all their resources with maturity and sincerity towards their
people. We, as a nation missed out on it despite gaining independence more than
six decades ago, which is a pretty good time to make things work. Unfortunately
it didn't work for us, may be because our leadership at National level is not
matured enough or they do not have the will to rise above the petty politics of
vote, caste, region and
religion.
Our leaders and policy makers didn't use their magnanimity and experience in
the last six decades and we still remain a country of poor citizens.
By
chance or design, after gaining Independence, India is presenting itself again
with an opportunity by making itself the youngest nation in the world - with
youth population touching an estimated figure of about 450 millions and median
age of about 25 years by 2020! 64 percent of our population is expected to be
in the working age group. Nothing can be better than this, as a nation!
But,
are we readying ourselves? Are the policies being framed for the country to
make the best use of this opportunity? Will the youths themselves guide the
nation to prosperity? Is this opportunity, just a myth? Let us ask ourselves,
what we can do, how we can contribute? Let us ask our employers what they can
do? Let us ask the policymakers at all levels - are they aware of the
opportunity and what they intend to do and when?
Today's
youth have lot of challenges- though more than before but their are limited
opportunities available to them due to inadequate education, skill and
guidance. Majority of them are clueless and directionless about their future.
Exceptions are there where people have excelled despite all odds, but it can't
be a rule for all. It is high time to channelize their energy into right
direction, else it may lead to disillusionment and unrest in their minds. Their
energy needs to be harnessed in the national interest.
Kids
of middle and high income group living in cities may have access to quality
education and training, and hence they may ready themselves for 2020 and beyond
for contributing meaningfully to their and national prosperity. But most of the
kids in rural areas and in cities - who don't get even a square meal a day,
can't be expected to grow physically and mentally to the desired level for
giving their contribution in nation's growth. Despite having the age in their
favour, country would miss out badly if proactive actions are not taken right away
by the government at all levels with hundred percent sincerity.
Various
reports suggest that a very high percentage of the graduates are unemployable
including the engineers and the MBAs! Such reports are screaming about our
faulty education system. Our education must empower the youth, add value to
them, help enhancing their skills and make them a sought after human being for
their qualities. Efforts should be made to see the kids grow into a youth full
of dreams and at the same time creating enough opportunities for them to
succeed.
Today there
is a wide gap between 'haves' and 'have nots'. This gap needs to be closed by
bringing all youths into the category of 'haves'. This is possible only by the
magnanimous efforts of the policy makers - politicians and the bureaucrats at
all levels, businessmen, all well to do families, the educationists, business
houses and we all who can read and write and share whatever we can. We can do
it by educating the kids of our domestic helps, by donating in terms of fees for
acquiring academic qualification to youths around us who are poor but are good
in studies, sharing our skills and knowledge or at least our time to help them
resolve their issues. If not for total strangers, even if we resolve to do it
for our poor relatives and close acquaintances, it would go a long way in
uplifting the society.
Let us
move sincerely in rightfully claiming our status as a youthful Youngest Nation
and bringing prosperity to all by 2020. Then only together, we can make and
proudly shout - Mera Bharat Mahaan! Else, in the year 2020 also it will remain
mere a slogan - unmindfully written here, there and everywhere- a living
sarcasm on ourselves and our attitude.
