“WE CAN NOT ALWAYS BUILD THE FUTURE FOR OUR YOUTH, BUT WE CAN BUILD OUR YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE.” - FRANKLIN D.

Youth today is very well conversant with the issues that the world is facing. They are not only just acquainted with them but also confronting them, in order to ensure constant upgradation to a liveable world. Youth are openly talking about, and challenging such taboos and issues, that were never even issues for our fathers and forefathers.

Female education has never been a course of action in ancient minds, as they never perceived female brains brilliant enough to match the males of the society. Malala Yousafzai, a 24-year-old, is actively fighting against all odds, some even life-threatening, for girl education. Not just nationally but at world stage. Her bravery and magnanimity have caused worldwide spree in advocating female literacy,

We all are quite cognizant of the deteriorating environment that is the product of human greed. People around the globe suffer from its backlash, but no one dares to mention it, spare fighting against the MNCs and industrialists. Greta Thunberg, quite a renowned personality, has presented the crisis in such a way that’s not only eye-catching but also burns the fire within every single human for taking as many steps as possible for the conservation of mother nature.

Youth isn’t only confronting world issues, they are putting forward a combat to those who are trying to suppress their voice and compromise their rights. Shamma Bint Suhail is a 24-year-old youth advocate. She is fighting for the youth rights all around the globe and inspiring one to stand for themselves especially when no else can stand up for you.

These are to name a few, there are thousands out there, giving a brilliant example of adept youth. Youth is not just a rowdy bunch of teenagers that’s confused with each step of life. Instead, youth is a germinating mind, full of positivity, passion and love for all. They have a fresh perspective towards the world, always full of solutions to its problems. Youth is constantly inventing and innovating for the betterment of lives. They are excited to see the world at the same time to change it for the better. They are lively and full of energy, always trying to do something new and different from the crowd, something extraordinary.

The government is slowly coming to realization, that India with 65% of youth population, possesses a secret weapon for rejuvenating its economy. Rather, needless to say, India has great potential when it comes to role of youth in nation-building. Hence, many schemes have been launched to utilize it, such as Vidya Kaushal Yojana, mid-day meals, right to education, Girls-hostel (KGBV) etc. which have shown substantial changes in the field of education. Taking India’s literacy rate from 18.3% in 1951 to 74.04% in 2011. The government has also come up with policies focusing solely, on youth empowerment. To name a few, Digital India, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Skill India, Make in India, National youth awards, youth hostel, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan etc. If implemented efficiently and reached the targeted deprives, India may enjoy front row view in the show of success.

Youth can achieve unfathomable heights, if they put their mind into it, there is no room for argument on that. But these heights may not necessarily be for the good all the time, they can be led towards a gloomy future. They are like a positively charged atom, buzzing with kinetic energy all they need is a push. When nothing comes around this push can also be in a negative direction, leading to harm’s way. Since youth is a very tender age, it is quite easy to persuade and deceive them into the darkness. Hence, it is necessary that parents, teachers, family and elders keep guiding them for the right choices of life and on the right track. This is the time when their thoughts, and actions can be moulded making them an asset for the family and society. Therefore, they are in dire need to be guided on the path of moral and physical dole.

Once they are given with all the above and filled up with their necessities, they will emerge as diamonds in the coal mine. And if the youth, is once given with the power, will surely be the torch bearer of change. Changing into better humans, building a better family, a better society, and ultimately a better nation. Someone has rightly said-

“GIVE ME CHILDREN AND I WILL BUILD THE NATION.” - ANSHU PANDEY

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