Vision of the Youth from a Representative

Hello people! I genuinely hope all of you are in the pink of health – mental, physical and emotional (and spiritual, if it applies to you). I have lately been reading about India’s history and the seemingly withered present. I am honestly hurt beyond words with recent developments (I don’t know if that word fits the context, but let’s keep it). India’s oldest political party seems to have hammered the last nail on its coffin by electing its current president, although there was a promising contender. We have sadly not been able to rise above our own differences and clearly, don’t seem to like growth. The news each day breaks my heart with another girl child being the victim, and the guilty getting off scot-free. A broken judicial system, or is it too early to decide? In a world where 24 hours can change the whole dynamics of countries, in the last few years, we have easily let go of the very freedom and democracy that India was known for. I am regretful and ashamed to use it in the past tense. But do we really value the freedom that our forefathers acquired with blood, sweat and tears? I doubt it. Are we hypocrites who only boast of it on the three days of the year?

A country that is blessed with vast agricultural lands, a multitude of cultures, a rich history and a richer present with a humongous youth population, what are we making of it? Give me answers I say. We can literally be at the top in the next decade, really. While the major economies of the world are fighting an ageing population, climate change (which even we don’t escape, but could make a significant difference if we start now), inflation, food shortage and poor management of wealth, we are still not as messed up as we might think. With the assets like agriculture, diversity and a young population, India sure can climb to the top. But we need a more responsible government. And a more responsible government will come only if we become a more responsible population and every citizen should be aware of his/her value in a democratic nation like ours. Does it make sense to have the aged, with minimal education to rule a country that has a soaring youth population who are full of dreams and aspirations? Does the majority of the parliament even know what sustainability is? Or rather do they take it seriously?

The declining freedom of press is a HUGE indicator that we are drifting apart as a strong nation and inviting the conforms of capitalism to rule over us. While capitalism may suit the functioning of some countries, it clearly is not meant for us. The dynamics of India is different and we have got to seek to move ahead with better awareness and seek to work in unity rather than being torn by the very elements that need to stitch us together and promote a life in harmony.

A strong, responsible population elects a strong, responsible government, and above all, holds them accountable for their actions and misactions. We need to wake up. There ARE people (read as youth) out there longing to see change. Unless each one of us comes out of the protective shells that have grown cosy on us, we will be brushed under the rug long before we know it. I’m afraid there will be no coming back. We need to wake up and be the change we want to see. A country with plenitude of the core elements that establishes a rich nation, I believe we can get to the top. I hope we stand together, united in this and start from NOW. A strong nation is one that is built on the foundations of a stable healthcare system, access to education irrespective of societal strata, and management of agricultural resources and valuing farmers. However cliched it may sound, together we can make a difference and there’s nothing more to it.

Don’t throw me flak. Because this is not a utopian concept. It is a creatable one which definitely can be materialised if we all understand the importance of what we are and where we stand. Yet again a reminder – together we can make a difference.

I’ll leave you with just one thought – imagine if a majority of the young talent who we’ve exported in the name of higher education come back and work towards making our nation one that we envision for ourselves? Wouldn’t that be a stepping stone to the smallest change we could bring? My fellow expat students, don’t we all want our country to be one where we can work, live and grow without having to work for corporates where we’ve got no clue who our manager is?!

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