Youth Unrest

A century ago a young man with shrewd determination and sheer national spirit proclaimed his never ending passion for freedom, it’s Bhagath Singh and it’s the time to remember this brave young man. The revolutionary leader Subash Chandra Bose persuaded young people  “Give me your blood, I will give you freedom”. The social reformer and philosopher Swami Vivekanada said goes almost like this “With hundred dedicated men, I will transform the country within fifty years”.

The boiling blood of the youth is a stimulant for national growth. the letter drafted by Bhagat Singh to his father is suffice to explain the power of youth.

“Respected Father,

Namaste.

My life has already been committed to a noble cause – the cause of freedom of India. For that reason comforts and worldly desires have no attraction in my life.

You must be remembering that at the time of my sacred thread ceremony, when I was quite young Bapuji (grandfather) had declared that I was being pledged for the service of the country. I am, therefore, honoring the pledge of that time. I hope you will excuse me”.

The scenario is not different even now. But lack of creative opportunities forces the youth to search for new pastures. The grass root issues like unemployment, poverty and scare venues make youth wander. This will definitely robust the impending threats like Naxalism, terrorism and anti nationalism. A large number of youth are being recruited by the Maoist army in north east regions only by projecting the lassitude of government. Amidst poverty groups of youth tempt to believe their promises and ideologies. The youth unrest is apparent all over the world. Recent tensions in Middle East and movement in Russia and London (99% strike/Occupy) invariably proves that youth are concerned about their rights and privileges. Whilst youth moved against the autocratic regimes in central Asia, youth proactively behaved against the policies in Russia and raised the issue of unemployment in United Kingdom. The mass movement by Youth India was against corruption that named ‘India Against Corruption’ (IAC). In the side the role of social media has a significant role in bringing together the youth from all walk of lives. In India, the netizenship exceeds the number of congress voters. It is sure that the intensity of youth tension will be serious concern for future governments.

Whilst the demographic dividend is a blessing for India, providing opportunity and developing their skill is a challenging task for policy makers and administrators. It is very vital to curb anti national movements and to pacify the unrest of youth. The task to tap the 45% of the Indian population, government needs to plan meticulously which is integral for the national growth as well as the human development. Rather than creating employment opportunities for attention should be on the development of entrepreneurs. Fortunately government is moving right direction in this regard by implementing multitude of plans like Naipunya Skill Development Plan, Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, Micro credits, Youth Welfare Programs, MSME etc.  The ‘Start Up Village’ envisioned by the Govt. of Kerala is a laudable venture that promote youth entrepreneurs by providing seed money and training. A fair number of youths have already been availed this service and started their business successfully. 

Along with political aims, ruling as well as opposition parties should bring together their brain to enthuse the youth towards national development and innovation. The threat of disguise employment should not fall on the neck of Indian youth that may divert the energy of abysmal youth to anti national elements. Youth is in the hands of parents, teachers and politicians and the responsibility for their fate completely lies up on the shoulders of these elders. 

Come On India. Awake, Arise and Go, until and unless achieve your goals. 

Paul V Mathew