SRIJA MOHANTY
Youth-herald progress and pragmatism,the embodiment of heroic deeds and prance,a ray of light for innovation and change,the force to vanquish corruption,terrorism,crimes and imbibe commitment and integrity and be celebrated as CHANGE MAKERS.
“My hope of the future lies in the youth of character ,intelligent,renouncing all for the service of others and obedient -good to themselves and country at large”-this enchanting note has been proclaimed by the undaunted Saint Swami Vivekanand.The youth will become the harbinger of pragmatism,policy of change,carry forward the legacy of a rich and valorous culture, positively channelize their vigor for a better future.The responsible and sensible youth is the backbone of our society whose grace would defy corruption,terrorism,crimes and whose work is defined by the process and progress of the country.
But Alas!The predicament is that the modern youth of this twenty-first century has fallen into the scenario of negativity which robs them of joys.JUVENILE DELIQUENCY refers to the involvement of juveniles in antisocial and criminal behaviour which is currently a burning topic.
At the threshold of the twenty-first century -the technology driven world ,the world witnesses an erratic trend among youngsters- be it emphasizing materialism,losing values and virtues which have blown into oblivion ,excessive use of social media,crimes etc.Apprising you of the fact that the highest number of crimes are committed by minors,as per the NCRB report,more than 30,000 crimes are committed by minors in 2022.Adding to this plight,92 murders,154 attacks,286 minors being involved in assault cases,over 33 teenagers booked under the ARMS ACT for carrying deadly weapons .On the world view,6 of the 9 deadliest mass shootings in US were by people of 21-years old-the young assailants.
Technology and screen addiction come with the package of social media addiction which is just like a black-hole constantly sucking in social well-being and inner peace.I see playgrounds filled with weeds ,not a single tiny tot playing rather I see today's youngsters busy with electronic devices being couch potatoes.Abused screen time can be as addictive as drug with catastrophic consequences :a 14year old boy being addictive giving his father a bloody nose,16year old girl tormented by cyber bullies, deep fakes created by youngsters which is not only detrimental to the society but also leaves a negative strain on the doer,a 28year old sawing the body of a girl ruthlessly into pieces out of frustration,sexual harassment ,abuse,a 14year old student committing mass school shooting and such cases go on and on.Are these the duties of a responsible youth?Isn't it a vulnerable face of the youth?Cut throat competition,self centredness,undue demands, whims and fancies,aggression and ego centrism are all the tentacles which lead the youth into a negative shade causing societal collapse.
Gone are those DAYS ,with a proud proclamation,I would narrate about the young Chandra Gupta Maurya who despite all sufferings and excruciating pain ,established the biggest empire demolishing the Nanda Empire at a very early age,24-year old Birsa Munda who sacrificed his life for the presevation of his tribe, 23-years old Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev sacrificed their tender lives for the Nation’s sake.Being an Odia,I take pride on 12-year old Bajirout who threw off the shackles of British Raj,and 12-year old Dharmapada -the framer of the Sun temple.
In a nutshell,the youth requires a responsible guidance,an operative and effective stress management is the need of the hour which has to be practised religiously , meditation to brush negativity under the carpet,being sociable and adaptable,connecting with people,channelizing energy for startups and self employment, developmental goals,personal and professional growth,to coexist with technology and not to get swayed away,spreading arms with compassion and empathy,act according to moral and ethical norms .
From this podium of Hope and Faith,I wish for the world whose driving force is the productive youth because the future of the Nation lies in their hands.Let THEIR grace enlighten the progress and let the YOUTH follow the path of hard work,goodness ,tolerance and perseverance to head India as the GLOBAL LEADER.NOTHING SHOULD HOGTIE THE RESPONSIBLE AND SENSIBLE YOUTH IF THEY ARE TRULY DETERMINED AND DRIVEN.
