Youth is the most powerful resource on the earth. The future of a nation is in the hands of youth. Therefore empowerment of youth is must for the future of a nation. As has been experienced in past the energetic youth can do greatest of things if they are offered proper guidance and quality education.
The present generation finds itself in very different atmosphere than past, and is confronted with more obstacles and challenges. The power of youth is like a gushing stream or a mighty river which follows its course, no matter how big the obstacles are.
The power of youth if properly channelled and controlled could bring transformation in humanity. In the words of a wise person; youth is the joy, the little birds that have broken out of the eggs and are eagerly waiting to spread out wings in the open sky of freedom and hope. Today the power of youth has totally disrupted the entire world and the happiness of one class has been snatched by the upper class. Mostly the power of youth has been used for creating war hysteria in different parts of the world and consequently their dreams have been shattered.
The life of present generation of youth is full of challenges as discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, and gender continues to haunt them.
Though Kashmir has all the natural sources to bloom its talent of youth, which requires creativity and proper guidance. In Kashmir valley everyone has a dream and everyone wants to move forward, but the condition here is the mother of all ills. According to global peace index South Asia is the most violent region in the world which is marked by internal conflicts.
Kashmir has demographically never been as young as spirited as today. Kashmiri youth have grown up in the years of gore and this Himalayan border state is known for its difficult past.
The youth of Kashmir, despite facing unemployment and poverty never let the state down at any point. The issue of grave public concern is the increasing frustration among the jobless youth of Kashmir. The present generation seems more bold and argumentative than the previous generations.
Presently the state has achieved 2nd ranking in two key areas including education and environment. Education has made them less susceptible to manipulation and exploitation by politicians who claim to represent them. The youth of Kashmir, despite facing unemployment and poverty are working hard to build future.
The issue of grave public concern is the increasing frustration among the jobless youth of Kashmir.
The frustration is genuine but unfortunately the present government is in deep slumber. This is the right time to look towards the problems of youth. It has become imperative for the incumbent government to review and redefine its policies to suit the aspirations of six lakh jobless youth presently hunting for jobs in both public and as well as private sectors. Unfortunately no one bothers to take care of the priorities of the present day Kashmir youth who yearn for peace, prosperity and a welfare.
Let me conclude by the words of Kailash Satyarthi ; “The power of youth is common wealth of entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm and courage of the young people.”
Tariq Ahmad Mantoo, Department of Education, Kashmir University.