In the intricate land of Kashmir, where the majestic mountains embrace the polluted lakes, a silent battle wages on. A battle that is quite crucial and subtle. It is a battle fought not with any ammo, but with words and rhetoric.
Within this convoluted battleground, a group of self-proclaimed intellectuals (anti-actuals) casts a dark shadow over the aspirations of the younger generation, breeding disillusionment and instilling pessimism about the future of their homeland.
However, it is time to unveil the truth, to light a flame of hope, and empower the youth with a renewed sense of optimism for staying back and working in Kashmir.
These so-called intellectuals, in their pursuit of self-proclaimed erudition, inadvertently sow seeds of doubt and despair in the impressionable minds of Kashmir’s youth. Their tongues are tainted with pessimism, their minds clouded with cynicism.
They weave tales of desolation, painting a bleak canvas of our future. With their dismal narratives, they paint a bleak picture of the possibilities that lie in their homeland.
They overlook the immense potential, the untapped resources, and the boundless talent that exists within the valley. Their words, like toxins, seep into the psyche of the youth, stifling their dreams and aspirations, clouding their vision of a prosperous future in Kashmir.
While some individuals may choose to explore opportunities beyond the valley’s borders, it is important to acknowledge that not all youth can afford leaving their homeland for different reasons. Kashmir is their birthplace, their heritage and their identity.
It is a place that holds deep-rooted emotions, cultural richness and a sense of belonging. Brain Drain is not an option for everyone. Instead, we must focus on creating an environment that encourages the youth to live, work and thrive in Kashmir.
To counter the pessimism instilled by these so-called intellectuals, we must prioritize the creation of opportunities within Kashmir. It is our responsibility to build an ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation and prosperity.
And most importantly, focuses on empowering local youth by increasing their representation and make them stay put. This involves investing in education, infrastructure, promoting local industries, supporting entrepreneurship and helping create a secure atmosphere of growth.
By doing so, we can ensure that the youth have access to a wide range of career options and avenues for personal and professional development within Kashmir itself. Seeing them grow, and not wasted.
Education serves as the cornerstone of a promising future for Kashmir. By investing in quality education, we can coach the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world.
It empowers them to become change-makers and drivers of progress within their communities. Education will enable them to contribute to the progress of Kashmir, harnessing their talents and abilities for the collective benefit of their homeland.
It is our duty to nurture optimism and pride in the hearts of Kashmir’s youth. By celebrating their achievements, promoting their talents and providing platforms for their voices to be heard, we can instill a sense of confidence and self-belief.
We must highlight the success stories of those who have chosen to stay in Kashmir, showcasing their contributions to the growth and prosperity of their homeland. By doing so, we inspire the younger generation to believe in their own potential and the possibilities that exist within their homeland.
Fostering a flourishing future in Kashmir requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders – the administration, educational institutions, community leaders and the youth themselves.
It necessitates the breaking down of barriers, the creation of inclusive spaces and the provision of equal opportunities for all. By working together, we can build a future that not only retains local talent but also attracts local talent back from other parts of the world (Brain Gain), creating a vibrant and distinctive society.
In the pursuit of a successful future, we must challenge the pessimistic narratives perpetuated by these so-called intellectuals. Remember, all can’t afford to be second-class citizens in foreign lands, dabbling in harangues while providing world-class education and lifestyle to their progeny.
While being in Kashmir, we have to prioritize education, invest in local industries and foster a supportive ecosystem that doesn’t carry any link with any gory past. Many young bright brains are already buried in the soil of Kashmir.
We can’t afford to lose them now to drugs, crime, disillusionment and depression.
While few may choose to explore distant lands, we need to create an environment that encourages the youth to live and work here.
Daring lies in creating opportunities and serving your own people, in some way, while being in difficult and deprived surroundings.
In the face of pessimism, let us choose to embrace the power of optimism. Choose to believe in the possibilities that lie within our homeland. Choose to cultivate a generation of dreamers, doers, and change-makers who will breathe new life into our beloved Kashmir.
Without being swayed by illusory prophecies of “anti-actuals”, let us unite as a community instead and foster an environment that encourages optimism, ambition, and a strong sense of pride in our homeland.
Together, we can build a future where the youth of Kashmir can thrive, succeed and contribute in real sense towards the growth and development of their adored valley, ensuring that Kashmir remains not only their homeland but also a land of boundless opportunities.
To those self-proclaimed prophets of doom, we need to raise our voices in defiance…. You may try to sow disillusionment, but we shall sow seeds of resilience, humility and optimism…..….
Nahi Hai Na-Umeed Iqbal Apni Kisht-e-Veeran Say,
Zara Nam Ho Tow Yeh Mittii Bahut Zarkhez Hai Saqi
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.
The facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in the article do not reflect the views of GK