Youth and Nation

Olivia Gurumayum *

12th Jan 1863, the day Swami Vivekananda was born. As we all know Swami Vivekananda the founder of Rama Krishna Mission, who was regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day also known as Yuva Diwas. It is celebrated to create awareness amongst the people, youth about the importance of Rights.

The Government of India quoted that "the Philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth. The day will be celebrated with the theme "Channelizing Youth Power for Nation Building".

It is to encourage and inspire the youth of the country to embark on a successful journey. Swami Vivekananda saw hope for future in every child and believed that with "muscles of iron" and "nerves of steel" they could bring about social change.

According to him, the only qualification, he looked, in youngsters was to cultivate and nurture the ability to feel. He also spoke about the three Ps, that is, Purity, Patience, and Perseverance are the traits that the youth of today are rich in and this is evident form their keenness to be part of positive change that will impact on entire society.

Youth participation in nation building is important. Leaders were ones youngsters who have grown up with experiences, having their own ideology, having their own perspectives on social issues, on choosing their representatives. They learn from every aspect and contribute their knowledge and experiences with education being their bridge they involve themselves in the society to bring changes and development.

With the mind-set of developing the nation they lead the society understanding the needs of the nation. It is important for the youngsters to understand the society and its core issues with mutual understanding of the differences of ideology.

As we all know that "Youth are the pillars of nation". But, in order to support the future pillar education must be the backbone to have a nation with strong foundation. It will help them in the areas such as self-realisation, be able to introspect, thorough understanding of the society and the nation, help them able to have their own opinion on what needs to be done in society, their voices that need to be heard, help them prepare on how they would like to contribute to the society, learn how they would be able to connect with people or public. etc.

As we are living in an era of competition, of development, of rising above all, youth of the nation should be the bridge between the society and Developments. Parents should not always confine them with limited offer of shaping their life and career. Life is like a limited edition with limited time span to live. They should envisage what they want to achieve and let them assimilate in the path they choose.

In the words of Prince Phillip in the series "the Crown" S3:E7 – when he meet some gentlemen with the priest "What you lot need to do is to off your backsides get out into the world, and bloody well do something. That is why you are so ... so lost.

He continued "I believe that there an imperative within man, all men to make a mark. Action, not suffering. All this sitting and talking. Let me ask you this. Do you think those astronauts up there are catatonic...of course not. They are busy achieving something spectacular. And as a result, they are at one with the world. At one with their God. And happy. Model yourselves on men of action, like Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins...they have got the answers..." as Prince Phillip was a man of adventure who also has huge passion for flying.

The eagerness to spread the wings, to fly high and to nest there on top that's how the young Indians should be to help develop their nation. The young energetic, dynamic, vibrant, enthusiastic young Indians should never stop learning and explore their passion and utilising every opportunity that comes in their hands. There are many youths who have achieved and bagged many awards and motivated many fellow youngsters to thrive for their dreams and goals in life.

It is important to for the youngsters to learn from each other and help each other explore each other's talents and skills and ignite the spark to achievement. The young mind, the fresh mind and the adventurous soul of youth are always fast and quick learner and are easier to learn new skills. 18 years of age is made legal age to cast vote and choose their elected representatives of their choice.

This is the age of young adult who are able to recognise what is right and what is wrong. Youth participation in election and electing their representative is also an indirect form of participating in societal issues and understanding norms. They cast vote to particular candidate with a hope that the representative will surely "represent" the public or the people.

It is also said that "Children learn faster from what they see more than what they heard". Therefore, the elected representatives should always mindful of their act more than the words. This is the reason we say "Action speaks louder than words". The candidates shouldn't make the crowd follow them blindly and lead them to illusion.

And with regards to today's scenario, rather than teaching them what is Left and what is Right or what is up and what is down based on some ideologies and dragging them to adopt somebody else's thought; it would be much helpful and mature to let them emerge with their own ideas and respecting the differences of ideas among their fellow countrymen.

Only when we learn to respect the differences and learn to understand the society will develop faster and more peaceful. Leaders lead the crowd, volunteer themselves to guide them with their ability to motivate and achieve a common goal while elected representatives "represent" the voice of the public and they are chosen through election.

The youths of India today should understand the individuality yet unity to bring forth the changes towards development and to choose the path effectively on how they want to contribute their knowledge to the society. They shouldn't be influenced by prejudices but to stand grounded as an ideal citizen.