Caring the future
- Imphal Times Editorial :: August 25 2018 -

Tragic is not the word to describe the present state of affairs of our state, even though the feeling in the hearts of the general public cannot be far from it.

The Government has shown, in fits and spurts, that things can and does happen if the rulers so put their hearts to any task, which begs the very relevant and necessary question: is the Government deliberately keeping the state on tenterhooks with engineered chaos and calculated mayhem?

Nothing that has been done for the development of the State so far looks and feels systematic or sustainable- from the various infrastructures being constructed with shoddy workmanship and dubious results, to the haphazard and stop-gap measures in terms of the essential services being provided, mostly on paper to dispense off with the official requirements without ever taking the trouble or the initiative to check on the efficacies of such schemes and welfare measures.

The reality we are undergoing today is a far cry from the trumped up reports and statistics that make up the records meant for display at the centre, the most obvious result being the promotion of Manipur from the least developed state category to the less developed one without having nothing to show for it.

Yet the Government, in it’s quest to sustain the reign, have failed to address the situation with pragmatic solutions and progressive steps that would steer the state in the right direction of inclusive growth- the most prominent shortcoming being the failure to harness the potential of the youths- the future of the state.

According to house listing and housing census data, the number of youths between ages 18-22 in the country is over 149.36 million.

That’s about one-fifth of the total electorate of 725 million estimated by the Election Commission. This is based on data of some few years back.

Stating that almost, if not all, the problems ailing the present society can be remedied by molding the youths of today to bring about the still elusive change and progress would not be an exaggeration.

No amount of resources or materials can effect change or usher in progress unless those who are to direct and utilize these resources be prepared and groomed to take on the responsibilities and challenges with confidence and determination.

A radical mental revolution based on progressive thinking and broadened outlook beyond self preservation and personal enrichment, tempered with the spirit of equality and infused with the dignity of labour is the panacea for our society long festered with enmity, greed, doubts and subdued mindset.

The Government should make the most and invest in the one true asset it ever has- the teeming youths.