Youth should be seen as an effective instrument of social change rather than of conflict, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji
Most of us are aware about the “generation gap,” which can be defined as “wide difference in cultural norms between the younger generation and their elders.” It can also be described as a situation where the older and younger generation have conflicting views because of a difference in experiences, opinions, habits and behaviour. Though the generation gap is not seen as a serious issue but it often becomes one.
It is a known fact that the youth are filled with energy, stamina, strong will and zest. But certain other valuable characteristics of youth, which can be great tools for social transformation are not fully realised or utilised by the society, as a result of which they get confused and disturbed. One such important personality trait of the youngsters is that they strongly aspire to do something new. They want to initiate change and are open to new challenges. Hence it is easier for them to adapt to any kind of change as compared to the older generation. The latter is undoubtedly more experienced but most of their ideas have already been applied to real-life situations and they may not have new concepts and enthusiasm to work for a change. So the old order has to transform, giving place to the newer generation who will play an active role in social evolution. It has, therefore, rightly been said that if the youth are awakened, the whole world will follow their lead including the generations that follow their example. They will prepare themselves mentally and physically for the dawn of new era. But have the youth’s potential been utilised for national reconstruction so far? Is it given the opportunities and the guidance to fulfill their dreams of taking the world into a new era of peace and prosperity? Well, with reference to our country we can say that the youth is restless and disappointed because it is not provided enough channels for self expression. Today the youth complains about the society and people in power. It believes that its energies, both mental and physical, are not fully utilised for national development because the older generation denies the young adequate participation, thinking that they are inexperienced and immature. On one hand, the youth says that the “experience” and “maturity” of elders is, in fact, a hindrance in breaking new ground. The need of the hour is to bring forth new initiatives, ideas and innovation. On the other hand, elders feel that the youth is indifferent to their spiritual heritage which is responsible for the crisis of morals and values. This, in turn, has created an ever-widening emotional gap and an atmosphere of violence in the society.
An impartial analysis of the present Indian conditions would lead us to the conclusion that, to some extent, both sides are right. The more relevant question here is: How can this gap be bridged? Who will work as the link between the two generations? Who will catalyse this change?
Everyone would agree that, to bridge this ever-widening gap between the two generations, the formal and informal educational centres and institutions should inculcate higher principles and ideals among the youth. The institutions should provide a new interpretation of society where there is no violence and everyone lives peacefully in the family of mankind. These educational centres should have people of noble character, pleasing manners and loving demeanour who can utilise the youth’s potential and also enable the older generation to contribute in nation building. Unless the youth is given this new vision and co-operation to work towards this goal, the society will remain split by various divisive forces and acts of violence. And the youth will continue to be exploited by various sections of the society for their parochial ends and narrow objectives.
We are aware of the fact that the population of the young is higher than the middle-aged and the elderly. So they should be seen as effective instruments of social change. Otherwise they will drift towards violence and drug abuse which will result in a dark future for our society. Let us, therefore, be wiser to consider our youth to be our strength and prospective nation-builders, for, “the youth is not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the partners of today.”