Youth are the crucial segment of society; they are the basis for sustainable development of any nation. They are the social actors of change and can serve as a pressure group to lobby governments in defining their priorities. Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the partners of today. We can learn from our past how the young warriors shed their blood for the country.
Youth should stand against all the wrongdoings in the country instead of blaming the system. We, the youth should use our mind, strength, creativity, and imagination for serving our nation. Instead of asking who’s going to fight the corruption, we should do it ourselves. Rather than fighting upon the issues and ruining the country, we should learn to develop it.
The youth of today is the driving force of tomorrow. Instead of blaming the system, youth should come together and mould the nation for a better tomorrow. If any section of the society in any country is most important factor for change, again it is the young people.
The vital force for any country is its youth and whenever the time has asked the youth of that particular era has answered its call. The recent example is the GKC movement against medical mafias and corruption, and abuse of authority. The magnitude of Youth involvement that was witnessed in that movement truly reflects the urge of youth for positive change. I, myself, couldn't resist the temptation of participating in the movement led by Dr. Govinda KC, and it somehow urged me to take a long journey from Dharan to Kathmandu amidst the hot at hand final exams and I was delighted to be a part of that movement.
It takes a very long time to become young and when it happens, its zeal and energy should be well used. What should young people do today? Many things obviously. But the most daring thing is to create a stable nation in which the terrible disease of society can be cured. A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, the species of knowledge that can be equally important should be given to the youth of that era. And no duty can be more pressing and important than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country.
This country demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, the appetite for adventure over the love of ease. Youth are not failing the system; the system is failing our youth. Ironically, the very youth who are being treated the worst are the young people who are going to lead us out of this nightmare. The system should scaffold the youth during the time of change.
Youth involvement has moved forward. It is no longer seen as a rebellious act, the way it was a few decades ago. The participation of Youth in some of the decision-making positions shows the changing attitude of the nation and its people. The candidacy of Ranju Darshana for the post of mayor of Kathmandu at the tender age of 21 proves the thirst of young people for serving the nation and for bringing the change in their lifetime. And the responsibility of the adult during this time should be to accept the Youth as partners rising above the self-serving politics.
One of the great liabilities of history is that too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on the ability of youth to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change as it is the time for bold measures.
And hey, we are alive and powerful. So let’s look around and listen to that cry of mother Nepal, which is unheard. Choose your role and act appropriately. Youth leadership happens anytime a young person takes control, manages, directs and leads themselves and/or others.
-Dr. Nabin Bhatt
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