12th January 1861. A legendary figure took birth in the Indian soil who then went on to make the country proud like no one had ever done before, until his death in 1902. Yes, Swami Vivekananda died at the age of 39. He did not even touch the starting line of the early old age which by the way is widely considered to be 40 years. He received the blessing of eternal youth in the form of death. The government took notice of it and since 1984, his birthday is celebrated as the National Youth Day.
What is the significance of this day? Let me confess first. I do not celebrate 'Days'. I don't love my mother more on Mother's Day nor I remember and chat with all my friends on Friendship Day. However, I believe in celebrating the National Youth Day for two reasons. Firstly, to remember the great modern saint whose effect across the world is so infectious that not only did he hypnotize the world with his knowledge and oratory skills at his time but also formed a philosophical holocaust from which no learned human being can ever escape. His teachings shall be savored until the next Ice Age. Secondly, National Youth Day is an opportunity when India can concentrate upon the progress of her young ones, thereby focusing on her own prosperous future. A nation is as dynamic as its youth. We, as Indians are immensely lucky to have a massive constellation of young stars, ready to shine. At the same time we have tremendous experience as well so as not to guide them into the black holes. This day should be celebrated with such an enormous energy and enthusiasm and in such a manner that the world should be awed and countrymen proud to know that the fate of their country is in safe and highly potential hands.
Let us take a look at the current status of 'Young and Emerging India'. The young today are more passionate about their dreams, are flexible enough to discard the old and embrace new ideas, are well equipped and well- versed with the latest trends. Be it in the field of technology or fashion, food or music, we are ready to contribute at the top level. However, there are a few pot holes which must be filled before we can complete the journey of empowering the youth with the vision of development. Though armed with the dagger of century- old knowledge and armor of latest technology, we, the young generation have certain areas to work upon and control the possible damage. Here are a few of them:
1. The 'Hurry'-cane Effect : Consider this scenario. We all know that Earth completes its revolution around the sun in 365 days, 5 hours, 59 minutes and 16 seconds. What will happen if one day it decides to complete the revolution say in 200 days, and then later in 100 days? Chaos. That's what will happen. There will be a heavy imbalance in nature. Somewhat similar is happening in the present society. Everyone wants to get rich and settle down before 30 or now a days even 25, whether qualified or not. This haste of earning money, or let me rephrase it, earning money by any possible means at the cost of health and character has to be stopped. Youth is for learning. Learn while young. Take your time. Travel around. See the different cultures, different societies with your own eyes. What is the hurry? You are not going to die in a couple of years and if you are going to leave this world the very next moment, I don't see the point of running around. This urge has caused an adverse effect and we usually refer to it as 'Competition'. Keep the competition safe for the tournaments; don't bring it into your life. Life is to be lived, not fought.
2. The 'Obesity' Disorder : In the bouquet full of flowers from western culture, a thorn has made its way: Obesity; result of supreme negligence towards our health. Did you ever think why we never had a God dedicated for Health? Because we never had to 'achieve' health. Our ancestors and forefathers were always healthy. Their routine was such that they never knew anything about being 'unhealthy'. No wonder India was called the Golden Sparrow. It was rich in every single sense. After all, in a healthy body resides a healthy mind. If we are being troubled by the obesity disorder while we are young, how can we ever imagine a healthy retirement? Youth of the country needs to be super-fit if it dreams of building a superpower nation. As Dr. Karan Singh puts it, "We need a nation where young have the muscles of iron and nerves of steel."
3. The 'Herd' Syndrome : Stop following blindly, be it religious rituals like throwing money in the rivers and temples or be it the people like Arvind Kejriwal. Search for the facts and then form an opinion. Don't hate Mahatma Gandhi or Bhagat Singh just because your friends or parents do. Read the books, put yourself in their shoes, analyze, then and only then make your call. This tendency of blind faith is a curse and has been the cause of troubles in our society since ages. In those times, due to lack of education and fear of kings, it might be considered as a necessity. But today it has taken the form of a bad habit. A nation cannot be turned into a superpower by the superstitious followers, but by the leaders who can think for themselves.
These are but a few hurdles. The need is to understand and share the responsibility at a personal level. Only then, we can imagine ourselves along with the future generations, blooming in the ever-fertile soil of Mother India. As Swami Vivekananda said , " Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached."
