Arshid Rasool
Young minds and their enthusiasm acts as wheels for the development of society. The growth of a society depends largely on its youth and the future of a society lies in their hands. They are the future leaders and decision-makers. They have a very important role in bringing about changes that are essential for the growth of any society. Their constructive or destructive involvement can either make or break the society. Energy can create something beautiful but at the same time it has the capability to destroy everything. The energy and exuberance of youngsters plays an important role in making or breaking a society. Kashmir has witnessed the catastrophic effect of misuse of the raw energy of youth. It witnessed the ruinous effect of drug abuse on society. It has seen radicalization of young boys and girls. It has seen them becoming stone pelters, taking up arms and being engaged in anti-national activities.
But that was in the past and now in the past 5-6 years things have changed for the better as the energy of the younger generation is being harnessed for making the UT into a progressive and economically vibrant state. Years post abrogation of Article 370 saw a significant decrease in stone pelting. The youngsters who left their schools, were radicalized and then used in a destructive manner are now going to school. They are moving forward on the path of education. They are witnessing the wonders of science, the reasoning and logic of mathematics and the importance of past to understand how it shapes our present. This has resulted in constructive engagement of youth for the development of society. The participation of large number of students in events organized on the occasion of National Technology Day bears testimony to this. Increase in scientific temperament and the thirst for knowledge is clearly evident when large number of students participate in exhibitions, quizzes and debates.
Students are the prospective heirs of the nation. Career guidance helps them to understand their strengths, weaknesses and interests; and provide them with a clearer picture of the career paths available to them. The huge participation of students in career counselling sessions organized by NGOs, Indian Army and other government organizations bears testimony to the fact that gone are the days when Kashmiri youth were merely used for stone pelting and drug trafficking. Now, young and educated yearn to see their career take off. They want to be entrepreneurs, want to become doctors, engineers and administrators. They want a change in their life, their society and in Kashmir.
Not only academics but Kashmiri youth are showing their talents in other fields also. Sadia Tariq, a 15-year-old Wushu player who hails from Srinagar, is a two-time gold medallist in Junior National Wushu Championship. She recently won gold medal in Wushu Stars Championship in Moscow. Arif Khan, who hails from Baramulla, won medals for India in Alpine Skiing. Ishrat Akhtar is the first International Wheelchair Basketball player from North Kashmir’s Baramulla and brought laurels for India at various competitions. Tajamul Islam, who hails from Bandipora, is just 14 years old and is already two-time World Kickboxing Champion. Shaista Ilyas from Kandi Bala village in Karnah Tehsil (Kupwara) has made the Union Territory of Kashmir proud by winning Gold Medal in National (under 14) Taekwondo Championship organised by Sanyukta Bharat Khel Foundation (SBKF) at New Delhi. She has also participated in various International level tournaments.
Overall development of society requires active participation of youth in decision making. Government agencies along with Indian Army are continuously working to increase the participation of youth in decision making. The positive response and huge participation of youth in Youth Panchayats all over Kashmir is a positive step in this direction. These interactions give an opportunity to young minds to put forward their thoughts. These interactions then pave path for overall development of the society. Kashmir is on steadily progressing on the path of development and growth. Positive developments in Kashmir over the past years would not have been possible without active participation of youth. They are the torch bearers who are taking Kashmir ahead on the path of growth and development. Government, its agencies and various NGOs are aware of this fact and are continuously working in a synchronised manner to bring about a positive change in Kashmiri society.
