Youth want safe spaces, can we assure them?
We celebrated today the International Day of Youth. Some of you might be thinking, days come & pass by, what is so unique about 12th August, 2018?
It was 12 August, 2000; the International Youth Day was celebrated for the first time, to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. Ever since, every year on 12th August, it is celebrated with different themes. So, we too celebrated it today, for the first time. It was a small but action packed function at ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, with energetic participation of about 85 boys and girls. Just one little effort from our part to be part of the effort to raise awareness on challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.
The participating youths from nearby villages and our own campus discussed issues close to their heart & mind- keeping in focus the safe spaces- the theme of this year’s Youth Day. Some of them were vocal, but many rural folks were shy, hesitant, yet they spoke, discussed, debated, penned their hobbies & passions . Also, they expressed the problems they face in their daily life, the highs & lows of their life journey so far. Some wanted to dance, so they danced, some wanted to sing they sang their favorite songs. They sketched their life stories, their dreams and fears including their thoughts on marriages and life partners too.
They loved to express themselves because they were offered a platform to do so. Often they lack opportunities to share their free thoughts, ideas and creativity, they told. They loved it much that they got the opportunity to celebrate a day meant for them and about them. Usually no one cares for their needs & wants, only scolding’s of parents and teachers often they get, they are hardly heard by anybody, some echoed. For many, it was their first opportunity to speak up what they think. It was really a very gratifying for us that rural boys & girls could speak before an audience- the very first step to build up their confidence and raise morale.
Two (this & this) well established young agripreneurs shared their motivational success stories and the problems they encountered, challenges & risks they faced. The participating youths posed a range of questions to these entrepreneurs, mostly to know what hurdles they are likely to face, in case they follow them.
Many had complaints against their parents, teachers and friends for poor parenting, poor teaching and not being helpful at the time of need. A few told they can do a lot better; they need just good support from their families, teachers, friends and society at large. Some were apprehensive about their future just because there were not enough government jobs to look towards. A few wanted early marriage but they can’t, just because they don’t have a government job. We were surprised to know that many girls wanted to join police force- to teach lessons to eve teasers. Their stories were reflective that eve-teasing remains one big problem in this part of the world.
I was wondering, if we can answer all their queries raised, which are so many. Some of them approached me, when we will have similar event? Every year we have different themes for International youth Day- may be we will have many more questions to be answered in coming years!
Let us hope, we all get united and solve some of the problems, if not all youth of today face!!