The youth of today is in a very exciting space which is filled with many scientific and technological advantages. A vast vista of opportunities has opened up before them due to the professionalization of services. At the same time, there has been a steady infiltration and influence of other cultures and thought processes through the telecom and Internet revolution. The world has shrunk manifold in that sense.
In such circumstances, the greatest challenge for the youth of India is to process the inputs from other cultures to integrate them harmoniously with our age old, distinctive cultural heritage and traditions. The nurturing of a family, respect for the elders, the value systems we are taught and the spirituality inculcated within us need to be preserved. Change is a constant in everyone’s life. However, is all change to be accepted indiscriminately if it is at the cost of our well being and that of others around us?
From our predecessors, we have inherited virtues like honesty, integrity, love and respect for others, compassion, charity towards the less fortunate, faith and trust in the spoken word, and peace and prosperity within families and societies. Somehow, before it is too late, we have to reinstall these qualities within our hearts and minds.
In the last few years, change has set in so rapidly that there may be a perception of a wider generation gap between the youth and the elders. The influx of western thought and culture while influencing the youth does not particularly enamor the tradition bound parents and other elders. In the larger context, this is inevitable in every generation and should not matter to the younger generation. They should be able to map out their own goals and a plan to achieve them within the current scenario of opportunities and environment. Instead of getting into unnecessary temptations and diversions, those who, single mindedly forge ahead with courage, conviction, focus, determination and perseverance, will definitely achieve their goals. Making the right choices is very important. Giving up on dreams or compromising good values for the bad can never be a choice.
Surekha Kothari
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Speakingtree Blog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari
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