Article By Shanti Sharma, Ranipool Bazar, Sikkim
What one does is more important than what one says, as in Politicians need to be reminded that actions speak louder than words .Statement given by Mrs Bharati Sharma, working president of SKM that “SDF rule caused youths resorting to drugs and anti-social elements due to lack of proper youth oriented policies” is a very loose and non-substantial one. She was also in the ruling Government till very recent. She was holding a very decent post and also had an authority to raise a voice against the menace happening in the society. Why didn’t she ever think of bringing such issues in front of the public when she was in power? Why is it so that only after becoming an opposition member, people suddenly wake up, get enlightened and start thinking about the societal problems. I have always believed in a quote which says “If you do not like the rules, follow the rules, reach the top and change the rules”. In case of Mrs. Sharma, she did reach the top so why was she reluctant to work for a greater social cause. It really surprises me as in what politicians of this era think of the youth? Do they think they are smart enough to fool us again and again and fetch our votes with same outdated and typical strategies? Making promises during every election and when reached the top, maintaining stagnancy is a culture that every politician has followed till date.
And the second statement she claimed during her speech was that “SKM has come to guide aimless youths in the right direction.” Here I want to make it very clear to the visionary leaders of every political party that youth are not directionless. They have their own aims and dreams in life. They are currently striving to sustain their livelihood. Most of them do not have job, they have to feed many mouths. They do not have a secure future, no guaranty of sustainability from the government’s side. And the main thing which obstructs them from entering into political or social arena is that most of the families in Sikkim belong to Middle class strata of society. They are the aspiring and developing future of tomorrow. They are thinking big and taking correct steps, because if you are struggling for your basic needs like food, shelter and economic stability, you cannot expect them to come out and fight for a social cause.
Further, I wonder which party is coming forward and throwing platform for the youth. Are they giving ample space and discretion to the youth according to their ideas and vision? But sad to say nothing of such manner happening in reality. To fill something we need to empty the vessel first. The vessel which is already occupied cannot accommodate any new things in it. So is the case with every upcoming party. I have full faith on my fellow brothers and sisters that the day will come when our young, dynamic and vibrant youth will enter into politics with their active participation and make a change which will create a history in years to come.
As we very profoundly know that the youth in any state form an important part of the machinery that shapes the destiny of a country. It is they who may help to bring about a desirable change in society. History have many examples that justify the greatness of the contribution of the youth towards the progress and upliftment of the country. The youth of India were greatly instrumental in bringing about the Independence movement in the country. Gandhiji, Nehruji and other national leaders depended heavily on the youth of India to help achieve the goal of Swaraj.
In our own state almost half of the population constitutes of youth and their vast energies and enthusiasm must not go untapped. It should be utilized for social, political, cultural or economic reconstruction. If their proper that their energies are not used, they can go astray, get involved in undesirable and antisocial attitudes, thus damaging the very fabric of society. As far as possible they should be encouraged to get involved in the present task of reconstructing and rebuilding Sikkim.
Youth usually underestimate their potential and are unaware of their own capabilities and have to go through a crisis to get a sense of their own potential. The greatest wealth and strength of any nation is its youth. The future of a nation lies in the hands of its posterity. The quality of its youth determines the kind of future, the nation will have. Therefore, if we want to ensure a bright future for our state, we first need to strengthen and empower our youth. The youth of any nation and society are its potential energy. They are the powerhouse and storehouse of infinite energy. They are the ones who are the pride of the nation. It is the youth which brings laurels to their country.
Due to increasing unemployment, we have been unable to keep our youth busy in constructive works. We fail to help them in realizing their dreams and hence they get lost and go in the wrong direction as the saying goes "An empty mind is the devil's workshop". We have failed poorly in this direction. The result is that nothing inspires our youth except shortcuts to making money, to achieve success and realizing their dreams. We have failed to give them the right kind of opportunities. Look at our own youth working in other states – they excel there. Why can't they do it here, in their own state? The answer lies in the lack of opportunities which they find in plenty in other states. The loss is completely ours. This is called the Brain Drain of the state.
So, the time has come where the youth of the state need to understand their power and potential and channelize those in a proper and efficient manner. Youth is only the deciding factor of any political and social system. If they are aware of their rights and duties, the state will be free from corruption, inequalities, underdevelopment, illiteracy, poor economic condition and unhealthy environment.
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