Dr Vikas Sharma
drvikassharma20202020@gmail.com
Across India, there are students who used to shine brightly. They were the toppers in their schools, the position holders, the ones teachers praised and classmates looked up to. They were the examples everyone admired-many younger students saw them as role models, even shaping their own dreams after them. Because of these high achievers, many young students found inspiration to pursue careers in medicine, go through the demanding MBBS journey, and ultimately become doctors. Others took on the challenge of civil services exams, with some becoming IAS or KAS officers. For years, these young men and women believed that their hard work and talent would pave the way for fulfilling careers and respected roles in society.
But for many of these once-top students, life hasn’t turned out as expected. They grew up with big dreams, aiming for prestigious government jobs or officer-level positions that matched their achievements and dedication. They believed that their commitment to excellence would lead them to secure such roles, but now they face a reality where job opportunities are limited and competition is fierce. Despite all their efforts and years of preparation, they’re left with few options, often forced into roles that feel far from the high-ranking positions they once envisioned. Each missed opportunity or rejection adds to a growing sense of disappointment, making them question if all those years of study and sacrifice were worth it.
For girls, the struggle is even more complex. These girls aren’t just battling to achieve their own dreams; they’re also carrying the weight of societal and family expectations. They spent years preparing for competitive exams, fueled by the hope of achieving careers that would give them both independence and a sense of purpose. Yet, as they work tirelessly to reach these goals, they face increasing pressure from families and relatives who begin to talk about traditional expectations, particularly around marriage. They start hearing things like, “It’s time to think about marriage,” or “You’re not getting any younger.” These subtle, yet persistent comments make it harder for them to focus solely on their dreams, adding another layer of stress to their journey.
These girls feel trapped in a silent conflict between their personal ambitions and society’s timelines. They have invested so much time and effort into their careers, yet they’re often reminded of how society measures success for girls. It’s not just about achievements-it’s about meeting expectations, balancing dreams with responsibilities. Watching their friends and classmates, some of whom were not as academically driven, settle into jobs, start families, and lead seemingly secure lives only intensifies this internal struggle. These peers, who may not have excelled in school, now appear to be living stable, comfortable lives, while the toppers keep going, preparing for exams, facing disappointment after disappointment, clinging to the hope that their dreams will one day become reality. The contrast is painful, leaving them questioning the worth of their sacrifices.
Frustration and stress continue to build with each setback. The patience they once had is now tested daily, and every failure feels like a personal defeat, an unspoken judgment on their own self-worth. This cycle of rejection and frustration isn’t just about exams or job applications; it’s about their sense of identity, their belief in themselves. Many of these young people start feeling drained, as if they’re losing pieces of themselves with every disappointment. The strength and resilience that carried them through years of academic achievement now feel worn down, leaving them in a place of deep vulnerability.
This silent struggle goes largely unnoticed. Society is quick to celebrate those who succeed, but often ignores those who are still in the fight. These toppers continue to move forward, but with the weight of unseen battles on their shoulders.
Their quiet courage, their strength to keep pushing despite constant setbacks, is rarely acknowledged. Society forgets that these individuals are more than just students or job seekers-they are resilient souls who deserve respect and recognition for their persistence and bravery.
For girls especially, their journey is one of resilience mixed with hope. They are fighting for their dreams, even as they face pressure to “settle down.” They refuse to give up, even though every step forward feels like an uphill battle. They cling to their ambitions and dreams, despite the pressure of timelines that don’t align with their personal goals. It’s not just about the careers they want, but about finding a life they can be proud of, one that reflects the dreams they’ve carried for so long.
This generation’s struggle is a reminder that success isn’t always as simple as achieving a title or position. Success is often about the ability to keep going, even when the path seems impossible.
These young men and girls are examples of true resilience, of people who continue to hold onto hope and push forward, despite the setbacks. Their worth is not defined by their job titles or ranks, but by the inner strength it takes to face disappointments, hold onto dreams, and stay true to their own vision for their lives.
In their silent battle, they represent a generation that is fighting not just for jobs but for meaning and purpose. They are fighting to build a life that aligns with the dreams they have nurtured, even in a world that sometimes doesn’t recognize their efforts. These young people have shown us that true success lies not only in achieving goals but in the courage it takes to keep trying, the quiet determination to continue against all odds. They are a generation of resilience and silent strength, holding onto dreams that are worth fighting for, even when society fails to see their worth.
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