Prof Vandana Sharma
vandana.eng@ cujammu.ac.in
Youth usher transformation in a profound tangible way in view of the fact that the energy of youth coupled with creativity and courage is one of the main drivers of social, economic, political and cultural transformation. Across the world there exist umpteen examples where the young minds have created ripples through their transformative effort and result-oriented action. To name a few, Greta began protesting climate inaction at age 15 and through “Fridays for Future” movement mobilized millions of young people in over 150 countries, pressuring governments to strengthen climate commitments. At age 17, Malala became the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her activism brought global attention to the importance of girls’ education, influencing policies in Pakistan and inspiring education programs worldwide. Teenager Naomi Wadler led powerful protests and speeches addressing racial injustice advocating for victims of gun violence in United States. Jahdai Vigona jolted personally with the impact of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and mental health struggles on their Tiwi Islands community, launched the One Percent program with his cousin Dante Rodrigues and worked to help Indigenous youth and men build mental resilience and create positive change in their lives.
National Youth Day Special
The scenario in the Indian context holds promising opportunities because we are a nation of youthful population where 65% of population is under 35, which means India has a young and dynamic demographic compared to ageing populations elsewhere. We are a nation with a legacy of a young monk from India who enthralled the Chicago Parliament of Religions with his divine aura and one of the inspiring openings in modern history, “Sisters and Brothers of America” . Carrying forward this legacy, today Indian youth have emerged as global torchbearers of innovation, resilience and excellence. Each One Teach Ten- The Journey Continues by Namya Joshi, is first of its kind initiative pertaining gender disparity in STEM fields where namya worked on SDG 4 through game-based learning to help youngsters struggling to understand concepts from books. Anti Bullying Squad Kavach by Anoushka Jolly is another pioneering initiative by young Anoushka who makes a difference by taking anti-bullying sessions both online and offline in schools and NGOs. Examples galore to establish how youth energy when channelised becomes even more crucial for building inclusive, progressive, and peaceful societies.
Taking a cue from the young minds who dared to imagine a better world and took action to make it real, the objective of this article is twin fold – first – to highlight the transformative potential of 5 Ps, a framework that emphasizes transformation across five key dimensions of society which offers a powerful platform for meaningful youth engagement and second – to galvanise Youth, who are not only the largest demographic group but also the most adaptable, tech-savvy, and imaginative segment of the population. Ostensibly, their involvement in Panch Parivartan can accelerate community development and nurture a sense of responsibility toward nation-building.
To begin with, let’s understand how the Panch Parivartan as the five principles outlined by the RSS and endorsed by Prime Minster, Narendra Modi is a mantra for a developed India by 2047 where each one’s contribution, particularly that of youth is imperative. With the aim to guide India’s transformation into a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) nation by fostering individual and societal change, it refers to transformation across five domains such as:
1. Education
2. Health & Hygiene
3. Environment & Sustainability
4. Skill Development & Livelihood
5. Social Values & Civic Responsibility
It is an undeniable fact that these five principles which emphasize – social harmony, Eco-friendly Growth; Self awareness; Family values and Responsible Citizenship appeal to any discerning nationalist mind will uphold the significance for national development and self-reliance. Now let’s examine how the essence of Panch Parivartan relates to the role of youth.
1. (Social Harmony) aims at ensuring social justice and uplifting the marginalized. Since the youth possess a strong sense of fairness and are often the first to speak out against discrimination, corruption, and injustice. Understandably, their activism-both online and on the ground should highlight issues pertaining any kind of injustice across class, caste, gender, mental health, climate change, and human rights. What is needed of course is the need among youth to develop sensitivity to identify the problem and approach to offer a solution. This goes without saying that shunning prejudices and adopting more action oriented approach in a collective voice will push the society toward greater equity and inclusiveness. There are numerous ways how youth can contribute, to name a few, by organizing campaigns on gender equality, anti-substance abuse, and communal harmony; participating in Gram Sabha activities ; by forming and participating in Youth clubs and self-help groups at the institutional/ village/community level; contribute in Local NGOs and community-based organizations and participate in Digital platforms that encourage youth-led innovation. Of course, there are numerous Government programs under Panchayat Raj Institutions that provide leadership roles for young volunteers
2. (Eco-friendly Growth) emphasizes sustainable development that respects nature. Climate change and environmental degradation are challenges that directly affect future generations. As seen earlier, youth worldwide are advocating for sustainable practices and some notable efforts have been mentioned earlier. Emulating such practices, Indian youth must initiate efforts to be part of organizing plantation drives, reducing waste, and promoting green technologies for creating a healthier planet. It goes without saying that young minds have unique ideas related to recycling and reusing and their efforts to raise awareness about waste management in their vicinity and neighbourhood will also yield tangible results. No doubt, Youth can mobilize fellow students, friends, and community members more effectively, making social campaigns more relatable and impactful.
3. (Self-awareness/Self-realization) is much debated issue particularly in this age of digital cocophony where individuals believe more in connecting to the outside world than the inner self. Every parent and teacher seems worried about the juggernaut of social media and AI which is engulfing youth’s realisation about their real selves and their innate potential. Instead of using these tools as an aid, youth is getting used and abused by technology resulting in a burnt out self which has no clue of its roots and heritage. Hence, youth must overcome colonial mindset which embraces the vestiges of colonialism blindly – be it related to language, culture, cuisine or attire. Of course, it will begin when a sense of pride in our and embracing heritage, and promoting Swadeshi. It must begin with their curiosity to develop knowledge of their cultural heritage so that they can embrace global values in a better manner. This makes them ideal bridges between the wisdom of older generations and the demands of the modern world. Their ability to balance tradition with innovation helps communities evolve without losing their identity. There are numerous initiatives of ministry of education pertaining revamping curriculum with the integration of Bhartiya knowledge traditions which youth must follow to ignite selfawareness.
4. (Family Values) Collectivism is the bedrock of Indian family system Which reinforces family identity through mutual respect and empathy. Understandably, the individual aspirations do not take precedence in it but are connected to the common good which are centred on core Indian values demonstrated through respect for elders; dharma, a sense of duty towards family and society and intergenerational values. Although the structure of many Indian families has shifted towards nuclear units, it is imperative that core cultural values continue to define personal and social interactions.
Here lies the responsibility of both elders and young members to build stronger emotional bonds and encourage open dialogue. When elders demonstrate ethical living and lead by example, it creates a ripple effect of transformation among youth. Moreover, celebrating festivals together and sharing with young members the significance – be it social, cultural, religious or environmental fosters a bond which aligns with the broader vision of “Parivartan”.
5. (Civic Sense/Responsible Citizenship) reinforces fulfilling duties and adhering to Constitutional values. Youth should be enthused with a passion to lead national progress and move from passive observation to active engagement. What is needed is personal behavioural shift by developing an unflinching adherence to daily discipline – be it that of adhering to traffic rules; maintaining cleanliness in public spaces or safeguarding public property. On many occasions, it is observed that Gen Z today takes more pride in citing their fundamental rights without being aware of their Duties. Youth can enhance their engagement through platforms like MY Bharat and can influence policy by participating in Youth Parliament.
Summing up, it must be understood that one of the important mandates of education is to transform students into better human beings who will be empowered and responsible citizens. Our Indian Youth possess unimaginable potential and acumen. Therefore, need of the hour is a pragmatic mix of information, knowledge and skills by developing their emotional, digital and ecological quotient which “Panch Parivartan” envisages.
( The author is Dean, School of Languages Central University of Jammu)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
