The – nation building – is usually referred to a constructive process of engaging all citizens in building social cohesion, economic prosperity and political stability in an inclusive and democratic way. India’s Population has increased by three times since Independence from British rule. Currently it is 1.21 billion, out of which more than 50% percent of people are in the age group of 15 to 35. Even though we say Youth is not something related to age, it is the state of mind, but we call the people in between 15 to 35 to be youth. So majority of the population in India is youth. For me Youth is a spark which does not need an Ignition. Generally at this age a person will be energetic, enthusiastic and full of Zeal. But the burning problem is how to use it in the right way in absence of proper direction to youth. The advantage at this age is they are still a raw material, which can be molded into the shape we want them to be. They can be used for any constructive cause. We are also witnessing the instances where youth is used for destructive purposes by certain bad elements in the society.
Youth power was prominently visible in Socialist countries like Europe and china during the 19th century. Youth is agile and is inclined to work. But it is usually seen that the youth is unable to bring desired results for want of proper guidance. Consequently, whatever they do neither it gives satisfaction to them nor does it fulfill the needs of the nation.
A generation cannot be young so long and building a nation cannot be accomplished by a single generation. It will take many phases and many generations particularly in a country like ours to build a strong Nation. Past leaders like Vivekananda, Chanakya, and Gautama Buddha have played their role in empowering the Nation. Unfortunately India has not been able to produce more such statured personalities to enlighten, empower and direct the nation. It is not that people are not following the principles of these leaders but the fact is they are failing to implement them with required passion and seriousness. I believe the path suggested by them has lost its destination and things remain unchanged since then. This kind of direction less journey of youth is quite alarming.
If the next generation of youth is not guided with right values and is not educated regarding the importance of their contribution to the nation, the damage being created can never be imagined. The responsibility of preparing the background and creating a congenial environment in this respect lies in the hands of the intellectuals and the leaders of society. No foreign aid would develop this country for us; we must therefore work collectively to develop our nation.
