Youth

The Anglican Church has set apart the first Sunday of October as the Youth Sunday. All organizations under the banner of church will get a day like this to lead the worship. Ever since I turned 16 my parents will not let me come back after church without attending the youth meetings. I always found that complex as I had to take part in so many activities like group discussions and then presenting the theme to all, at times you may even have to lead the intercessory prayer and what not. Though the meetings had a colorful side with lots of friends and merry making it always drove me crazy. Then as years passed I felt like I had changed a lot. The hidden talents bloomed making me confident enough to take up the challenges. The reasons which held me back before has actually brought out the real me. I am no more active now in the fellowships as I had moved out for the younger ones. But still this year its different as I am involved in the making of an article to be published in the parish messenger. As part of the article I was caught up with scores of thoughts as I compared the then youth and the present youth. It seems to be miles. The attitude, views and concern have all reached a different level that I no more can comprehend it. Is this for good or bad that time alone can prove !

Youth is always considered as the age to learn, to accept, to change and to be the cause of transformation. A time when our potential and strength is most counted and recognised. This is the only state of mankind where one can strive to achieve what they aim. A period of confusion, uncertainty yet full of optimistic vigor. I remember in our days, there were lot of restrictions and rules that made us draw a line which we never even dared to cross. Those were but the reflections of our tradition and culture. Though I always disagreed to whatever my mom says about my friends I stealthily kept her views in mind and never let that go off. We were taught to respect and to be submissive to the elders. But now it’s a totally different scene. I can hardly see any respect towards teachers, parents or elders. It is always good to have independent outlook but never at the cost of despising the elderly. I was distressed when my neighbor (who is the professor of the top engineering college in my city) told that she is at times forced to shut her eyes while walking through the dark corridor of the library. On the contrary, my young friends counter that why everybody is so concerned about our lives. They demand the protection of their interests. Where actually did we go wrong in imparting the youth with the sanctity of our culture?

Similar attitude is acknowledged at family and society failing to fulfill the promises and responsibilities. However, the most striking of all is their focus on building a career and life up to their ‘mark’. They are absolutely blind in that race. No time for family and friends who once brightened their life and stood for making whom they are now. I should reach the summit even if I need to kick my best buddy down. Burning the midnight oil at the office table, purposefully forgetting that our dear ones crave for a silly talk or a loving pat as they sit disabled all alone at the house. The moral responsibility in raising our own siblings to the same height remains unveiled. Is money the cause for all this evil? My dear young friends I am not against the high spirits and ability in utilizing all the resources now known, for a bright future, but kindly reminding the hidden fatal state.

Erecting a pillar hollow in truth and values will only lead to destruction though the mansion look beautiful from afar. Can we try to reform in our outlook and values which will sustain till the end ?