by Gurani Anjali
There are some young people who are irresponsible, disrespectful and violent. This is a real manifestation of Youth Power. However, this cannot be viewed by itself, for a thing in itself, cannot exist.
The young person who builds and the young person who destroys are both produced through history. Viewing the youth problems in a petulant or self-righteous manner should be avoided. The problems that the youth find themselves in, at times, is of great importance; in their hands lies the destiny and future of man. Why be perplexed with worry over the conduct of youth? They are not inventing anything new; this has been going on for over 2000 years. The youth merely points out the hypocrisy and exploitation of the adult world. The youth have every right to protest; every human has a right to live; and life is a personal journey for all mankind.
The young find themselves in social structures not of their making. While one is helped to climb the ladder of fame and fortune, another is supported to remain in the slums. There is no need for harsh disciplinary tactics in these days; if this has to be, then civilization is yet to be. It is asked, “What is wrong with the youth today?” I say, nothing is wrong with the young people; they are fearless and boundless, vibrant and energetic; their fragrance is intoxicating. Who can compare with them? No one, but Spring—the freshness, the bursting out, the letting go, only belong to the youth. Let us be happy for the youth and love them with true understanding. There is a lot of falsehood throughout the world.
All forms of corruption begin with, continue and are sustained through the older generation, from food adulteration and drug abuse to the exploitation of youth, sex, greed and money. From inferior seed, inferior plants grow. You cannot blame the youth—they are free of guilt—no matter how great the crime. They are victims. The young person shows through his/her overall behavioral patterns the urgency of his/her time-life zone, and their ability to flow with it is amazing. It is like a strong wind making great haste. Together with this power, they find themselves in the spirit of the times. Being vulnerable and sensitive, they act and react with tremendous speed, dexterity, strength and fearlessness. They easily succumb to propaganda. Their innocent weakness is due to their naiveté. Yet, their zest for life is very intense.
If man has to continue, then youth, both individually and collectively, must be understood and respected. The challenge that lies before young people is the shaping of the destiny of mankind, which must not be taken lightly. The youth must realize this through education. Discipline is called for. They must be given the opportunity to make decisions wisely. Their spiritual, mental and physical potential must be developed in an integral manner, from within. Surely everyone wants peace, freedom, a sense of belonging, and unity. The search for true identity can be a life-long struggle. Therefore the young need adults around them who have rid themselves of their prejudices coming from ignorance. When this is done, then there can be harmony between the youth and the adult. When there is understanding, respect for others becomes a way of life. Let us love the youth, hear them, free them from exploitation and degradation.
Om shanti,
Gurani Anjali