by Dr Mushtaq Rather
A paradigm shift is necessary in our approach, moving away from dictatorial and unidirectional methods. Instead, we must engage with the younger generation on their terms, seeking to understand and mitigate their suffering.
The pressure to excel is taking a profound toll on the younger generation, who are increasingly expected to perform exceptionally well and meet the lofty expectations of their parents, relatives, teachers, and peers.
The mantra of perform or perish casts a long and foreboding shadow over the wellbeing of young people, who are compelled to emerge victorious in a cutthroat competition, regardless of the cost to their physical and mental health.
As a society, we must confront the unjustified and undesirable expectations we place upon the younger generation. By doing so, we have rendered them vulnerable to self-harming incidents, such as suicides and drug abuse, which can have devastating consequences for their careers and lives.
“We must prioritise the well-being and safety of our young people,” says one concerned observer. “We must acknowledge that the relentless pursuit of materialistic gains can come at a tremendous cost to their mental and emotional health.”
The current state of affairs is a stark reflection of our societal values, which often prioritise material success over philanthropic attitudes and community engagement. As one expert notes, “When the cornerstone of every upbringing relies on acquiring materialistic goals, we must expect a society that is increasingly fragmented and disconnected.”
The factors that have led to the derailment of the younger generation, hindering their ability to lead a meaningful and prosperous life, and disturbing their mental peace and stability, are multifaceted.
One of the primary causes is the rigidity and undesired expectations from parents. While it is natural for parents to dream of their children excelling in their careers, it is equally important for them to involve their children in the decision-making process. Parents should accommodate their child’s insights and opinions while exploring career options.
Regrettably, the reality is that many parents fail to do so. Instead of being empathetic and compassionate, they often adopt a dictatorial approach, dictating terms to their children without providing them with the necessary breathing space. This approach has caused significant harm, altering the mental stability of young people and leading to mental chaos, stress, and trauma.
A recent incident in the Mattan area of south Kashmir highlights the devastating consequences of this approach. A young boy, enrolled in a coaching institute in Kota, Rajasthan, took his own life. It is believed that the lack of a congenial family atmosphere, where he felt unable to express himself, contributed to this tragic outcome.
Experts emphasize that parents must consider two crucial factors when deciding their child’s career path: whether the child is interested in pursuing that career, and whether they have the inherent potential to excel in it. By doing so, parents can help their children make informed decisions that align with their aspirations and abilities.
The scourge of competitive exam-driven stress has become a pressing concern across India. Every year, numerous suicides are reported, with the victims often citing their inability to cope with the pressure of entrance examinations and the weight of social expectations, including those from family members.
The tragic phenomenon has prompted many to ask: why are young people perishing in such alarming numbers? We must pause and engage in thorough self-introspection. We must acknowledge the gravity of this issue, which, if left unaddressed, will have devastating consequences.
As one concerned observer noted, “We need to re-evaluate our priorities. What should be central to us: the life of the child or the child pursuing a career they are hardly interested in?” The fear is that if we fail to act, we will become desensitized to this tragedy, and it may become a normalized trend in our society.
Mental health issues among adolescents are another pressing concern. This stage of life is marked by profound transformation, as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood. The challenges they face, including body image issues and societal expectations, can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being.
The weight of academic expectations, peer pressure, and concerns about the future also take a toll on mental health during adolescence. In India, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Official reports indicate that among Indians aged 13-17 years, the prevalence of severe mental illness is 7.3 per cent.
The situation is even more alarming in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Decades of turmoil and uncertainty have resulted in an alarming rise in psychiatric illnesses and psychological disturbances. Numerous studies have revealed that youth in the valley, particularly those in the 17-30 age group, are most vulnerable to substance abuse.
The proliferation of drug addiction over the past decade has been nothing short of catastrophic, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The consequences of this scourge have been far-reaching, casting a shadow of despair and gloom over the entire societal fabric.
At its core, the explosion of drug addiction is a collective failure of society to protect its youth from the menace of substance abuse. As stakeholders in society, our approach to addressing this issue has been woefully inadequate. Many have adopted a pessimistic attitude, ignoring the warning signs and fatal consequences of drug abuse, reasoning that it does not directly affect their immediate family members.
This denial has enabled the drug menace to penetrate deep into the societal setup, with the situation now seemingly spiralling out of control. The damage caused is irreparable, with countless young lives lost to addiction, careers ruined, and families plunged into economic distress.
The upward trend in drug abuse cases has also led to a surge in other heinous crimes in society. The procurement of highly sedative drugs requires a significant amount of cash, compelling drug abusers to explore illegal means to obtain the necessary funds. This has resulted in a disturbing increase in cases of homicide, particularly among the younger population.
Dr Yasir Rather, Professor of Psychiatry at IMHANS Srinagar, corroborates this, stating that the increasing crime graph in Kashmir may be linked to the spike in heroin abusers. Addicts, driven by desperation and frustration, are turning to burglary and even murder to acquire their drugs.
In the long run, addicts often become peddlers to ensure a seamless flow of cash, perpetuating a vicious cycle of addiction and crime. The consequences of inaction are dire, and we must take collective responsibility to address this crisis and work towards a solution.
The proliferation of social media has undoubtedly enabled users to transcend geographical boundaries and establish virtual connections. However, this phenomenon has also led to a disturbing trend of social isolation, particularly among the younger generation.
Young people are increasingly glued to their electronic gadgets, chatting and texting with virtual friends, while neglecting to foster meaningful relationships in real life. As a result, the real social sphere of individuals is shrinking with each passing day.
In stark contrast, the younger generation of the bygone era, devoid of social media and the internet, would actively participate in community services voluntarily. These interactions with people of all ages helped them develop lifelong skills and foster a strong social milieu.
The current circumstances of socialization via virtual platforms have led to a decline in neighbourly bonds, which were once a hallmark of community life. Furthermore, the autonomy and independence enjoyed by young people on social media platforms have given them unbridled access to content, without adequate checks and balances.
This has resulted in the proliferation of unfiltered and explicit content, which has permeated the younger generation. Many young people are unable to differentiate between suitable and objectionable content, leading to a serious erosion of moral values. Our society is now teetering on the brink of collapse in terms of moral standards, and we must take collective responsibility to address this crisis.
In conclusion, the younger generation plays a pivotal role in the realization of a vibrant, futuristic society. Concerted efforts must be made by all stakeholders to identify amicable and viable solutions to the challenges faced by young people.
A paradigm shift is necessary in our approach, moving away from dictatorial and unidirectional methods. Instead, we must engage with the younger generation on their terms, seeking to understand and mitigate their suffering.
The sentiment is clear: the younger generation will no longer tolerate being ignored or dismissed. As one observer notes, the anger and frustration accumulating among young people is akin to lava, simmering beneath the surface. If left unaddressed, it will inevitably erupt, with severe consequences.
It is our collective responsibility to provide a platform for young people to express themselves, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions. By doing so, we can empower the younger generation to become the driving force behind a vibrant, futuristic society.
(The author is an educationist and columnist based in Mattan, Anantnag.)
