Analysis
Year 2013 - Resolution for the Youth of India
We are going through a very difficult period in our country. The year 2012 had a tragic and disappointing ending. We have brought shame to ourselves. The rest of the world including the UN is reprimanding us.
You are the future of this country. Whether you like it or not, it is being handed over to you in a sorry state of affairs. You have to live your entire life in this land and deal with all the problems being handed over to you. You may not like it. You may get angry about it. You may take to streets to express your frustration. None of these are going to get you out of this mess.
I belong to the older generation – the generation that has failed in handing over a country of hope to you. I still have the audacity to tell you not to lose hope. Not to give up. Not to roll over and surrender!
For the New Year 2013 here is a Ten Point Resolution that you should seriously consider:
1. Educate Yourself:
If you are in school or college take full advantage of it. If the education system you are under is ineffective and broken down – do not give up. Remember - the student is more important than the teacher or the education system. Remember Ekalavya in Mahabharat. Learn to learn by yourself. Strive to become competent intellectually, emotionally and socially. Do not become a bookworm.
2. Stay Abreast of the News:
Make a point to read news (newspapers, internet, radio or television – whatever medium at your disposal) about your immediate community, the nation and the world. If certain news concerns you or attracts your attention, try to verify it through several sources. Remember – the source of news could be biased, manipulated or inaccurate. Question everything without being cynical.
3. Learn Introspection:
There are three principal modes of learning: external inputs (reading, watching, listening etc), contemplation and introspection. Learn how to contemplate. In contemplation you apply your own thoughts on what you have learned from the outside. It teaches you to extract not only what is apparent but also what is the basis of the apparent? What is really behind the material being presented? Once you have learned how to contemplate move on to introspection. Learn how to understand yourself objectively. Learn how to put aside your biases as you introspect. Find your strengths and understand your weaknesses. Remember the whole purpose of education is to learn how to learn.
4. Focus on Your Value System:
Contemplate on what is the purpose of your life? What is the objective of life?Is it to be happy? If so, how can you remain happy on a sustained basis? Is your happiness confined to what exists within the contours of your skin? Is it more than that? Remember – no man is an island. This is an interdependent, interconnected world. In this world to exist is to co-exist. There is no such thing as to exist by yourself. You cannot be happy if your neighbor is suffering, if a segment of your community or the country is suffering. Come to grip with the fact that you have an obligation toward your neighbor, community and the nation. You cannot escape from that obligation. Embrace it if you want to live happy!
5. Learn how to Respond – not React:
When you get external inputs that either elate or disappoint you, do not immediately react. Give yourself some time. Contemplate on the news. Understand all sides of it. Understand its root cause and eventual effects. Then, and only then, devise a course of action and respond. This will keep you from falling in traps setup by others. This will also give you a resolve to persevere.
6. Set aside a Part of your Time for the Service of your Country:
Your first responsibility is to become “strong” and “independent” yourself. But don’t forget this is the country you are going to inherit. It is in a sorry state of affairs. You have no escape from it. You have no choice but to allocate a part of your time and energy in the service of your country.
7. Prioritize:
There are a myriad of problems facing your country. You can’t solve them all simultaneously. Do not dilute your efforts. Contemplate on these problems. Do not confuse yourself with the symptoms from the root cause. You might find that many seemingly different problem symptoms have the same basic root cause. Address the root causes not just the symptoms.
8. Strategize & Network:
Once you have identified the root cause that you wish to address then the real work begins. What are you going to do about it? How are you going to act on it? What about the obstacles? How are you going to overcome them?
You need to develop a strategy. How can your limited time and resources be best utilized? Network with your friends, well wishers, people whom you respect, other domestic organizations involved in a similar effort on your selected cause. Networking amplifies the impact of your inputs. However, it is a double edged sword. You have to check these organizations out thoroughly before you network with them or join them. Remember, no matter how unhappy you are with the state of your country; it is still your country. Take ownership of it. All of it – the good and the bad. Never compromise with the integrity of your country! Never forgive those who compromise with the integrity of your country – no matter how famous or powerful they are!
9. Implement your Action Plan:
Whatever course of action you adopt will take time to bear fruits and will be full of hurdles. Whether you decide to carry out and join peace protests, write to arouse public participation, write to your government bureaucrats or political leaders, knock the doors of the judicial system, join other public service NGOs or join the political process – all of these are going to test your mettle and resolve. Do not be afraid to make midcourse correction as more relevant information becomes available. Be happy to accept progress in steps. Don’t fall in the trap of asking for all or nothing. Each successful step becomes the launching pad for the next one.
10. Persevere:
Nothing is gained without sacrifice and perseverance. Remember, the freedom and the democracy you “enjoy” today was brought about and handed over to you by the sacrifice of many others before you.
These are only the guidelines. Scrutinize them and accept only what make sense to you. At the end, you are your own guide.
May the Year of 2013 bring you peace and resolve to make this country a better place to live and cherish for all of you.
01-Jan-2013
More by :
Dr. Gopal Singh
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