Let us look at the brighter side first:
Good things:
1.Ambitious and career-oriented : The youth in these cities have access to quality higher education and most of them have college degrees in professional courses like law, engineering, management, communications etc. Many smart graduates with engineering and/or management degrees are throwing caution to the wind and starting up on their own, which is a great thing for a nation like India that needs more and more wealth creators to employ its poor millions.
2.Broadminded: Born mostly after the first wave of India’s liberalization in 1991, the youth are exposed to a different worldview compared to their parents’ generation. With proliferation of mass media fuelled by increasing globalization of the Indian economy, the youth are exposed more and more to Western ideas and thoughts. There is a significant improvement in the level of scientific temper and rationality. Superstitions and religious bigotry doesn’t apply to this demographic segment and if trained and skilled adequately, the demographic dividend, which has become a much-clichéd word now, can be fully leveraged by a fast-growing economy like India. In summary, with virtually unlimited opportunities, the outlook of Indian youth has also improved significantly.
Not-so-good things:
1.Addiction to cigarettes and alcohol: This is the biggest cause of concern with the Indian youth and the trend is not confined to the metros alone. The consumption of cigarettes and alcohol have hit the roof despite heavy taxes and the denial of permission for the latter to advertise freely. The fairer sex, as if to display its new-found equality, has also taken to smoking and alcohol in a big way.
2.Complete lack of knowledge and interest when it comes to Indian values, history and culture: Middle-class upbringing and English medium education have enabled the youth to bag jobs and benefit from globalization immensely. But at the same time, there is near-total disengagement from the traditional Indian values, history and culture. This segment has literally accepted the superiority of Western lifestyle and values over that of India.
3.Consumerism at its peak –It’s now or never: With jobs aplenty in such cities for people with the right qualifications and good communication skills, the youth have started to earn starting salaries close to or more than their parents’ current monthly income. Globalization and the rising influence of mass media including the internet have made the youth want to consume more and more. The consumer credit culture that is in vogue in the developed Western countries has now become a part of the Indian social fabric. This often pushes the impulsive youth to enjoy before they earn by taking loans to finance these purchases.
4.Disenchantment with the political system and governance in general: Incessant bombarding of negativity about politics and governance in India – scams, sleaze and dynastic politics – has led to a mental disengagement of the youth from what’s happening in the realms of politics. The word ‘politics’ has assumed a seriously negative connotation, fueled by the feudal and corrupt behavior of most of Indian politicians who consider the country their personal fiefdom.
In essence, for India to be a global power to be reckoned with, the youth need to be proud of their roots and the rich culture of India. Every country that is considered a superpower today is proud of itself – Chinese, Japanese and the Americans. There is not just a need for a structural transformation in the Indian economy but also the Indian mindset. The youth need to drive this change from the front to create India’s true identity in front of the world and help achieve ‘the Indian dream’. The youth in metros can be the beacon to their counterparts in smaller towns, cities and villages in this long, arduous yet highly fulfilling journey.
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