Nepali Youths: A frustrated lot !
Today’s youths in Nepal face a daunting task to shape their career and destiny. The challenges are tall as the Himalayas and extremely difficult as the Pacific Ocean to navigate. Government and private avenues are but non – existent to help them out professionally. By nature, youths are highly ambitious, energetic, intelligent, fragile, susceptible, and indecisive. They do not hesitate to pounce on opportunities that come by to advance their careers. The government’s failure to set up a permanent help desk for youths regarding career development and counseling has pushed youths to the edge. Having accomplished virtually nothing substantial career wise in the adolescence stage, insecurity and humiliation creeps in them. And gradually they deviate and make their way into the world of fantasy and lust. Driven by emotion and sentiment they tend to disregard advices and suggestions meant to reform them. Even traditional values, ethics, culture, customs, become insignificant to them. Humiliation sets, followed by psychological changes, affecting their definition of life. Out of sheer frustration and pessimism, urban youths carry a negative perception of life. They deem life meaningless, void and empty. They quickly meander and in no time fall prey to the ills like alcoholism, drug addiction, watching pornography movies, etc. They proudly consider themselves 21st century modern youths and use every available tool to quench their thirst. The matter of fact is that this is a big illusion and can never lead them to eternal happiness. Nevertheless , unaffected they keep moving as they want. They have taken to contemporary good and bad fashion in a very big way. They have been observed sporting ridiculous hairdo, wearing odd earrings and imported dandy dresses. To top it they have cultivated bizarre and weird habits, thus alienating them from the society. These young men and women imitate fashion, ideals and mannerism of movie stars, pop icons much to the chagrin of the society and parents. They seek transformation with the sole purpose to receive adulation and recognition which they never get. They ignore the fact that this is leading them into darkness, misery and nowhere. On the other hand, the rural population, financially on the low side, life is full of struggle and tribulation, by and large. It is to be noted that young boys and girls are mostly engaged in day to day work like cutting grass for fodder, attend to cattle and goats, and plough fields. Those who go to cities in search of better opportunities end up working in restaurants and for affluent families. Most youths have the tendency to aspire or yearn big , be it a job or whatever. Surprisingly they have no interest for small jobs and most of the time they end up doing nothing eventually. Unfortunately, not all get what they desire or cherish. Either they are inadequately qualified or become victims to bureaucracy and corruption widely prevalent in both government and private organizations. The situation and fate of Nepali students studying abroad is very similar. The big irony is that before they leave the country they are resolute and determined to undertake any kind of job to survive. However, upon reaching the targeted country they feel very differently. They are overwhelmed by depression, frustration, anxiety, angst and the harsh realities of life. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia foreign students are left with no choice but to work to meet their exorbitant educational expenses. It is not just possible for their families to support them financially. Instead the family expects them to earn handsomely.In recent years the society has been adversely impacted by the political instability in the country, eroding morality of politicians and bureaucrats, and the deteriorating law and order. In addition the so called peoples’ war has cost the country dearly in terms of life and property.Strikes, political rallies, mass protest, student unrest, social disharmony, anti-social activities, religious bigotry, drug addiction and trafficking, and crimes etc, sadly have eroded the fabric of the society.The level of frustration in the country is visible and at its height. In my opinion the youths who are supposedly the torch bearers of the society are to be blamed for the fiasco. Not only have they failed to safeguard the society but also distanced themselves from their responsibilities.There never have been honest and sincere efforts to comprehend and cope with the realities, applying their youth, vigor and creativity on their part. They have ignored to observe and follow the rich lifestyles, heritage and traditions of their ancestors for whom it mattered so much.Youths unnecessarily are tormented by a sense of defeatism, especially due to their expectation, demand, nature and behavior. On the other hand, our ancestors were happy in their small world because of hard work, sincerity, simplicity and contentment.Elders think that hard work contributes about 90%, while luck and favor account for 5% and intelligence 5% to help a man attain success in life. If failure results the elderly people who are mostly fatalists believe that it is due to bad luck but they rarely get overpowered by frustration. Youths think pretty much the other way. To them failure in life has nothing to do with their habit and behavior and point to a host of activities and changes within the society and country responsible for their failure instead. A good number of monks , sadhus and scholars suggest that youths must learn to develop creativity as it enables them to become efficient and capable in work in any environment.. A prominent philosopher rightly said,” Creativity removes frustration and lethargy and induces one to get out of habitual negative thought patterns and personal problems and live a life in the realm of intuitive awareness and inspired efficientaction.” Inner faith is one of the most essential components youths must possess. It helps them overcome psychological barriers, like depression, anxiety and lack of self confidence. When a youth takes part enthusiastically in activities, obviously, he or she enjoys to the hilt. As evidenced it contributes positively towards the individual growth. Its high time youths are aware of its importance. Government agencies, national media, national and international organizations and concerned authorities need to show accouantibility and address the issue at the earliest.
