Generation Z – A plea to consider

Sometime back was browsing through the newspaper when this particular news article caught my eye. It was about Aarav, Akshay’s son who at a tender almost docile age (especially when interpreted from the perspective of Generation X and Y), is a columnist and also an entrepreneur. I cannot help myself being awed by the immense talent and insatiable hunger of this generation. Right from various reality shows that highlights their talent to sports and other fields, the showpieces of their excellence are spread everywhere. They are a beacon of hope judging by their immense potential and have the requisite ability to prove to be a game changer going forward. On the other hand, I see the gradually declining strength of morality and ethical values where individualism is no more a choice but a celebrated necessity. This “individualism” unfortunately has been perceived as an open license for achieving growth or success irrespective of the underlying mechanism for our current society puts a tremendous emphasis on intermingling success and satisfaction. While the Generation Z presents a hope, but it also paves way to a grave question with regards to where they are heading and what they have in store for their much hyped future. Powered by an overwhelming intellect (IQ) and internet as the knowledge powerhouse, it apparently seems like sky is the limit for these teens. But the pertinent and infinitely more relevant question is whether these energies are channelized towards the right direction.

India is in a state of flux especially as individuality is slowly and surely permeating through the traditional fabric of collectivism. Generation Z powered by this western force is propelling itself towards the fulfillment of materialistic goals and ambitions. However, one cannot help thinking about the moral and spiritual goals for which even the West has always looked at the East. We may admire the creative mind of Steve jobs but we cannot afford to do so without appreciating the role that his stay in India played in this endeavor. The 21^st century India is a dangerous place especially for the generation Z which is blissfully unaware of the traditional fabric and is increasingly driven by materialistic desires. The so called independence achieved at a early age often serves as a rational argument for weakening family ties but one cannot resist asking the merits of independence. This is primarily because of our over reliance on technology and the material gains it is often used for. However, in the false notion of independence, these are increasingly becoming distant from fellow human beings and well humanity has become old fashioned so to say.

We may constantly harp about the demographic dividend we enjoy as a nation but as a dedicated citizen of my nation, honestly I have cry of anguish. The generation Z is being brought up in a society which apparently makes huge noises about individual freedom right from food choices to sexual preferences but is seemingly so indifferent to the real issues. Let’s take a look at some of these issues.

1)    Right from the PM to any elite, one buzz word that is omnipresent is women empowerment. Seriously, women empowerment in nation where 50% of the females get married below the age of 18. Without education and essential life skills, how do we ensure empowerment of women. I will narrate the Indian way. First, cripple them for life by discriminating them from birth (even before birth), not providing them education, exposing them to physical, mental and sexual abuse in a manner that it gets engrained into their heads and getting them married before they achieve adulthood. Then, the government and society(through NGO’s) step in by offering crutches in the form of SHG, farm employment and all those fucking yojanas named after you know who. Please spare a second and pardon my ignorance but enlighten me is this women empowerment.

2)    A recent survey estimated that more than 50% of the rapes happen when women go to relieve themselves in nearby fields. While this is a known fact, but this has been often linked with need for sanitation. But pardon my ignorance, are males in this country so desperate. While we may evoke passion regards “ethical” treatment of cow and we being the descendents of “Lord Ram” but i wonder how come no one talks about these issues in open. Our “culture” is maligned in by Valentines Day while words like prostitution, sex, menstrual cycle still remain a taboo but our great culture “RAMRAJ” is positively served with souls who rape hapless women going about their daily chores.

3)    We live in an information era where we are aware of every minute happening at the click of the button. While it is supposed to make us more informed, but this has robbed us of our sensitivity and today other people’s sufferings have become news. Recently, I read about this girl from Bihar who went to the hospital due to some illness and was raped by the doctor and two constables. To make matters worse, they kept on blackmailing her for one year for money. Finally, the girl somehow managed to gain enough courage to tell her parents about the horrendous incident. Luckily the parents were supportive and hence the matter ended up to court where more than 1 year has passed and the prosecutor (who happens to be a female) advises the victim to withdraw the case as the chances of justice are very slim. Besides, the family for the last one year has been living in constant threat from various quarters. The girl frustrated from the whole episode decides to commit suicide. Her last words “ I will not get justice and I cannot move forward”.

Reactions:

·      Is desh ka kuch nahi ho sakta..

·      Poor girl..

·      Koi option nahi tha ladki ke pass.

·      Corrupt judiciary..Corrupt country

·      Subah subah depressing news mat sunao..

·      Zamana bahut kharab ho gaya hai..

·      Ye sab to common hai..

Surprise. Surprise.. – Not even a single tear for the parents for the girl.. Not even an intent to improve things.. Beta badey hoke kya banega.. Engineer or Doctor.. Mommiee uhh..Social worker.. Are you mad? How will you earn a living.. Tumhari shaadi kaise hogi.. How would you feed your kids..

My question:

1)    How would you ensure that your sisters and loved one are safe (By keeping them indoor after 6pm.. By telling them what to wear and what not)

2)    How would you ensure that some mishap does not happen with your wife?

3)    How would you ensure that your kid is not molested?

Dear GenZ

A discontented Gen Y soul makes a passionate appeal to please consider the above matters and other related issues which are a zillion times more pressing than temples, religious choices, sexual preferences and more important that when Salman would get married and who is dating Katrina. I am a fan of your infinite ability, desire, insatiable hunger and your potential to be a torch bearer for not my beloved nation but for mankind. You have lesser shackles, you are indeed free and hence I have high aspirations banking on your responsible shoulders. Believe me no money or fame can ever match that smile you manage to bring on someone’ face. Our country is bleeding and I know you can provide feasible answers to these issues. Hope you seize this moment to pave a path that you truly deserve. And please do not wait till that ill-fated next news which is a tragedy involving your beloved ones.