Change for Betterment | Rising Kashmir

Over thirty years ago at the onset of militancy in the valley, the opportunities of equitable growth dwindled for the young. There was pessimism, uncertainty, violence and lack of opportunities which haunted the old and young alike.  Thirty years later the resilience of youth of Kashmir has paid off.  They have now taken the mantle of change upon themselves and are on a positive path of changing Kashmir for the better. 

Youth of Kashmir has undergone through tremendous challenges in the past three decades. They have witnessed unprecedented violence, poverty, unemployment, poor governance and the disintegration of families and communities. Drug addiction has soared in the valley and so have psychiatric symptoms, emotional and behavioural problems, and subjective well-being. But amidst all these challenges the youth of Kashmir is stepping forward to address these issues and bring about the positive change all around. 

Today’s youth is optimistic, fearless and resourceful and have the ability to bring the transformation needed by bringing positive change into their communities and thereby in the valley. From entrepreneurship to politics to sports to activism to revival of art and culture to being influencers on social media, the youth of Kashmir is doing about everything to move forward in a positive direction. Scores of young men and women are coming forward and fighting the menace of drug addiction in the society. From forming NGO’s to creating peer groups they are ensuring that they fight the menace of the society together. Counselling the effected youth, helping them in rehabilitation and providing mental support, the youth of Kashmir is trying to fulfil its role in building a better society. 

Though the challenges faced by today’s youth are manifold, unemployment being the main issue. They are also marred with the lack of quality education, few career options, red tape and corruption to mention a few more challenges. Yet they have refused to be bogged down and look forward to navigate successfully from these troubled waters. Using government schemes and incentives they have tried their best to overcome their problems. Their approach towards problem solving is based on positive application of the mind. We have seen a mushrooming in the start-up culture in Kashmir. More and more young men and women have come up with successful business ideas and create a niche for themselves in the valley. Budding sportsmen and women have not only won laurels for Jammu and Kashmir but also for the country. Few of them have made it to international arena as well thus becoming inspiration and role models for scores of other youth. 

This change in the attitude of youth has triggered a ray of hope for the future. More and more young people are coming forward and contributing positively towards the society. They are shunning the negativity and the culture of pessimism which prevailed the valley until a few years ago.  They have also been successful in guiding the younger generation on a successful path. 

As the youth of Kashmir has shown willingness to bring a positive change the onus is on the government to engage them at mass levels to bring the overall positive transformation. To create a change one cannot wait for opportunities to knock on the doorstep but rather has to create opportunities to bring the change around. For this it is imperative that they receive proper guidance, encouragement and support from the government, civil society and private sector.  The youth is synonymous to fresh and alternate thinking and can be the force multiplier to make a difference to the society provided the society at large change their attitude towards the younger generation and stand firmly behind the youth of Kashmir who are on right path to bring the right change.

(Author is Youngest Elected Representative of J&K. Email: aqib.renzushah@gmail.com)