Anush Shahnaz Khan
Young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. In an era of rapid social, technological and cultural transformation, the energy, ideas and leadership potential of Generation Z can become one of the greatest strengths of our society. What matters is how this potential is channelled.
I firmly believe that meaningful change must begin at the community level. Every young person has the ability—and the responsibility—to contribute to society. Helping those in need, supporting education, participating in cleanliness drives, promoting environmental awareness, respecting elders and standing with vulnerable members of the community are simple but powerful forms of social service.
Leadership should not be measured by a title or position. True leadership is reflected in discipline, compassion, responsibility, integrity and the willingness to serve others. Our youth must be encouraged to develop these qualities and use their talents for constructive purposes. The United Nations likewise recognizes young people as important agents of change and emphasizes their meaningful participation in building more inclusive and sustainable communities.
At the same time, our young generation must consciously stay away from drugs, alcohol and other harmful influences that can damage individuals, families and communities. Youth should be encouraged towards education, sports, skills, entrepreneurship, creativity and community service.
Most importantly, today’s youth must learn not to be afraid of failure and not to give up when life becomes difficult. In today’s highly competitive environment, many young people experience disappointment when they are unable to qualify an examination, secure admission, achieve a career goal or meet the expectations they have set for themselves. Sometimes, such setbacks can deeply affect their confidence and make them feel that they have failed in life. But one examination, one result or one unsuccessful attempt can never define a person’s entire future.
Young people must understand that failure is not permanent, and success is not always immediate. A setback may simply be a temporary stage in the journey towards success. What matters is the courage to stand again, learn from mistakes, improve oneself and continue moving forward. Every young person should believe in his or her own abilities and remember that losing one opportunity does not mean losing every opportunity. Life gives us many chances to grow, rebuild and succeed.
Our youth need resilience—the strength to face challenges without losing hope. They should be taught that it is perfectly normal to fall, but what truly matters is having the courage to rise again. Sometimes success comes after several unsuccessful attempts. A person may face defeat today, struggle tomorrow and still achieve victory one day through determination, patience, hard work and self-belief. No defeat is permanent when a person refuses to surrender.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the responsibility is even greater. Our region possesses a rich cultural heritage, traditions and a unique tehzeeb that must be preserved and passed on to future generations. Recent academic initiatives in Jammu have also highlighted the important role of youth in safeguarding heritage and cultural continuity.
Let us empower our young minds to become responsible citizens, compassionate leaders and ambassadors of positive change. Let us also teach them to believe in themselves, face failure with courage and never allow one setback to determine their worth or their future. If every young person contributes something meaningful to his or her community, remains resilient in the face of challenges and continues striving towards a better tomorrow, we can build a stronger Jammu and Kashmir and, together, make our nation India proud.
(The author is a social activist, founder and chairman, Rise Up Youth Foundation J&K, India. He can be reached at [email protected])
