Youth and Freedom

 Youth and Freedom

‘Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.’ Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln’s words aptly reflect the equilibrium that needs to be maintained between freedom and responsibility. Youth symbolizes great force, adrenaline rush, fearlessness, passion and innocence. Youth is such a juncture in life that some might become unrestrained. They must understand that Freedom does not mean license but wisdom to fathom that your own freedom should not conflict with others. This means that we donot tow the line of anarchy and some order is maintained and restored in the world.

The notion of Freedom to youth is also relative and also evolved with mankind. Early humans, specially the strong and young, used to butcher and scavenge meat for living –that was their freedom. During pre independence era in India, freedom meant, freedom from the colonial rule. Many young lives were snuffed out as the oppressor silenced them with death or deportation, but not before they could ignite the dream of free India amongst others. What would you call them or their actions? Reckless, brazen, injudicious? They took the responsibility to free India on their young shoulders.

 

In this era of ‘instant’ espresso coffee, ‘instant’ weight loss programmes and house loans available at the bat of an eyelid, most youth today look for ‘instant’ remedies, ‘quick’ changes and ‘fast’ improvements. But there are no quick fixes for long term benefits in a large and diverse country like India. And instant fixes, as history of mankind witnessed is ephemeral. Therefore when sometimes the ‘freedom’ is curbed in certain parts of the country momentarily for greater good of the nation, the youth must stand united and not create a furor over Fundamental Rights. Before asking about the Fundamental Rights and before casting vote, please read and value the Fundamental Duties of the Citizens of India incorporated in the part IV-A of our Constitution. The idea behind the incorporation of the Fundamental Duties was to emphasize the obligation of the citizen in exchange of the comprehensive Fundamental Rights enjoyed by them. In a way to create a responsible citizen.

 

Responsibility also breaks down in two key words. Respond and ability. Ability to respond but to what? Well, there goes the universal truth. Without responsibility freedom can never be acquired. Today’s youth  must understand that Freedom does not mean buying high end gadgets or speak and act impetuously or hyperventilating your own cause at the cost of others Freedom of thought, expression and belief. Having said so, I would like to accentuate that a sizable portion of the youth also understand and fulfill their responsibility towards their families and country and the larger humanity as such.

But for the rest, Freedom does not mean you are free to tease, stalk or physically abuse a girl. You cannot violate anyone’s freedom.

Freedom does not mean you are free to debase and humiliate any religion, criticize food habits, dishonor or discriminate anyone’s social status based on any yardstick. Different beliefs and perceptions coexist and they are justified in their own way.

 

 “Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better” - Albert Camus

 

Wisdom to choose the right path is what makes you free.

Freedom does not mean disseminating rumour and hate messages with your finger tip. The nation has also given you the right to vote and be a part of democracy with the same finger tip. So use it judiciously. Use it for nation building and do not be a cause for disintegrating the society. Polarization and conflict creates chasm; initiate debate and discussion, it is enriching, it broadens horizons, gives an insight to contemporary situations and also promises solutions.   

 

 “Those who are ready to sacrifice freedom for security will ultimately lose both.” Abraham Lincoln.

 

While one young man attains martyrdom safeguarding his motherland another cannot be caught in act of immorality, defaming his country or committing a heinous crime or even lackadaisically spending time by just taking the Freedom for granted.  

 

“Freedom of mind is the real freedom. 
A person whose mind is not free though he may not be in chains, is a slave, not a free man. 
One whose mind is not free, though he may not be in prison, is a prisoner and not a free man. 
One whose mind is not free though alive, is no better than dead. 
Freedom of mind is the proof of one's existence.” Dr. B.R Ambedkar

 

Youth is a great force and with guidance, they can accomplish the most formidable and exigent task under the sun.  They are the most dynamic segment of population of any country. India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with more than 62% of its population in the working age group. Youth also defines progress, youth resonates hope, awareness, fresh ideas and resounding courage. They must break free of all shackles of medieval thought process, superstitions, self-doubts and stride ahead--with Dignity and shoulder Responsibility, value Freedom and work together to upkeep it for a beautiful Tomorrow.