The present scenario in Nepal has it that, to a certain
extent, its youth have compromised with the system that's been inherited by
them. In my opinion, they are being compelled to do so. The youth want to do
something innovative, but the system creates hindrances in their way. Their
hands are tied up.
The system's been formed by the previous generations of
people, who aren't youth-friendly in any respect. As I've said earlier, young
people haven't yielded completely to such system as yet. They are raising their
voices against the system that's unfavorable to them.
I understand that, as the system is deeply entrenched, it
definitely takes some time to uproot it. Being young by age, our youths are
less experienced. They can't frame a system of their own out of the blue.
However, they are inching forward to bear on the age -old system.
Talking about our youth who are flocking to foreign
countries, we can't simply assume that they've knelt before the current system
and resorted to going abroad. The trend doesn't testify that the youth have
become simply helpless. Moreover, there are greater chunks of youth in Nepal
who are greater chunks of youth in Nepal who are struggling to bring about
changes in the society while remaining in their homeland.
What I observe is that the campaign to oust the current
system has just begun. You can see that our youth are becoming aware of their
rights. There are instances: Most of my friends are in the fray to appear for
the exams of the Public Service Commission. They are now eyeing the posts of
civil servants to reach policy making levels so that a youth-friendly system
gets framed.
In the current system the tradition of sycophancy and
greasing the officials' palms to get works done is rife. This has certainly
raised the frustrations of the youth. But they are vigilant against this
widespread culture of corruption. They will fight against this evil, and they
have to do so to herald a new era.
We can see that the number of youth returning to Nepal after
staying abroad has been increasing. This is an optimistic trend. They are
realizing that they can't escape the responsibility of nation-building. The
knowledge and expertise they bring back to Nepal can prove a milestone to make
this nation rich and prosperous.
Nowadays, the trend of establishing youth organizations with
objectives to empower youth is on the rise. What I see is that such
organizations are gaining pace. Even though they haven't been able to
accomplish tangible results yet, they are at an awareness-creating level. I believe
we can only empower youth if their living standards are raised.
Although the previous generations claim that they are
providing space to youth, it's just a sham. They opine that youth can't take
over the controls at once. This is just their strategy to cripple youths while
saying, "Let them come, and we'll vacate our slots."
They should have the guts to leave their occupied space
first, and then see if the Nepali youth can perform well, or not. The
demonstration of mutual trust is necessary.
I'm of the opinion that if youth buckle under the inherited
system, that's a compromise. If they don't they are showing resistance. In my
analysis, this is a transitional period. Some of the youth might have
compromised with the system, while others haven't.
Youth haven't been able to completely change the political,
social and cultural system prevalent in the country. It seems that youth are
giving continuity to the system. However, at the same time, they've also upped
the ante against the system.
Young people haven't been able to discard the inherited
system totally because it's worth considering. Many components of the old
system are laid on the foundation of decade-long experiences, and they are thus
refined. Youth shouldn't demolish this foundation. They can of course, add new
blocks to it by chalking out their own structures.
The innovative concepts of young people should come to the
front line. I know they are creative and can usher in positive changes in the
society. But what they should take into consideration is that they need the
help and guidance of previous generations to materialize their goals.
The tendency of previous generation people is that they make
efforts to mould youth into their own shape. They regard themselves richer in
experience and knowledge than the present generation. Youth must be able to
filter out between right and wrong. And they should not hesitate to conceive
useful ideas.
Regarding the mass of youth deserting their homeland to seek
greener pastures abroad, I don't think that has anything to do with the current
system. And even if it is so, the onus lies on the youth to combat what they
think is wrong. Being an escapist doesn't necessarily define the nature of
young blood.
It is my understanding that rampant corruption has not only
rendered youth immobile but also the previous generation of people. Nobody has
been able to escape it. Therefore, it is no genuine reason for the youth to
clamor. It is their responsibility to stem this social evil.
What I feel is that it is challenge for youth to transform
the society. They have the energy and vigor. If they become frustrated with the
societal structure, youth are to blame. The old bones should get an opportunity
to rest on young shoulders. Youth should have an understanding that to bring about
a challenge they should stand the test of time.
A society comprises young and old people and there is always
an ideological difference. But youth should muster courage to convince the
previous generations that it's time now to create space for them.
I'm sure that we are ready to give up the leadership. Youth
must be ready to take it. They should create an environment of trust for the
helm to be transferred. We do not have any alternatives other than relying on
young people.
However, as I said, youth must not forget that they will
always require our mentorship. Only a harmony between the previous generations
and the young people will move the society forward.
As told to Bikash KC
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