As a member of India’s youth, I often find myself grappling with the question: Are we losing faith in our country? Sadly, for many of us, the answer seems to be “yes.” There are multiple factors contributing to this growing disillusionment, and it’s time we talk about them openly.
Corruption: The Root of Distrust
One of the biggest reasons for our loss of faith is corruption. It feels like every other day, we hear about a new scam or scandal involving those in power. Whether it’s politicians, public officials, or even corporations, corruption has seeped into almost every corner of our society.
- High-profile scandals: We’ve seen massive scams involving millions and billions of rupees, yet the culprits often go unpunished.
- Erosion of trust: When leaders are corrupt, it’s hard for us to believe in the systems that govern us. This lack of trust makes it difficult to feel proud of our country.
Unemployment and Economic Struggles
Another major issue is unemployment. Many of us graduate with high hopes, only to find ourselves jobless or stuck in positions that don’t match our qualifications. The competition is fierce, and the opportunities are few and far between.
- High unemployment rates: There are simply not enough jobs for the number of young people entering the workforce.
- Underemployment: Many of us end up taking jobs that don’t utilize our skills or education, leading to frustration and economic anxiety.
- High taxation: On top of that, high taxes make it feel like we’re giving more than we’re getting, which only adds to the discontent.
Inequality and Exploitation of Workers
Another major issue fueling our frustration is the growing inequality in the country. It’s disheartening to see a handful of billionaires profiting immensely while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet.
- Stagnant wages: Despite inflation and the rising cost of living, salaries for many jobs have barely increased in the last 10-15 years.
- Exploitation: We’re often told by wealthy business leaders to work 70-hour weeks, all while they continue to amass wealth off the back of our hard work.
- Widening wealth gap: The rich are getting richer, and the middle and lower classes are struggling to keep up, deepening the sense of inequality.
Low Quality Education and the Skills Gap
Our education system is another area where we’re falling short. While we’re taught to value degrees, the reality is that many of these degrees don’t prepare us for the real world. The curriculum is outdated, and there’s a significant gap between what we learn and what employers need.
- Outdated curricula: Many of the subjects we study are not relevant to today’s job market.
- Lack of practical skills: We’re often left with theoretical knowledge that doesn’t translate into employable skills.
- Need for reform: Implementing advanced tools like the Fedena School Management System can help improve educational outcomes, but systemic reforms are essential to truly bridge the gap between education and employment.
Safety Concerns for Women and Children
It’s heartbreaking to see the growing reports of violence against women and children in our country. As a young woman, it’s terrifying to think that stepping out of the house could be dangerous.
- Increasing violence: The number of crimes against women and children is on the rise, and it’s affecting our sense of safety and security.
- Impact on youth: These safety concerns make us question whether this is a country where we can live freely and without fear.
Environmental Degradation and Pollution
Living in some of India’s major cities can feel like a constant battle against pollution. The air is often thick with smog, and green spaces are becoming scarce.
- Severe pollution: Air quality in many cities is dangerously low, affecting our health and quality of life.
- Neglect of the environment: It feels like environmental concerns are often brushed aside, making us worry about the sustainability of our future here.
Communal Tensions and Eroding Democratic Values
Another alarming issue is the increasing communal polarization in our country. It feels like every other discussion is being given a communal angle, fostering hate and division. This has created an environment where minorities live in fear, unsure of their place in their own country.
- Freedom of speech under threat: It’s becoming increasingly difficult to express opinions without facing backlash or even legal consequences, leading to a culture of self-censorship.
- Eroding trust in journalism: With press freedom under attack, it’s hard to know which sources of information can be trusted.
- Weakening of democratic institutions: We’re losing faith in the very pillars of our democracy—be it the judiciary, law enforcement, or regulatory bodies—which are meant to protect our rights and freedoms.
The Growing Desire to Leave
All these factors contribute to a growing trend among young Indians: the desire to leave. We’re seeing more and more of our peers looking for opportunities abroad, where they feel they’ll have a better quality of life.
- Brain drain: Many of our brightest minds are emigrating, taking their talents to countries that offer better opportunities.
- Long-term impact: If this trend continues, it could have serious consequences for India’s future, as we lose some of our most talented individuals to other nations.