As the dawn breaks over the vibrant tapestry of India, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the dreams and aspirations etched on the faces of millions of young Indians. As we approach International Youth Day on 12 August and our 78th Independence Day on 15 August, it’s time to reflect on these dreams — dreams that pulse with hope but are often threatened by the harsh realities of our society.

Breaking Societal Shackles

Our youth are ensnared in a web of stereotypes and societal expectations that equate success solely with white-collar jobs. This narrow definition stifles creativity and smothers innovation, forcing countless young minds into paths that do not align with their passions. Picture Priya, a vibrant soul with an artist’s heart, coerced into the rigid confines of engineering because it’s deemed more ‘respectable’. Her palette of dreams is muted, her aspirations silenced. It’s time to shatter these shackles and celebrate diverse careers that honour individual talents and passions.

Cultivating Policies: From Blueprint to Reality

Imagine a garden, lush with potential, yet marred by the choking weeds of inadequate policies. Government initiatives, despite their noble intentions, often wither in the face of poor implementation. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promises a revolution in education, but without proper execution, it remains a blueprint gathering dust.

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The celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 15 August 2022 is truly a proud moment for us. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav means elixir of energy of independence, elixir of inspirations of the warriors of freedom struggle, elixir of new ideas and pledges, and elixir of Aatmanirbharta. Therefore, this Mahotsav is a festival of awakening of the nation; a festival of fulfilling the dream of good governance; and the festival of global peace and development.”

We took a written interview with students across the country who expressed their views about the nation.

Ruju Aporva Shah, a student of Carmel School, Malad, Mumbai, says: “India today can’t disappoint me. It has given me an education, a beautiful environment, a wonderful society, the chance to live in the city of dreams and most of all, a supportive family. However, I do get worried about deforestation, anti-social activities, corruption, poverty, expensive education, excessive number of factories, etc. We need to take collective steps to wipe out such unwanted activities from our nation.”

Diya Jannath, a student of Jyothi Nivas Public School, Aluva, Kerala, states that if she is given the power to govern this country her priorities would be: “To promote unity, facilitate peace and spread love among all Indians. I will respect the beliefs, values and practices of all communities and make sure that everyone gets equal opportunities.”

Swarup Suresh Chavan, a student of Kamalnayan Bajaj School, Chinchwad, Pune, has listed the following five priorities to make India a better nation: 1) Form policies to remove caste system and the discrimination of people on the basis of class, caste, race, gender, religion, etc. 2) To ensure no dearth of experienced teachers and infrastructural facilities in schools. 3) Ensure the safety and proper health care of women. In this way, the female mortality rate can be reduced, and the sex ratio can be improved. 4) Address sanitation and hygiene issues. By keeping our country clean we can avoid many health problems. 5) Eradicate poverty by generating employment opportunities for poor people, ensuring at least two square meals a day.

Shreya Chakraborty, a student of St Pauls College, Bengaluru, has some innovative suggestions to make India a better place: “In India, as a fast-growing and large democracy, human capital is the driving force behind our future growth. India must significantly invest in healthcare and education to leverage its demographic dividend. Ayushman Bharat is a big step towards easing the healthcare burden on poor households. But to improve health outcomes, equal emphasis must be placed on the schemes of other objectives — of improving primary health infrastructure at local levels. Scaling up this initiative would require expanding and strengthening primary health infrastructure, enforcing quality standards and conducting periodic audits.”

Shainillah Jabbar Mansuri, a student of Duruelo Convent School, Bandra, Mumbai, has her role cut out if she is given the power to make changes: “At first, I would form policies to remove the caste system. Thus, discrimination of people on the basis of caste, class, gender and religion can be eliminated from our society. Then I would give priority to sanitisation issues. We can reduce health problems only by keeping our environment clean.”

Riya S. Timothy, a student of St Francis de Sales School, Nallasopara, Maharashtra, has kept education as her priority: “I would definitely make considerable changes in our education system and make education not only quantitative but also qualitative, thereby focusing on the integral development of a child. I would try to introduce new employment schemes even for illiterate people so that they can earn their livelihood.”

The youth of India have spoken. They represent a force that is restless but hopeful, disturbed yet innovative, unhappy but determined. Let these young minds join forces to create an India which is more harmonious, democratic and just, where development is the key word and where everyone will be able to live in peace, harmony and fraternity. Happy Birthday to India@75!

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This celebration marks 75 years of democratic governance, progress and achievements on various fronts, whereby we can hold our heads high with great pride looking back on the strides we have made in the industrial, agricultural and technological evolution of our country. We have certainly made remarkable progress in the education, health, science and many other sectors, even as our defence personnel stand tall among the best in the world, their selfless dedication and heroic sacrifice guaranteeing the country’s security.

However, today we hang our heads in shame at the increase in crime and corruption, and the corrosion of our social and moral fabric, and democratic principles. Many citizens of the minority communities, the schedules castes and the tribes live in fear and uncertainty. The bias towards them is evident even in the mainstream media. On 12 August, youth the world over, including India, will observe International Youth Day. It is high time that our youth roll up their sleeves and set to transform India into a progressive and fully-liberated haven for our countrymen, both of today and of the future. This involves ensuring that our hard-earned freedom is used for the happiness and welfare of all, whereby there is total freedom from poverty and illiteracy, child labour and bonded labour, caste system, child marriage and atrocities against women, as well as inequality and injustice of every kind.

Writing about the administration of the kingdom, Kautilya wrote, “In the happiness of the subjects lies the happiness of the king, in their welfare, his welfare. The welfare of the king does not lie in the fulfilment of what is dear to him, but whatever is dear to his subjects constitutes his welfare.” This advice of Kautilya to the kings of ancient India is all the more relevant to the rulers in a modern democracy like ours.

We would do well today, along with Rabindranath Tagore, to pray, “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!” Until then, India’s ‘freedom struggle’ will be far from over.

We dedicate this issue of The Teenager Today to the glorious memory of those youth who played a leading role in the independence struggle of our country, and to the vibrant young Indians of today who will with determination and fervour realize our vision of true independence!

Happy Independence Day! Vande Mataram!

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On 15 August 1947, India became an independent nation from the British rule. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in New Delhi. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the Parliament of Indian Dominion. On the eve of India’s independence, Jawaharlal Nehru announced in his historic speech to the Indian Constituent Assembly, “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

As India celebrates her 75th Independence Day and 74 years of freedom from foreign domination, we remember with love and respect all our pioneer leaders and the freedom fighters who participated in the struggle for independence.

According to Nelson Mandela, “to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” It is true; India is a constitutionally independent, free country. It makes each one of us proud to be a citizen of the largest democratic nation in the world. But even after 74 years of self-rule, a few questions pop up in our minds: Are we truly liberated and free? Are we free to lead a lawful, decent and fear-free life? Is my freedom respected by the authorities and do I in turn respect the freedom of my fellow-citizens?

Education opens up freedom

Here is a “Tagorean” prayer for the 21st century, written by Mr T. T. Srinivasan, Managing Director, Sundaram Finance: “A roof over the head, food on the plate, basic healthcare and education, for every Indian. Secularism sans hypocrisy, liberal thinking devoid of elitism, and a nationalism that respects our men and women in uniform. Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

Education plays an important role in the development of a person as knowledge is power and it opens up freedom. It is education that makes a person self-reliant, and creates conditions favourable for a better standard of living. It also empowers a person to fight injustices.

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August 1947 was the month India became independent. Since then it has become a month of great significance as we annually celebrate the country’s Independence Day. This kindles in every one of us the hope of reformation and a sense of patriotic pride in belonging to this great nation which has secured freedom and independence from foreign domination.

Let us go back in time to when at the stroke of midnight on the 15 August 1947, India awoke to its much-awaited freedom and the tricolour was raised aloft to symbolise our independence to the entire world. Freedom brings to mind the sacrifices of scores of bravehearts on whose tombs our freedom is built. These dedicated freedom fighters, guided by the Gandhian ideology, pursued peaceful demonstrations without any bloodshed.

Among these illustrious patriots was the renowned Barrister Joseph Baptista whose loyalty endeared him to the people and earned him the sobriquet ‘Kaka.’ As a staunch proponent of Home Rule, he was closely associated with Veer Sarvarkar, Lokmanya Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and others. However, it was Mahatma Gandhi who first lit the flame of the freedom movement at various landmarks to begin India’s long journey to its midnight tryst with destiny.

The first significant step towards freedom was the announcement in August 1946, of the first all-Indian national interim government at the Centre. It consisted of 14 members and assumed office soon after, on September 2, after the resignation of the Governor-General’s Executive Council.

The new team consisted of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Dr Rajendra Prasad, M. Asaf Ali, C. Rajagopalachari, Sarat Chandra Bose, Dr John Mathai, Sardar Baldev Singh, Sir Shafaat Ahmad Khan, Jagivan Ram, Syed Ali Zaheer and Cooverji Hormusji Bhabha.

A year later, at midnight of August 14/15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, made the most striking speech ever by an Indian. His historic words stirred the nation and shall always be remembered by those of that time who were witness to the momentous change. His words are relevant even more today as the country is faced with several challenges.

He declared, and I quote for posterity: “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people, and to the still larger cause of humanity.

“We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of an opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?

“Freedom and power bring responsibility. This responsibility rests upon this Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India…”

Words of wisdom that should inspire and guide future generations of politicians. But sadly lost because the quality of politicians ruling us subsequently is a far cry from the likes of Pandit Nehru, who, it must be mentioned to his credit, had even appointed Dr B. R. Ambedkar as Law Minister, despite a lifelong history of political animosity.

If, at that time, the country had charismatic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, it was due to uniparty governance. The Indian National Congress was the only political party that held sway over the entire nation for a long time and that facilitated its leaders growing in stature. Sadly, it has seen its own demise through rampant corruption in recent years and nepotism. For that matter, none of the existing political components has the courage of its convictions!

Even our Presidents were men of erudition and learning, starting with Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr S. Radhakrishnan and most others with a few exceptions, and we cannot forget our very own people’s President, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who passed away a few years ago, but will live in the nation’s memory forever. At the same time, it must be conceded that the task of our Presidents has become difficult in the present political environment where they have to contend with the present trend of coalition governance. The ruling power and the opposition need to be educated in proper and principled governance, or else we will see the kind of situation being witnessed today. The opposition believes it just has to blindly oppose, like the ruling party did when it sat in the opposition. The result is that parliament is disrupted very often causing inestimable financial loss to the nation!

Those men of stature worked to put India in line with the leading nations of the world. Regrettably, today’s politicians are interested only in power and pelf, corruption has been self-destructive, and regional parties have emerged to create chaos through linguistic politics. Their leaders have luxurious lifestyles thanks to their vagrant front-runners who keep them well-provided through extortion and looting. Moreover, there are also defiant elements who are a law unto themselves, and get away with openly defying the law.

Where do we stand today? While providing employment and development are the main tasks of the present government, no headway has been made in this direction because the agenda has been diverted to our kitchens and our drawing rooms, name changing of monumental edifices which we would never be able to erect, chanting mantras, issuing condemnations and the like. We see India struggling with a dilemma between development and secularism, instead of secularism and growth?

The Prime Minister’s very efficient PR team ensures his featuring in the print and electronic media daily, and has also ensured condemnation of the violence of hoodlums. But his warnings lack conviction, because some of his ministers have openly encouraged such elements. They are aware the Prime Minister has to give occasional warnings, which they know they are to be ignored. Therefore, it is time the people realize that the country cannot just be left in the hands of any party to do as they like for five years. The time has come that we act as citizens and not slaves, and get ready to resist criminal influences. Today, we need to reaffirm our freedom and loyalty to our country by standing united in the face of aggression by our bordering neighbours, and also in combating the surging Covid-19 pandemic.

Our real leaders of an age gone by commanded respect; today, our babus have to be told to show respect to our elected representatives. Wrongdoers can get away with any crime if they are rich and famous, as we have seen in recent happenings. Yet, we live in a democratic society where liberty gives us the right to choose, and freedom is the result of the right choice. To quote Benito Mussolini, the wartime Italian leader, “Democracy is beautiful in theory, in practice it is a fallacy.”

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This is also the first thought that came to my mind when I thought of my editorial for August in which our 73rd Independence Day falls. As I move around visiting schools and students, young people often ask: “What a teenager like me can do for a country of such magnitude?” My answer to this question has always been: “You can do a lot, your small acts in the right direction matter like each drop in the ocean, or a small brick in a mansion matters to the entire edifice!”

I am glad that we also have young Indians who realise this responsibility and plan their lives accordingly. One such youngster is Manhar Bansal from Punjab, a topper in the ICSE exams, this year, we are featuring in this issue (pg 26) in the young achiever’s column. His answer to our question was loud and clear. When asked, “Do you have a vision for our country?” Manhar promptly replied.

“I have a vision (dream) for our country. I wish our system be more transparent, free of corruption and social evils, where the leaders look after the welfare of the citizens, and more importantly care for them…. they be accountable to the people, and have a clear vision for the country… I want to join the Civil Service, and as an IAS officer, be honest and caring, by way of realising this vision/dream.”

Have a vision (dream) for the country, like Manhar; follow that dream, and bring it to realization, playing your key role in making it happen. This is the best gift that you can give the country on this Independence Day.

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When we talk of polishing GEMS it would categorically mean the focused endeavour of committed individuals towards instilling good values, ethics, morality and spirituality. The early years are with concerted efforts to identify and minimize obstacles like insensitivity and callousness bred by circumstances and influences. As Plutarch is quoted to have said, “The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education”.

Ethics would thus seem to be the medium to seek to resolve questions dealing with human morality — concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime — and its relevance to the time and generation of today. The importance of developing Culturally Competent Individuals today in this globalized village environment is the success mantra. One cannot initiate this process in the years of formal education as the imbibing of qualities like empathy, interpersonal skills, problem solving and decision-making can be done as life skills education and training the young impressionable minds is easier. This knowledge and acceptance is a continuous process which cannot be initiated in the final years of formal education.

Schools and junior colleges can have a marked impact on students as teaching about different cultures can help students interact with people in a more cooperative spirit and respectful manner. Schools/junior colleges can continuously prod the students on by concerted efforts at role play/dramatization of stories or novels that depict culture and simulation sessions, library sessions groupwise, Skype conversations with students of different culture. Bringing about cultural sensitization through subjects like Social Sciences and Languages works wonders manifold.

During the Independence Day celebrations at our Junior College, it had to be seen to be believed that with just about 3-4 days of practice with teachers and a competitive edge the young girls of Standards XI/XII came up with such innovative concepts of depicting and dancing with patriotic fervour, an ennobling experience when one sees so much of explosive cultural lapses in this WhatsApp and internet era.

At the junior college at J. N. Tata Parsi Girls’ High School & Junior College, we have a confluence, literally of young impressionable girls coming together from different backgrounds and religions but when one witnesses the combined efforts and team spirit within days of their admission it gives a reassuring feeling that the future rests in good hands. We just have to have a focused vision for their progress and not a peripheral one involving just the curriculum aspect, not just exam information, rather building up and transmitting human values and transformation of the human personality.

An example of a curriculum that has GEMS woven through cultural awareness into all disciplines very effectively is the International Baccalaureate. Central to the International Baccalaureate programme is the philosophy of creating an understanding of both home and world cultures. The mother tongue language is mandatory and so is a foreign language. Woven into the fabric of the language programme are translated works of writers from other cultural backgrounds, which encourage students to explore social issues that arise in different countries. All disciplines are designed to explore the home country locale, history, business world, politics as well as of other countries and cultures. At the core of the programme is the IB philosophy which aims at nurturing “… active, compassionate lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” In an age of conflict and separatism this philosophy has great value.

There should be an activity at least twice a month which revolves around important values like respect for elders, responsibility and spirit of independence. Through moral stories, clippings on notice boards, role play, recitation, skit, bhajans, drama, exhibition, recollections from Stone Age through towards the Vision for 2022, students are made to learn what is meaningful and important to become good human being. This is what would constitute meaningful and progressive education. Here, it would be apt to quote Dan Rather, “… the dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.”

The spirituality is inherent and can be developed by constant exposure to stories and scriptures of all religions being read and participation in the hymn and scripture recital competitions apart from debates and regular exposure through clippings from YouTube about various religions and what they teach. We have regular sessions at our Junior College about events and participation giving platform to different students in inter-collegiate events to promote teamwork and good values. In the Gita Jayanti competitions, where religious tolerance is a focus, all our students (girls) excitedly participate in ‘shlok’ recital, Gita pathan, rangoli making, painting, dance with religious and patriotic fervour and skit on a theme with a social message because I personally believe that if the light of understanding has shone upon my little pupils’ mind then, behold, all things are changed… the future would be in safe hands.

Creativity is the struggle for improvement. Everyone forms their own estimate of themselves and that basic estimate goes far towards determining what they become. You can be more than what you believe you are. All belief helps to make your belief come true. Belief stimulates the power within. (Norman Vincent Peale: Stay Alive All Your Life)
Then it goes without saying that we have to instill that confidence and the urge in our youngsters to believe in themselves and the goodness and positivity that comes from good thoughts, good words, good deeds; the three basic tenets which are the foundation of Zoroastrianism. Readers are Leaders and the students today have to be apprised of the fact that by reading books from different genres is the only way to sensitizing oneself and an in-depth knowledge can then be stored in the mind’s eye for recollection and quote as an occasion arises, at an opportune moment. What goes about comes around. Being spiritual does not mean renouncing the materialistic world and doing penance. It means living a life well. Knowledge is power and that one can go from darkness to light through education which helps to enlighten the mind. One may feel morally alive and ethically bankrupt if the realm of in-depth study is found bereft and devoid of good values. The imagination of the youngsters needs to be polished and good values, ethics, morals and spirituality awakened.

On a concluding note I would say enough of debate on the what and how of education and the Do’s and Don’ts for educators en masse. What is actually the need of the hour is to let the educators speak about how each has utilized the platform given to them by way of their position and share their success stories because I was inspired to read what Alexander the Great had been quoted as saying, “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well” — a truly Polished GEMS example. Let us determine to polish GEMS with our share of effort without expecting results and awards.

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