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.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today digital edition to read the full article.

The post Youth, and India’s Truth: Independence Pursuit appeared first on The Teenager Today.

To address the problem, we can make additions like college credit system in high school with the introduction of AP courses, vocational courses and learning based on experiment. Qualities like communication and problem-solving skills can be boosted through extra-curriculars. We ought to prioritize career guidance and internship opportunities in the field of interest so that we relieve the youth of the usual quarter life crisis.
Myra Walia (15)
St Luke’s, Solan

The curriculum in our educational institutions is lagging behind in youth skill development due to numerous reasons. Firstly, regular career counselling for children is significant in implementing good values and skills that will help them overcome any situation in the job market. The government must provide resources for educators to stay informed about technical advancements. Educational institutions should collaborate with various business and industry tycoons to help children understand the demands of the market. Finally, schools and colleges should facilitate opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships and start building their abilities from childhood. I believe that if the government adopts these ideas, India will surely become a nation full of teen-preneurs.
Aadya Kumar (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School Jethuli, Patna, Bihar

Educational institutions can take the following steps to improve curriculum implementation:
Provide Support Structures: Districts can support schools and teachers with professional development networks to implement an effective science curriculum, instruction, and formative assessments.
Promote Holistic Development: Teachers and parents can promote students’ holistic development in both academic and non-academic spheres.
Prioritize Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Students should achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by grade 3.
Provide Flexibility: Students should be able to choose their learning trajectories and programmes based on their talents and interests.
Eliminate Hard Separations: There should be no hard separations between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, and vocational and academic streams.
Daksh Bhardwaj (13)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

Educational institutions should take several steps, for example, offering career counselling services to help students understand the job market, identify their strengths, and align their educational paths with their career goals. This guidance can assist students in making informed decisions about their academic choices. Implementing internship programmes or work placement opportunities for students can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Real-world experience gained during internships can enhance students’ employability and readiness for the job market. Organizing skill development workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to the latest industry practices. By implementing these steps, educational institutions can bridge the gap between educational curricula and job market demands, better equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.
Priya Raj (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

To address the misalignment between educational curricula and the job market, both institutions and governments must undertake immediate steps. Institutions should foster partnerships with industries to understand current skill demands, updating their curricula accordingly. Emphasizing practical, hands-on learning experiences and integrating technological advancements into course work can better prepare students for real-world challenges. Simultaneously, governments should incentivize collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, allocating resources for retraining programmes and promoting apprenticeships to bridge the gap between education and employment. Additionally, establishing regulatory frameworks that encourage flexibility and innovation in educational practices can facilitate swift adaptation to evolving job market needs. By fostering closer ties between academia and industry while promoting adaptable educational policies, institutions and governments can effectively address the issue of youth skill development.
Parth Sahore (14)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

The post Youth skill development in educational institutions appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Homework and exams, a daily affair,
Yet friendships and laughter, always to share.
In this journey of youth, we strive to excel,
For in these moments, our stories we tell.

Through ups and downs, we learn and grow,
The path may be tough, but our spirits aglow.
Class 10, a chapter in our life’s grand scheme,
We’ll cherish the memories, like a cherished dream.

The post The Struggle appeared first on The Teenager Today.

The post Symphony of Life appeared first on The Teenager Today.

The post Pressed Petals appeared first on The Teenager Today.

This statistic holds promise for the future, as young people are often seen as the drivers of change, progress, and innovation. However, despite this significant demographic advantage, it is puzzling to see a lack of capable and talented young leaders emerging to guide the nation forward. One reason could be the lack of opportunities and resources available to the youth. Another reason could be the cultural and societal expectations placed on young individuals. Furthermore, corruption and nepotism within the political and social systems can also discourage young, honest and well-educated individuals from entering leadership positions. However, it is essential to recognize that there are also positive signs of change. With the rise of social media and technology, young Indians are increasingly finding platforms to express their views, engage in socio-political discourse, and advocate for change. 
Sameedha P. Batthe (15)
School of Scholars, Wanadongri, Nagpur

Today, politics in India has become a dirty business. Almost all political parties are filled with dubious people with multiple criminal and civil cases. When any bright, honest person joins politics, he has to join a party, and as soon as he joins a party, he gets threats. An honest person cannot survive and flourish in a party without money support or support from other powerful leaders, and no parents would want their child to get threats.
Yuvraj Singh Rajput (12)
Notre Dame School, New Delhi

This youth bulge is often considered a valuable asset for the nation’s progress. However, despite the abundance of young, honest, talented, and well-educated individuals, there is a notable absence of their active participation in leadership roles.
Traditional Mindsets and Hierarchical Structures: One of the significant challenges hindering the ascent of young leaders in India is the prevalence of traditional mindsets and hierarchical structures within various spheres of society. Established norms often favour experience over innovation, leading to a reluctance to entrust leadership roles to the younger generation.
Political Landscape and Dynastic Politics: In the political arena, the influence of dynastic politics remains a prominent barrier to the rise of young leaders. By recognizing and nurturing the leadership capabilities of the younger generation, India can unlock its full potential and pave the way for a brighter, more dynamic future.
Priya Raj (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Sometimes it can be puzzling why young, honest, talented, and well-educated individuals in India aren’t stepping up to lead the country, despite the fact that a large portion of the population is under the age of 35. It’s possible that limited opportunities and support for young leaders might be discouraging them. Additionally, the complexities and challenges of politics can be daunting for anyone, especially for those who are just starting their careers. It’s crucial to create an environment that nurtures and empowers young leaders.
Palak Roy (14)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur, New Delhi

The average age of MPs in India is 57, while the average age of an Indian is 28. This clearly suggests that the youth of our country are quite uninterested in politics. We have a general perception that states that one cannot get into politics without getting one’s hands dirty. Also, the current scenario depicts that it is actually the old political families who are governing our country. Nowadays, the youth lack the chief traits of leadership, which are, communication skills and effective campaigns. One needs to face a lot of challenges, travel constantly and put efforts on the ground level. Despite toiling so hard, there is no guarantee of being a familiar face to the public. Thus, most of the Indians, though ambitious, prefer not to lead our country.
Anwesha Ajay (13)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

The lack of young, talented, and well-educated individuals coming forward to lead our country in spite of India’s significant youth population is a complex issue. Possible reasons could include limited opportunities for political engagement, a lack of trust in the existing political system, or a preference for other career paths. It is crucial to address these barriers and create an environment that encourages and supports young leaders to step forward and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Babatto Baby (14)
St Michael’s Anglo Indian High School, Kannur, Kerala

Some of the reasons why good and educated people stay away from politics are:

1. When good people enter politics with the intention of doing something good for their nation they are suppressed and oppressed by unscrupulous politicians.
2. Politics is not everyone’s cup of tea. Educated people are very conscious about their image. Politics is risky, but they don’t want to take a risk.
3. Politics require large amounts of money and not everyone is affluent.
4. Politicians over-promise and lie to get elected. They have manipulative and deceitful skills. Nowadays, politics has become a haven for thugs and criminals. That’s the reason why educated people keep away from politics.
   Sneha Sharma (15)
   St Mary’s Convent Inter College, Prayagraj

Since our democracy has become riddled with casteism, nepotism, racism and criminalisation, young, honest, talented and well-educated people are not coming forward to join politics and lead our county. Lack of political consciousness and vouch for having leadership quality is another reason for this trend. Besides this, most of our youngsters belong to such economic class which compels them to secure life through jobs and refrain from choosing politics as a career.
Aditi Shekhar (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna, Bihar

Today, young minds prefer to settle in other countries rather than getting engaged in political affairs. Social expectations and family obligations might steer young individuals toward more conventional and stable career paths rather than the unpredictable nature of politics. It is also very difficult for young and talented people to rise in the political conflict, as most Indians vote based only on religion and caste, which is not fruitful for our country. The existing political landscape might be perceived as challenging with complexities, corruption and bureaucracy deterring potential political leaders. Addressing these issues may lead to an improvement in our political system.
Aadya Kumar (13)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Brain drain has been a very important issue for India in recent years; many talented Indian minds are working for other countries. India is losing its young population, drastically. This could be due to:

1. Higher standard of living.
2. Good employment opportunities and higher salary.
3. Better medical, education and recreational facilities.
4. Autonomy and liberty in dissemination of information.
5. Advanced technology and hospitable working conditions.
6. Less population and strain on social amenities.
7. Secure economic and political conditions.
   Sara Tamseel Khwaja (14)
   St Joseph’s Convent High School, Bankipore, Patna

The post Why are the young, honest and well-educated not coming forward to lead India? appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Written in author Sudha Murty’s inimitable style, this book is a heart-warming picture of everyday life and the quirks of ordinary people. In the 14 memorable stories that make up the collection, the author delves into memories of childhood, life in her hometown and the people she has crossed paths with. The characters do not possess wealth or fame; they are unpolished and outspoken, transparent and magnanimous. It speaks the universal language of what it means to be human. Published by Penguin Books, this 182-page book is available at Title Waves, Bandra West, Mumbai.

The post Common Yet Uncommon appeared first on The Teenager Today.

As the calendar page turns, and 2024 dawns, the hopes and the goals of today’s youngsters for the coming year illuminate a road of personal growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. In the spirit of Youth Day on 12 January, this special segment shares young voices from across the country and their hopes and dreams for 2024. From self-improvement journeys to facing the hurdles of new beginnings, these stories provide a vivid picture of youthful optimism and tenacity, revealing the diverse goals that will shape the fabric of the coming year.

“In the upcoming year, my aspirations as a student are oriented towards personal and academic development. Beyond academic development, my main dream is to better myself, for myself, doing things that will benefit me, and no one else. With the New Year approaching fast, I am dedicated to enjoying the remaining few days by prioritizing myself and my close ones. And instead of setting New Year goals, I will go with the flow, taking the pressure off of me. My only aim for the New Year is making most of the days, and enjoying it.”
BAVANA VINOD THALATHOTI (21) / Maharashtra

“Winter is the time when old leaves fall out making room for the new ones; it’s the time when animals hibernate, preparing themselves for a new summer. The New Year falls in this season, bidding farewell to the past and celebrating what’s yet to come with hope and laughter. This year has been a rollercoaster ride for me — new city, new faces, taking a small step towards my big dreams. I faltered at times, my instinctive fear holding me back from putting myself out there in the world. Setting resolutions have never worked out for me, so this year I am going to go with the flow, keeping my eyes wide open for the opportunities coming my way and letting go of the things that are holding me back. This year I will focus on gracefully letting go of the things that are holding me back and working towards my betterment.”
SHARANYA SUNIL NAIR (20) / Gujarat

“My hopes and dreams for 2024 would be to improve and explore new opportunities for myself. Since I’m a student and a freelancer, I would like to improve my camera and directional skills to showcase and improve my content. I would like to improve on my priorities so that I can create an environment where I have a work-life balance to ensure that I don’t feel burnt out and miss out on important experiences and events which could help me personally and professionally. Lastly, my only dream and goal is to give back to my parents and relate with their goals and dreams as they have given me the opportunity to explore and take my dream profession and career.”
NIHAL KONDUR (21) / Kerala

“A New Year is forever; it keeps coming year after year, and so do my new dreams. There have been so many dreams for me to fulfil, and I take resolution and fail to meet them. But this time, I am not the same anymore. My goal for 2024 is not about getting a good job or being productive. It’s about making myself healthy and confident. 2023 has been a hell of a ride. So many changes in my life have happened, wherein I failed to look after my physical and mental health, which has put me down in many ways. This time, I am not going to give up. I am going to prioritise my mental and physical health, and I am not going to compromise on my health anymore. Eating clean food and exercising for at least an hour will be my compulsory activity here on. Hopefully, this year will be a kickstart for my activeness to control and grow my body and health.”
VINISHAA N. D. (21) / Tamil Nadu

Approaching the New Year, I stand at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. My heart echoes with the whispers of hopes, and dreams unfold like a story waiting to be written. In the tapestry of the coming 365 days, I see a journey of growth and resilience. Resolutions become the guiding compass, pointing me towards the uncharted territories of self-discovery. As the clock ticks down, each second resonates with the promise of a fresh start. With open arms, I welcome the unknown, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that will follow. Here’s to a new chapter, a canvas yet untouched, and the adventures that lie ahead.
RITIKA MITRA (20) / Kolkata

Excitement fills my heart as the New Year approaches. Hopes and dreams bloom in the garden of possibilities. Standing at the threshold of 365 days, I see a canvas for resilience, joy, and growth. Embracing the unknown, I envision a personal metamorphosis. Challenges may come, but my spirit remains undaunted. With each tick of the clock, aspirations harmonize with the universe. The forthcoming year is a blank chapter, and I am the author, penning a saga of purpose and new beginnings.
BHAVYA GIRISH (21) / Karnataka

The post Navigating New Beginnings: Voices of Hope for the Coming Year appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Known as a great theologian of the Church, grounded in the tradition of the Catholic faith and authentic in Church teaching, Pope Benedict XVI stands tall as one of the strong figures in the recent history of the Catholic Church.

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, was born on 16 April 1927 in Bavaria, Germany. He was the third and youngest child of Joseph and Maria Ratzinger. He was ordained a priest in 1951 in his native Bavaria. He embarked on an academic career and established himself as a highly-regarded theologian by the late 1950s. He was appointed a full-time professor in 1958 at the age of 31. After a long career as a professor of theology at several German universities, he was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising and was made a Cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1977.

In 1981, he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. Pope Benedict XVI’s writings were deeply theological, and generally defended traditional Catholic doctrine, values and liturgy. During his papacy, he advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the fast-spreading secularization of many Western countries. He taught the importance of Catholic faith and an understanding of God’s redemptive love.

Pope Benedict had a special love for the youth. He warmly welcomed various youth groups from numerous countries and stirred them to be living witnesses of truth and justice.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Pope Benedict XVI: A man of unshakeable faith and love for the youth appeared first on The Teenager Today.

National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand (thinker, philosopher and social activist). The youth play a vital role in the development of any country.

There is tremendous power in the youth to change the world and make it a better place to live in. Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight to ensure that all children, including girls, have the right to education. She believed that “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world”. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, started the movement Fridays for Future (skipping school on Fridays) to urge world leaders to take immediate action against climate change. These youth icons have shown us that the youth can make small steps to bring about big changes in the world.

President APJ Abdul Kalam believed that the youth have an indomitable spirit and can achieve any goal they put their mind to. He shared how the ignited minds of the youth can lead lives full of purpose so that the world we live in can develop and prosper.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Youth taking charge of the Nation appeared first on The Teenager Today.