The present crisis in the name of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected entire humanity around the globe irrespective of age, race, caste, gender. We are stuck in lockdown and social distancing and prevented from doing what is inherently human and this puts us in a bitter predicament. Apart from the health crisis, it has a wide spectrum of long-lasting consequences including poverty, hunger, dwindling economy, unemployment, and gender inequality. This shows us that our extravagant life is meaningless and that our needs are basic and so, there is a need to redefine the old norms.
Unemployment, gender inequality, and socio-economic issues are nothing new in a country like India rather the pandemic has just worsened these issues. We have seen people committing suicide out of poverty, hunger, and unemployment despite being educated. We are living in a country where female deities are worshiped and still women are abused both physically and mentally and these issues are getting worsened due to hampering in the normal life. We fear just like Ebola epidemic in 2014, more people will be affected by the consequences of the virus rather than the virus itself.
It is high time when we must stop relying on political leaders and we need a strong power that would have a global influence and give a direction to bring a solution to these problems.
Nelson Mandela quoted that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.
Yes, youths are the creator of tomorrow’s world. Our future rests in the hands of the youth because the fruit of tomorrow will depend on the seed sown today. Youths give rise to new and fresh ideas with a whimsical and restless mind and always active in times of adversity. They can organize the best and mobilize the society and arouse a sense of solidarity which is most needed during a global call of crisis.
It is not unknown to us that many times young minds have brought revolutionary changes like Marley Dias who wrote books on racial discrimination or Iqbal Masih who became the leader of the child slavery movement or be it Malala Yousufzai.
So, the time has come when youth must come forward to address the crisis and related issues and some of them can be achieved in the following ways:
The first and foremost thing that is needed is spreading awareness about the lockdown, social distancing, or other socio-economic issues through virtual media, writings, and pamphlets.
Gender stereotypes and stigma have gone into the roots of our society and we cannot get over them in a day. We must start with our family in the beginning, then community, and then only we can have a global approach.
We must use artificial intelligence to develop technologies for surplus production to provide basic needs to people like food, clothing, or shelter.
It is the time to involve us in various fields like medical, law, or teaching profession so that we can provide services to people at little or no cost.
Now, unemployment is a big issue and is difficult to solve but there’s also a way out if we think of self-employment. Starting an online career like that of online teaching or online business is a good option.
Lastly, we must focus on the establishment of a strong government that would address the masses and would value the voice of people.
I think we should treat the present situation as a way out from a society where youths are motivated towards a world of competition and selfishness and rather treat this as a new beginning of a sense of solidarity. We can largely contribute to various fields rather than focusing on high paid jobs. Just we need to widen our views and come forward and get connected around the globe. And we do not know what great role we can play in changing the world. During 2014’s Ebola epidemic, we have seen how the united efforts of all youth helped in fighting the crisis. Now, it’s our turn! It’s an open call to the young minds to reshape the world on its old anvil and I still hope to see a healthy future at the end of this dark tunnel.
BY,
Sohini Biswas
