TODAY’S YOUTH, caught as they are in the race to consolidate their careers, seldom have time to reflect on the truths of life. In many schools and colleges, moral education is not imparted, and parents often are too busy in their careers to guide the young. There is not enough time to reflect. As Aristotle says, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. Everybody wants to be somebody, and nobody has time to evolve into a better human being. The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best within us. A man who finds no satisfaction in himself will seek for it in vain elsewhere. The definition of happiness is something to do with what you love to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. Every achievement, big or small, begins in the mind. The words of the wise and the virtuous should accompany one in the journey of life.

How does one discover the real purpose of life? In the modern age, people are increasingly turning to materialistic goals and equating happiness with the attainment of worldly goods. But these are essential only for comfort and a higher standard of living. When this is achieved, there remains a search for something more. And it is easy to see that true happiness lies in loving interpersonal relationships and a sense of belonging to the community. As John Donne had rightly said, “No man is an island.” There is a need in all of us to belong to the greater family of mankind, an active participation in community affairs is the right antidote for those who feel lonely and alienated.

I had a talk with a youth counsellor some months ago and she said that today’s urban youth are more set on enjoying themselves than redeeming the lives of those less fortunate than them. At the end of the day, they are left with a sense of emptiness because they feel that their idle chatter has not improved their self image. She says that overambitious parents are also to blame, as they lay stress on fat pay cheques more than on the desires of their children to better the world. She gave the example of Jatin (name changed), who came to her because he was often nagged for his low grades at school. At eighteen, Jatin had a gentle disposition and wanted to pursue a Masters in Social Work, but his parents persuaded him to pursue an MBA degree. Jatin confided in her that instead of a high flying corporate life, he wanted to work among the poor in the city, perhaps for an NGO. The lady counsellor had several sessions with him, talked with his parents and the happy outcome was that Jatin was allowed to follow his dream.

She confided another case to me– seventeen year old Kanta was in a dilemma. A keen sportswoman, she was the recipient of several medals for basketball. However, in the traditional Marwari community she belonged to, an early marriage was the rule. The poor girl cried as she recounted her triumphs in the field, and how it mattered so little to her family. Once again, there was a talk with the parents. It required a lot of persuasion for the parents to see the daughter’s side of the matter. Later, the girl was allowed to not only continue her college education but also take active part in sports. Her sense of her own worth was vindicated.

“Bettering oneself is more important than bettering one’s career,” says Dr Howard Schulz. “There should be a holistic approach to developing one’s personality in sync with the expectations and laws of society. A harmonious development of one’s faculties is most necessary to cope with life’s challenges.”

However, this is easier said than done. Personal goals are often in variance with the pressures of a society demanding conformity. Aamir Khan has beautifully portrayed the problems of a dyslexic kid in Taare Zameen Par. The truth is, just like the character of Darsheel Safary, millions of children are always being pressurised to perform, as per the expectations of others, be it the family or the society as a whole. A positive way to handle this is to have a realistic knowledge of one’s qualities and effects, through sincere prayer and a belief in God, as well as a detemination to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way. One may have no control over one’s circumstances, but with the correct attitude, pragmatism and self-doubt, one can emerge as a more successful person.

Another modern malady is the lack of time. The modern man rushes through the day without a moment to be quiet and reflect. What is needed are some quiet moments to reflect the beauty of Nature, the blue sky above and the greenery below. A chat with a friend, a walk in the park, refreshes and rejuvenates the body and mind. When the mind settles down in a quiet repose, there is a charge of positive energy, that helps one to work efficiently through the rest of the day. The simple pleasures of life don’t count a pence and yet, they do us good.

These are random thoughts, and such introspection comes to all who want a more peaceful and harmonious balance in society.

The world is beset with problems today, be they be man-made or natural. At this point of time, there is a need to look closely into what has divided people, and to bring them together to arrive at a consensus on diverse issues. Communalism is rearing its ugly head. The sensex continues to plunge. Floods have taken a toll of human lives. At this point of time, people need to unite to protect their interests, and use their resources to help each other. Politicians, instead of having the narrow interests of their party at heart, must put aside all differences in this hour of crisis. All this, of course, is easier said than done. But with patience, intelligence and a sense of purpose, much good work can be achieved. The collective good of the society demands that all of us join in and tackle the problems. For this, there must be a unity of purpose and a keen desire to tackle the issues at hand.

Indrani Raimedhi