VOICE OF THE YOUTH

AUTHOR : Aanya Agrawal, IX, Delhi Public School Varanasi

Youth is the key to the future. One of the most vibrant segments of the country, there is great hope from them. With the right mindset and ability, youth can contribute to the development of the nation and do wonders. 

Mr. Arunoday Mukharji,  Correspondent for the BBC in India, reporting for World TV and BBC World Service Radio on the country’s big business and political stories, earlier, prime time News Presenter and Senior Editor with CNN News18, whom we consider as a youth icon of today has expressed his beautiful thoughts and opinions with the youngsters to shape their future ahead.

He perceives that in today’s time, the biggest challenge or mental pressure for the younger generation is performance pressure, no matter in which field you’re in. The pressure of competition, of constantly being compared to others and to be first in a rat race. It is unhealthy and it makes one burnout faster. At this age, as young adults, life is just beginning. It is from this age that one starts to deal with different kinds of challenges. First there is academic pressure after school; questions like which college one needs to apply to, what subject one should take, what profession one should opt for. Then there are pressures pertaining to one’s job and eventually, balancing work and one’s personal life.

Also, he says- “It is important that the younger generation needs to take a moment and pause from time to time. Take one step at a time. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Take your time and think about what it is you really want to do in life, what gives you the most happiness and how you can convert it into a profession. Compared to earlier generations where there were fewer job options, now there is scope to experiment. Make the most of that. Prioritize your goals, so you invest the right amount of time in the right place. There will always be pressure from your peers, family and extended relatives – but this is about YOU – it is going to be YOUR life and if YOU are not happy in it, then what’s the point? So, you should always believe in yourself and follow your dreams”.

To always stay focused and motivated even with a huge competition in today’s world, Mr. Arunoday says, “Always keep your final goal in mind and find ways to work towards it. If you know what you want, you will always find a way to get there. It may take time in some cases, but you will get there. But amidst academic pressures and your targets, I would say keep in mind three things. First, you must take out time for hobbies. If you like music, learn an instrument, if you like sports, play a sport, if you like writing, do that. It is important for you all to have something to distract yourself from the pressures of life. Relying on a hobby helps you cope during tough times. Secondly, keep your family close. They are your biggest well-wishers and know you the best. They will always have your best interest in mind. When you feel the pressure from anything, share your burden, discuss your problems, don’t keep it bottled up – your family can be that emotional support system during the toughest times. Thirdly, while family is important, also important is to keep a set of good friends who make you feel good about yourself. They are of your age and will share the same pressures you face every day. Together you guys are stronger and can find a positive way out of any challenge.”

His inspiration behind his success is his parents and family. He mentions, “The efforts they made in their lives to ensure I get a good education and good opportunities. It helped me get to where I am and gives me the confidence to aim higher. I always want to do my best while being honest to myself. Not allowing others to dictate who I am or make me feel lesser than anyone else. Be confident with who you are and never forget those who helped you learn as you climb up the ladder of success. Being sensitive to these aspects will not just help you achieve your dreams but make you a kinder and happier person.”

Youth is the golden period to cherish a big dream full of passion and energy. Although, the period is also full of adventures yet they have to be looked for with the eyes open. It is the time when we can provide shape to our ideas for the economic development of society. Mixed with responsibility and fun, new environments, excitement, thrill, applause, and regrets, it has a huge significance in one’s life. It is time to achieve wisdom in addition to knowledge.


Aanya Agrawal, a Libra soul always prefers to look on the bright side. She is a self-motivated and disciplined student and never misses any opportunity coming her way and gives the best at it. She is an enthusiastic learner who likes doing things differently rather than doing different things. She believes that we don’t need to turn our life on its head, often making little changes will make a big impact.  She prides herself on being a valuable asset to her team due to her willingness to stick with a bold course of action and be happy to zig while others zag. She is skilled in designing, writing, art and coding. Her long-term goal is to become a successful person in life which does not happen with magic, but takes sweat, determination and hard-work, and she is thriving for it.