When India turned 20, celebrating two decades of independence, film director SNS Sastry embarked on a unique project. He interviewed several individuals in their twenties who were born in 1947, capturing their reflections on their lives and their country at this significant milestone. This insightful dialogue explored their hopes, dreams and concerns as young adults witnessing their nation’s evolution. The culmination of these conversations was put together into an 18-minute film titled ‘I am 20’, offering a glimpse into the minds of a generation navigating the complexities of a newly independent India.
Through their narratives, the film attempted to paint a vivid portrait of the aspirations and challenges faced by India’s youth as they embraced their roles in shaping the future of their country. The film shed light on several key themes and issues the country faced at the time, including the disparity between those with access to education and those without and the importance of holding political leaders accountable through critique and demand for transparency.
‘I Am 20’ clearly demonstrates that young people harbour aspirations for their country and themselves, with these dreams deeply intertwined. For these aspirations to come to fruition, policymakers and country leaders must create an environment that provides young individuals with the opportunities they need to thrive. Moreover, today’s children represent a new generation fueled by ambition, creativity and a desire for change. Their dreams reflect not only personal goals but also the evolving landscape of a nation prosperous in potential.
Creating a gateway to opportunities
In our country, education is often viewed as the key to success. Parents aspire for their children to attend schools and universities that equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive world. A collective dream is to achieve practical learning experiences and exposure to global perspectives. For many, education symbolises personal advancement and a pathway to uplift their families and communities.
However, the statistics tell a different story. Significant changes have occurred since the pandemic. According to “ASER 2023: Beyond Basics,” the Annual Status of Education Report released by the civil society organisation Pratham in January of this year, over half of rural students aged 14 to 18 struggle with basic mathematics—skills they should have mastered by Classes 3 and 4. The disparities extend beyond learning gaps; they also reflect the growing privatisation of the education system in our country. The number of private schools and colleges has surged in recent years. In the 2021-22 academic year, private unaided schools accounted for over 32 per cent of all schools providing education in India. In higher education, 67.51 per cent of the universities and 37.81 per cent of the colleges in the country are private institutions.
Moving forward, it is essential to recognise that the country can only progress if there is quality and affordable education accessible to all. The next generation wants decision-makers to address these disparities as this is not merely an educational challenge but a societal imperative, as equitable access to education is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
Carving a space for meaningful work
As young children enter their youth, they prepare to enter the workforce and often, their dreams are increasingly centred around meaningful employment. They seek jobs that align with their passions and values, whether in technology, arts, entrepreneurship or social work. The desire for job satisfaction has become paramount, with many young people prioritising roles that allow them to contribute positively to society.
However, over the past decade, unemployment rates in India have risen significantly. As of June 2024, the rate reached 9.2 per cent, a sharp increase from 7 per cent in May 2024. There is also a growing concern about inequity among workers. The ‘State of Working India’ reports from the Centre for Sustainable Employment at Azim Premji University highlight that the number of educated individuals seeking jobs is almost equivalent to the entire population of Bengaluru. In fact, 82 per cent of male workers and 92 per cent of female workers earn less than Rs. 10,000 a month.
Unless we create a country brimming with opportunities that allow young people to thrive, we are doing them a great disservice. The children of this nation deserve access to the right opportunities that empower them to realise their full potential. Education, employment and social equity should be at the forefront of our national agenda.
Striving for a sustainable route
With the looming threat of climate change, the dreams of young Indians are increasingly intertwined with environmental sustainability. They yearn for a cleaner, greener future where nature and progress coexist harmoniously. Young people are actively engaged in eco-friendly initiatives, pushing for sustainable practices in agriculture, waste management and energy consumption, but that is certainly not enough. We need a similar commitment from policymakers and our country’s leaders in the fight against climate change, ensuring that the next generation inherits a nation abundant in resources and opportunities.
The statistics related to climate change are alarming on a global scale. As temperatures continue to rise, we are witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. These events are exacerbated by unchecked development and urbanisation prioritising short-term gains over environmental sustainability. It is crucial that we must halt these harmful practices to give the planet a chance to heal and restore its balance. By adopting more sustainable approaches to development, we can create a healthier environment that allows future generations to thrive in peace.
Thus, our nation must prioritise the three Es—Education, Employment and Environment. It is only through these measures that the children of our country can live peacefully and thrive.