EMPOWERING MINDSETS
Recently, the UPSC results were announced, marking a significant milestone for numerous candidates who secured a coveted spot on the final list. Undoubtedly, this achievement is commendable. As we anticipate the upcoming months, where students will be striving to clear exams like NEET and JEE to gain entry into various professional colleges and pursue their desired courses, a pertinent question arises: what impact will their success truly have on society? While their accomplishments are undoubtedly personal triumphs, it’s crucial to consider whether they will translate into tangible benefits for the broader populace.
The reality is that regardless of the magnitude of the exam you pass or the position you attain, you ultimately become an employee. Within various sectors, government employees are often referred to as government servants. However, it’s important to recognize that none of these roles inherently entail the capacity to create jobs or provide employment opportunities. Instead, they involve serving within established frameworks and structures, fulfilling designated responsibilities within the parameters of their positions.
A civil servant, just like a doctor or an engineer, typically doesn’t function as a job provider. While doctors may establish individual clinics, their capacity to hire staff is often limited, and they may lack the necessary business acumen to expand operations significantly. Moreover, the primary motivation behind setting up private clinics is often financial gain, rather than fostering widespread societal benefits. In essence, the potential for job creation through such ventures remains restricted, and the overarching impact on society may be minimal.
One of the predominant challenges confronting Kashmiri society is the relentless pursuit of prestigious titles. There’s an overwhelming desire among individuals to be labeled as an IAS officer, KAS officer, doctor, lawyer, or engineer. This mindset stems from the belief that respect and societal validation are inherently tied to specific professions. Sadly, this notion often rings true, as those outside these coveted roles are frequently undervalued or overlooked. However, I firmly believe that every individual deserves respect, irrespective of their profession. The essence of humanity transcends occupational labels, and true dignity should be accorded based on inherent qualities and contributions to society.
Many individuals aspire to become civil servants, doctors, engineers, or pursue other professions with the noble intention of contributing to society. However, a significant challenge arises when people are influenced by external factors such as peer pressure or familial expectations. It’s disheartening to see individuals embark on career paths simply because their friends or relatives have done so, rather than following their genuine passions and talents.
In today’s world, there’s often a pervasive sense of needing to prove oneself to parents, relatives, and society at large. This pressure can lead individuals to overlook their true callings and instead pursue paths that may not align with their interests or strengths. As a result, many individuals find themselves trapped in careers that don’t bring them fulfillment or allow them to make meaningful contributions to society.
In Kashmir, societal progress remains stagnant across various sectors, with a notable absence of substantial growth. Beyond the shadow of political unrest, a significant contributing factor is the apparent lack of entrepreneurial drive among the youth. Instead of venturing into innovative endeavors, the trend often sees young individuals acquiring impressive degrees, whether locally or internationally, only to return and immerse themselves in the preparation for government examinations. This cycle perpetuates a cycle of wasted resources—time, finances, and energy.
Moreover, the absence of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem hampers the region’s potential for economic development and innovation. It’s imperative to foster a culture that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and business innovation to break this cycle and unlock the latent potential within Kashmir’s youth.
The absence of parental support exacerbates the issue, as many parents project their own unfulfilled aspirations onto their children. Rather than nurturing their offspring’s individual talents and ambitions, they often pressure them to pursue prestigious degrees solely for the sake of social status. This pressure to conform to societal expectations not only stifles the creativity and independence of the youth but also perpetuates the cycle of pursuing conventional paths rather than exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.
Additionally, the emphasis on accolades and bragging rights within social circles further reinforces this dynamic, overshadowing the importance of genuine personal fulfillment and meaningful career pursuits. It’s crucial for parents to recognize and support their children’s unique talents and interests, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation rather than simply chasing societal approval.
It’s imperative for us as the youth to overhaul our mindset and pave the way for a future where parental guidance nurtures rather than dictates dreams. As we eventually step into the role of parents ourselves, we hold the power to redefine parenting styles, prioritizing the encouragement of our children’s passions and aspirations. Furthermore, the absence of even a single well-established private university in our state highlights a crucial gap in our educational infrastructure.
This void persists due to the scarcity of entrepreneurs with the financial resources necessary to establish such institutions. The emergence of visionary entrepreneurs is vital not only for creating educational opportunities but also for catalyzing economic growth by generating employment opportunities on a large scale.It’s a sobering reality that despite the abundance of talent in fields like medicine, engineering, and civil service, our region still grapples with economic underdevelopment.
This imbalance stems from the disproportionate focus on traditional career paths, which limits the exploration of entrepreneurial ventures that could drive socioeconomic progress. Every year, a significant portion of our youth dedicates themselves to competitive examinations like NEET, JEE and other competitive exams.It’s disheartening to witness individuals investing years of their lives solely to secure a position as an employee in later part of their life, rather than pursuing avenues that could empower them to create jobs and contribute to the economic prosperity of our region.
Despite the abundance of resources at our disposal, our society remains entrenched in a backward mindset, fixated on acquiring specific professional titles. The failure to leverage our resources stems from this narrow focus, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by external entrepreneurs. Kashmir consistently produces a substantial number of doctors and engineers annually, yet disappointingly, few have made noteworthy contributions in their fields.
Instead, instances of negligence among medical professionals highlight a failure to fulfill their professional responsibilities. In essence, they are not even meeting the basic expectations associated with their professions. Hence, it’s crucial to break away from conventional paths and embrace innovation. We require a surge in startups, a flourishing ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship.
Kashmir needs a greater representation of its youth on platforms like Shark Tank India, showcasing their ingenuity and business acumen. Just as the nation celebrates icons like M.S. Dhoni in cricket and Sania Mirza in tennis, Kashmir deserves its own trailblazers in various fields, including literature, academia, social media influence, and education. These role models can instill progressive ideas in the younger generation, shaping them into forward-thinking leaders poised to drive change in the future.
(The Author is Assistant professor, University School of Business, Chandigarh University. Feedback: [email protected])
