Our students need to develop a sense of our scriptural and civilisational heritage.
In the first week of July 2024, I had to interview over 300 graduates to select some of them for a postgraduate course. The group mirrored India’s rich diversity, with young people from all regions, communities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This “mini India” included youth from economically disadvantaged families, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and those with varied family structures. The insights I gathered from interviewing this very talented lot of young women and men in their early twenties were revealing.
When viewed from the gender lens, women outnumbered men and demonstrably outperformed them. This conforms to a broader trend in which women, especially in urban areas, have made considerable strides in multiple fields and are more active socially and culturally. Gender equality is increasingly visible in the workplace, with women finding their rightful place in society. Indian society is changing, and while the trend is welcome, it will impact the structure of the family unit as we know it. This change will have to be understood and dealt with maturely and responsibly.
An interesting observation was that most candidates had only one sibling. Evidently, among this group, their parents embraced the two-child norm to better look after their children and provide them with the best possible care and opportunities in life. Intriguingly, quite a few also belonged to single-child families. While the number was not large, it was significant enough to be noticed. There were relatively few candidates with two or more siblings, and they mostly belonged to one community. Is this part of a more substantial national trend? The next population census may provide a more detailed answer.
For now, the trends point to population stability in the foreseeable future, which augurs well for India’s economic growth and potentially could lead to a massive rise in the per capita income of the poorest sections of Indian society. Conversely, the demographic figures vary significantly for different religious groups, which has led to severe demographic changes in many districts of India. Illegal immigration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas from Myanmar has further exacerbated this trend, which has the potential to inflame communal tensions and aggravate internal security concerns. India’s policymakers would do well to be prepared for the impact of such change.
An intriguing aspect of this group was their information consumption habits. Reading for pleasure didn’t seem to be a part of their lives. Many found it challenging to focus on a book for extended periods, especially with the allure of visual media’s quick and easily digestible content. This decline in reading habits reflects a broader societal issue—the lack of a strong reading culture. To cultivate a love of reading in our children, both homes and schools need to provide encouragement and support that motivates them to pick up a book.
While a few participants kept up with editorial content in their preferred newspapers, most relied on social media and YouTube videos on their mobile phones to stay informed about current events. Their views seemed heavily influenced by the content creators they followed. This trend is not lost on political parties, but its full significance still needs to be measured. Similarly, large corporations, particularly those in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, still need to grasp their full potential. There are also critical lessons here for national security. Terrorist organisations exploit these same tools to radicalise young people, turning them into sympathisers, supporters, or even recruits.
The candidates displayed a reasonably high level of political awareness. They seemed well-informed about the realities on the ground and demonstrated a nuanced understanding of the current political situation and its potential consequences. One candidate from Ayodhya expressed evident disappointment with the incumbent MP, whom he felt had become disconnected from the constituency. While a significant amount of construction work had been sanctioned for the area, a lack of diligent oversight had led to rampant corruption at lower levels, further fuelling public dissatisfaction. Despite strong public support in the previous two elections, the incumbent’s loss sends a clear message: voters demand accountability from their representatives. Popularity at the national level, such as the Prime Minister’s, is no longer enough to guarantee victory. Local representatives must demonstrate a commitment to fulfilling their promises and responsibilities.
Employment was a top concern for most candidates. However, their ambitions went beyond simply securing a job; they craved meaningful work that offered a sense of fulfilment. This shared desire for a career that transcends mere financial security is a testament to the evolving aspirations and potential of today’s youth. While the public sector traditionally held a certain allure, many are now exploring career paths outside government employment to pursue fulfilling work.
Some candidates eligible for the OBC category opted for the General category instead. Their reasoning was commendable: “My parents have already benefited from the OBC reservation,” they explained. “We believe the vacancy should go to someone who truly needs it.” Conversely, a few seemingly well-off candidates opted for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. The possibility of misuse within the EWS affirmative action system is significant as the required EWS certificate can be obtained through fraud. How should such issues be addressed?
In an aspirational society, some people are smarting from the stigma of being selected through a reservation system, not on merit. The government may now consider a “give it up” campaign, linking it to a feel-good factor by conferring General Category or Unreserved Category nomenclature for those selected in competitive examinations. To prevent fraud in obtaining an EWS certificate, the government may consider self-certification, with stringent penalties for giving a false statement, including mandatory jail time and financial repercussions, along with the nullification of any benefits gained through such fraud.
A notable aspect of the interviews was the candidates’ responses regarding national security. When presented with a hypothetical scenario of an attack on India mirroring a real-world event (Israel, 7 October 2023), their answers were predominantly focused on peaceful solutions and diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages. Notably, a reluctance to engage in military action was evident, with concerns about escalation being a primary factor. While pursuing non-violence is laudable, the candidates’ responses suggest a potential disconnect between pacifism and the complexities of national defence. This pusillanimity in dealing with national security issues is inexplicable, especially when the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, two of India’s most sacred scriptures, highlight the concept of Dharma, justifying warfare in specific contexts. Are India’s youth so emasculated that they are prepared to accept injustice rather than fight for Dharma and their country?
It is worth considering whether educational approaches sufficiently address the concept of deterrence as a potential tool for preventing conflict. There also appears to be a need for more awareness regarding proportionate responses in extreme scenarios. One candidate’s emphatic rejection of nuclear retaliation against a city-wide nuclear attack raises questions about understanding deterrence strategies.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna states: “To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma, I appear on this earth, age after age.” Bhagavad Gita 4.8.
Our students need to develop a sense of our scriptural and civilisational heritage. Cowardice can never be an option, even if disguised with high moral principles and grandstanding on the precepts of non-violence. This highlights the need for a more nuanced discussion on national security within educational settings.
The author is Director, India Foundation.