YOUTH FORCE IN GOA by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

There is a great potential in young people. They are like dynamite. Dynamite can do great good when used in the right way. In the wrong hands, though, it can be used to take life. Young people have the same potential for good or bad. Youth power is a spark which can either brighten or burn the country. Adolph Hitler understood the power of young people. After he came to power in Germany in 1932 one of the early actions he took was to outlaw all youth groups.

Youth power has been regarded as an inexhaustible reservoir of human resources.

Youth are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have. Not only are they regarded as the future leaders but they are potentially and actually the greatest investment for a country’s development. Films like Rang de Basanti revolutionized the thinking of youth of our country. This shows, the concern of our young generation for our country and need to take affirmative steps to make sure youth becomes powerful and determined to do needful for the county. For this certain steps need to be taken to galvanise and channelise the power of the youth. It would require role models who could inspire and motivate the younger generation.

Goans may be traditionally known to be “Susegad” but in the 70’s the student and youth power was a force to be reckoned with. On almost every issue we made the government come down on its knees. The disintegration of this very vibrant student power started when political parties started having their student wings. The student voice got fragmented and so did their power.

Over the last few years in particular the interest of students and youth on social issues has further decimated with the coming in of swanky TV’s, computers and laptops. Even activities of the otherwise very active socio- cultural youth groups is today unheard of. Goa needs to channelise its youth and inculcate in them a sense of responsibility to commit themselves in the State’s upliftment.

On the political horizon the Youth of Goa can help in cleansing the stink in the political stables. Goa’s entire political system is infested with opportunism, nepotism, corruption, deception, fraud, and shrewd tactics. The government today has no clear far-sighted goals and no well-thought-out programmes. Goa today is in the hands of corrupt and power-hungry politicians who are unwilling to make way for the younger generation.

There is a lot of frustration amongst the youth today. The suicide rate is very high. A lot of them have become addicts of drug, alcohol and gambling. A lot of our youth have taken to petty and major crimes. We lack a social support system to counsel, guide and get them out of the woods.

Politicians use the youth only for elections and then they are forgotten and uncared for. While the politicians keep contesting again and again the only young faces they introduce to the electoral battles are their own children. The youth today also hit a road block even while applying for government jobs. They go through all the rigours of applying and attending job interviews only to realise that the candidates were finalised even before the vacancy was advertised.

It is time our youth ponder on the present sad state of Goa. It is very difficult to see our Goa getting ruined by man made disasters which could have been avoided or stopped by a vibrant youth force. Goans keep blaming politicians, the government, their policies, officers and others but the youth ought to see their responsibility towards rescuing Goa.

In this age of modernization our purpose has shifted to fulfill our endless desires. In due course we lost the life values and have even exploited the nature. We can see that nature has lost its balance. Communication of man and nature is cut off. All this is caused due to superficial, improper knowledge and lack of awareness in our desperate efforts for winning in the competition with others. We have been constantly working to walk with western countries thinking that success lies by being equivalent to them.

The Youth of Goa more than ever should be engaged in the socio, economic and political development of the State. Young people, as members of a dynamic group in society, play a crucial role in positively transforming an in building the foundations of a democratic and peaceful society. Youth of Goa have the potential to create networks, mutual support structures and common platforms to share resources, know-how and ideas. Our Youth can also create ideas that solve old problems in innovative ways.

Our youth are not failing the system. It is the system that is failing our youth. The Youth have to be encouraged and listened to. Having youth as members on various Government boards and commissions could be a rewarding experience that will benefit us all. The adult could benefit from the fresh perspective, optimism, and enthusiasm that youth could bring to any discussion or debate. Youth have to feel that their voice is valued and that they have a role and make an impact in decision making.

Today the youth of Goa are dying young. We all have a duty to ensure that Goa lives long. The youth in Goa should take a cue of the recent activity that took place in Egypt where the youth force ensured a transformation. The Youth power in Goa can also ensure this. There is so much that can be done by the youth for the betterment of the State. To start with our youth could be focused on one goal. A corruption free Goa. If they could work successfully towards this mission we will have won the war. The future of whatever remains of Goa is the hands of the Youth. I am confident the Youth force in Goa will deliver.