Sometime back I conducted a survey to check the aspiration of Pakistani Educated Youth, although the number of respondents were around 110, however the results were consistent with my own experience with students. Since last four semesters I have been asking all my students (around 1500 in total so far) the same questions and getting the same response. This time I only attempted to conduct the exercise through an online survey form.
(Click on the images to enlarge)
 |
| Vision of the next 20 years |
 |
| Academic Profile of the Respondents |
 |
| Age profile of the respondents |
It is ironic to see that hardly any one aspire to do something to solve the pressing problems of their country. As per my own experience around 2% students are serious in this context. Five of them wants to bring reform in the education sector of Pakistan and one (Anam Aqil) out of them (Mujtaba Makhdoom, Nauman, Madeeha and Saroosh are the other four) is already running a small welfare school at her home for poor children. Anam even pay stipend to students. The remaining three (Ayaz, Mukhtar and Mujtaba) aspire to bring betterment in the lives of poor farmers in rural areas of Pakistan. Ayaz and Mukhtar are already working in this regards. The land is not that infertile as it seems in the first place.
Such examples were not found among the respondents of the on-line survey. On the other hand it was alarming to note the indifference and lack of concern this generation has regarding their own role and contribution for the betterment of this country. If this is the case then the question, which naturally emerge from such a state of affairs, is if the educated lot is not interested in solving the problem of this country then who will?
Perhaps it wouldn't be wrong to assume that the educated lot of the previous generation had similar aspirations for their future, and the result is right in front of our nose. It is not therefore surprising that why our parliament has so many fake degree holders ... In this context it is horrifying to note while looking at this aspiration of youth today, the fate of this nation would perhaps remain in the hands of a similar illiterate and corrupt lot even in the next 20 years to come.
I don't intend to establish only if the youth decides to take part in politics then this country would have a brighter future, it could be one of the ways though, however there are many other options a person have which may or may not require any political support directly or indirectly.
Akhuwat Welfare Society, Indus Hospital, TCF Foundation, Al-Khair School, G.E.A.R etc are a few examples (I can think of now) which are doing remarkable work to bring betterment in the lives of poor people of Pakistan. I am sure many more examples can be cited here, however the number is far too low then required I suppose or perhaps there is also a serious lack of strategic depth in the efforts of such organizations. The impact they are creating is only short term instead, as most of them are only eliminating the effects of the problem, not their root cause. ... Although such organizations are needed, as a lots of people would be worse off without them, however, in view of Jim Collins "good is the enemy of great", as mediocrecy when survives it creates 'something is better then nothing illusion'.
I think the good thing is that there are some examples among the coming generation who wants to do something particularly in the area of poverty and education, and is courageous enough to even take a few steps. They can surely become examples for others to follow, and proper guidance and support can definitely make them achieve something promising for this country.
It is thus the prime responsibility on the shoulders of the educational institutes of Pakistan, that they spend considerable time and energy on their students to inspire, motivate and facilitate them to envision themselves as part of the solution to the problems of this country, in the times to come. If educational institutes doesn't realize their responsibility today then they would keep on teaching their graduates to have a single minded vision to pursue their selfish goals. This might not make the coming generation part of the solution; however they may become part of the problem, instead.
Author is an academic researcher, author, blogger, social entrepreneur, activist, mentor and tweets @javaidomar
Author is an academic researcher, author, blogger, social entrepreneur, activist, mentor and tweets @javaidomar
Let me think of the reasons for this dilemma
ReplyDelete1. People want financial security before they can move onto other goals in life. The Maslow's theory regarding hierarchy of needs may not be scientifically tenable but it does throw light on the way humans function in a broad sense of the way and this is further exemplified by Imam Ghazali's Maqasid-e-Shariah wherein protection of wealth is a fundamental goal of Shariah for Muslims. A Prophet's (SAW) saying comes to mind about poverty leading to Kufr. Think about our pathetic jobs, lack of meaningful and timely growth and cripple it further with inflation, insecurity, fear, and negativity, and you have found a perfect recipe for a generation going terribly wrong. I would not go about blaming the younger generation for their indifference that much. Every household is a story of its own. Aging parents, umarried daughters, increasing debts, and without strong and stable income, children are driven into the hands of multinational corporations which offer them money but certainly no guidance.
2. Moving on, another problem for our societal decadence is that people want to make people, and lots of money, to buy things they dont need and to impress people they dont like. Consumerism and this hedonistic lifestyle is a major problem. Islam teaches us to stay within our limits. If we limit ourselves to the basic necessities of life we might achieve financial independence earlier and start caring for our society and country, sooner. Dawah activities amongst youth is the need of the hour. Another Prophet's (SAW) saying comes to mind about people who remember death all the time are the ones who will be successful. Surely, a person who is focused about being accountable to Allah SWT, will never 1) earn haraam money and 2) spend on haraam/extravagant things in life.
Perhaps asking them to think about society and do something for it will not bring about the results. Instead, we can adopt a cleverer route and preach Islamic teachings especially about death and the life hereafter whcih will, in the longer run, pay off in youths becoming more focused on making money for Akhira than for this world.
My two cents. May Allah SWT reward you with limitless success in this world and the hereafter for your efforts.