Daily Times

The worth of a diamond is determined only after it is properly, carefully and skilfully cut and polished. Prior to that it is nothing but a plain, unattractive piece of rock just like any other but once it passes through many processes, it emerges as one of the most sought-after stones known to man.

The youth of any nation can be likened to the story of diamonds in that it is fraught with immeasurable potential which is just waiting to be discovered, polished and brought into the mainstream. Out of all living beings, man is perhaps unique in the sense that it has to undergo a process of learning institutionalised by his elders. There are known instances of children being raised by animals in the wilderness who turn out to be as wild as their caretakers meaning thereby that something more than basic instincts are a pre-requisite to making a being human because if left to himself he would be nothing more than an animal.

Youth is the most invaluable asset of any nation and Pakistan is a blessed country which has a high percentage of young people then what prevents the country from making their best use? The only answer I can think of is our failure in investing sufficient amount, time and effort to harness this vital asset. Had we paid more attention and moulded it into a precious diamond it could have become indispensable not only for Pakistan but for the whole world as well. It must be appreciated that mere cosmetic improvements in infrastructure, blindly following in the footsteps of others and modern technological advancements bear no significance in the absence of an educated, skilled, well-groomed and buoyant youth capable of handling, managing and making the best out of these progressive strides. These structures would eventually collapse if there is nobody efficient to maintain them. Building a nation is no joke at all and material growth is no warranty to sustainability. This comes with exploiting the talents of the human resource, particularly the youth. A developed and conscious youth with a high level of morality is the best gift any good leader can give to his people.

Education needs to be State controlled where the main objective should to be: at the primary level, creating consciousness, inculcating self-respect, civic sense and compassionate feelings for other human beings. This is a formidable stage where young minds are impressionable and quick to absorb moral ideals.

Building a nation is no joke at all and material growth is no warranty to sustainability

At the secondary level, distinguishing the scholars from the practical ones since everyone cannot be expected to excel in academics though basic vocational training in an area of interest should be imparted to all. By attending some courses, they can learn the dignity of labour at least.

Once these students have acquired a basic school certificate, the ones who have the ability to move up the academic ladder may join colleges and universities for professional qualifications while the remaining who are better suited to learning skills could be technically trained for a variety of vocations to earn a decent livelihood.

Everyone has been given the capacity to make a living some way or the other — legal or illegal, formal or informal, desirable or obnoxious — and feed himself and his family, but the best ones are those who are able to live really well and respectably. This is of great significance because it reflects the nation’s character which is visible only in its people and their collective attitude towards life, themselves, the country and the world.

With a rapidly growing population of young men and women, there is a dire need to give them direction, a good environment and a future to which they can look forward to with an enthusiasm befitting their young hearts and minds. If not, then their disposition could be misconstrued as the scum of the earth which is disposable and worthless. The biggest disservice any government or leader can do to his people is conveniently neglect the youth because the destruction of one generation in terms of development of self is a sure shot recipe of disaster for that country.

The writer, lawyer and author, is anAdjunct Faculty at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)

Published in Daily Times, August 3^rd 2018.