Kashmir often called “Paradise on Earth,” carries a hefty cultural and historical value. Its scenery dazzles with stunning beauty but its social and political scene stays complicated and tough. Kashmiri youth stand at the centre of this shifting story balancing hopes for a thriving tomorrow against the persistent shadow of past turmoil. Their involvement, or its absence, in politics is super crucial because it has an influence on how Kashmir blends into a forward-looking and unified India. Kashmiri Youngsters’ Growing Awareness in Politics Kashmir’s young folks are getting into politics like never before. Back in the day, they were all about joining political fights learning from stuff happening both here and around the world. Things have been rough here, with lots of trouble, but nowadays things are changing big time. More and more, the youth are looking for ways to get involved in democracy, help run things right, and make positive changes, but they are doing it sticking to India’s rules and laws. Political uncertainty shapes daily life in Kashmir, and the area’s young people are tied to it. They take part in official political bodies and use online spaces, community projects, and local activism to share their goals. So, the level of involvement in politics is not the same for everyone. While some youngsters push for their rights and progress through activism, others are just tired. This mix of drive and weariness highlights the confusing blend of past events and today’s societal and political stuff.
What Gets Kashmiri Youngsters into Politics?
There is a bunch of things that get Kashmiri youngsters all fired up about politics. They have got more info at their fingertips better chances to learn, and can even start businesses. Here is a rundown of what pushes them:
1. Digital Revolution and Political Consciousness: Nowadays, the Kashmiri youth know their politics well, thanks to being super connected online. Places like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are super important now for chatting about how the government’s doing, what rights we’ve got, and how to change policies. This whole digital protesting thing makes it easier for the younger crowd to get their point across even past their own local area. They’re getting in on the big conversations about the country’s issues while talking about stuff that matters back home in India’s democracy.
2. Education’s Role as a Changemaker: College has changed how young folks in Kashmir see politics. Going to schools in different parts of India and other places has shown them different ways of looking at things, taught them to think deeply, and helped them get the big picture about how democracy works. So, you have got a bunch of young Kashmiris getting into discussions about how to run things fixing the economy, and making sure everyone is treated fair and square all while sticking to the rules of India’s big rule book.
3. The Emergence of Local Leaders: In Kashmir, groups led by the young are shifting their attention to critical matters like work rights, community aid, and keeping the environment healthy. Bunches of these spirited Kashmiri youths opt for playing by the rules pushing for new policies and fixes that come from the people to tackle big problems. This shift shows they are catching on that you can make real differences by getting involved in citizen stuff and having good talks, not just checking out or going to extremes.
4. Taking Part in Elections and Getting: Involved Democratically Kashmiri youngsters are starting to get just how much voting matters. They are seeing that their votes have a sway on how things are run and the rules that get made. It is leading to more of them showing up to vote, which is awesome cause it is helping Kashmir become a part of India’s whole democracy vibe. It is like they are getting that if you jump into politics, you can make stuff better where you live and around your area.
Politics? Meh, Not Interested
Not everyone is on board with this though. There is a big bunch of Kashmiri young people who just cannot be bothered with politics. A few things are making them feel this way:
1. Tired of the Same Old Leaders: A bunch of younger folks in Kashmir isn’t too happy with the folks running the show. They see these leaders as not keeping their word about making things better and more stable. This bummer feeling makes some of them decide to just not bother with politics thinking it is useless anyway.
2. Can’t Shake Off the Past Scars by regional politicians: Man, the fights from before have messed with the heads of the Kashmiri young folks. They get nervous about getting into politics because they do not want any surprises. Even though more and more are getting into the democracy thing, they are still kind of worried about what might happen if they speak their minds.
3. Money Troubles Take the Front Seat: As joblessness climbs and folks grapple with money issues, getting involved in politics often slides down the priority list making room for more urgent stuff. Loads of the younger crowd put getting a steady job above dipping their toes in political matters, as they reckon that having financial clout is pretty much the golden ticket to staying put and moving up in India’s progress game.
The Way Ahead: Sparking Solid Political Involvement
If we want to tap the smarts and spirit of Kashmiri youngsters, we need to shake up the system and the big institutions to make sure they get a spot at the table when it comes to running things and cooking up policies. Here’s a couple of smart moves we could make to switch from not caring to getting stuck in:
1. Giving a Boost to How Democracy Works and Getting More Youngsters into the Mix: Getting younger leaders mixed into the political framework might make sure the opinions of the young crowd influence important choices. If we push for young folks to get involved in the mechanics of their local government talking about big ideas, and the rules-making game, it might create a political scene in Kashmir that has got everyone’s interests covered and folks from all walks of life chipping in.
2. Making Civic Education Easy to Get and Politics Clearer: Starting up thorough programs for teaching folks about being good citizens could show the young ins in Kashmir why it matters to join in on democracy and shake hands with institutions. Get ‘me into discussions, make ‘me argue, and give ‘me the tricks through training to be top dogs in running things and crafting policies.
3. Making Cash Flow Better with Politics Not Shaking: A strong economy is pretty important to keep political engagement going strong. Pouring resources into starting new businesses teaching folks new skills, and getting jobs rolling can make young people feel less bummed and more like stable politics makes the economy boom. When Kashmir’s both and steady young folks might start seeing getting involved in democracy as a way to move up and boost their region.
4. Pushing for Open Talks and Building Peace: It is a good move to get young people chatting about how they can get into politics through places like youth groups, the media, and schools. Having good chats about where Kashmir is headed, while sticking to India’s democratic ways, can lead to making up and keeping things chill for the long haul.
Conclusion
Young People Building Kashmir’s Future Kashmir’s young people stand at a crossroads, with their decisions having a big say in the area’s politics and money matters. Some just do not care about politics, but more and more are getting into democracy seeing that it can make stuff better under Indian laws. If the Indian leaders, community folks, and schools make sure everyone is included has a steady life, and gets to have their say in democracy, they can help the young ones in Kashmir do a lot for the country. What happens next in Kashmir is up to the young crowd—if they ignore stuff or get involved, that is what will decide if Kashmir will be all about calm, wealth, and fitting snug into an India that is moving forward.
The writer is the Chairman of Non-Profit, Voice of Youth. Can be reached at [email protected]
