Given the often made statement by seasoned and informed writers that the nation’s youth in the age bracket of 25 to 37 years account for half its population and a steadily increasing number unemployed in that section despite years of schooling at considerable cost, their massive presence in crowds assembled at venues of speeches by politicos and road shows under the aegis of a multitude of outfits pursuing causes that are generally outside the agenda of the Government is a common sight. Unrest in families, disturbed environment in society, chaotic scenes across the country and a growing mass of disenchanted citizens as mute witness to the goings on around them, clueless on their role in bringing order in life, even as criminal and fraudulent acts of people showing no signs of abating are hitting the headlines of dailies of all hues and telecast times of television news–centred channels. The country’s urban spaces are hosting a steadily rising number of males and females, armed with degrees and diplomas in a multitude of subjects, some taking up odd jobs on their own volition and the rest shuffling from pillar to post in search of employment, but to no avail. The land’s self-appointed political leaders have treated this growing mass as their prey, burdening the youth virtually as yoke on their shoulders.

Sociologists have inferred that even within families, traditionally considered safe places, youngsters are finding themselves at odds with their elders. Not realising the fallout of holding on to the coat-tails of politicians, attracted by their rhetoric, the country’s youth including the rustics, are heading for a bleak future, much like the rats that followed the pied piper of Hamelin.

The country’s eligible voters are hearing clarion calls from many quarters to exercise their franchise as a sacred duty. The elected representatives, barring some exceptions, seem to have made a mockery of the sacredness of the duty, by betraying the trust reposed in them by the people. The view expressed by a psychologist points to the youth drawn to the road shows to protest the actions of the Government may not have the necessary perception of dealing with the consequences of their wasted energy. Further, psychologists have observed traumatic stress in the youth who impulsively took part in protests bugging the youths mentally, giving credence to the verdict attributed to India’s industry sources that a majority of educated youth are not employable.

The ongoing retarded progress of the country’s economy merits to be seen as a God-send opportunity to wean away the misled youth back to economically productive pursuits, in the backdrop of pundits hailing the educated boys and girls as the nation’s human capital. The top brass in the Government owe it to the country’s youth for unburdening the young minds from the yoke of protests in anger. Action to save the youth and marshal their skills and energy cannot be postponed under any circumstances.