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Education without purpose

Education without purpose
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Sahil Swe

Education has always been viewed as the gateway to success, but in Kashmir, it has become a frustrating paradox. Young people invest years in obtaining degrees, often in conventional fields like Arts, Science, and Commerce, only to realize that job opportunities are scarce.

The lack of career counselling, skill-based education and industry exposure means that most graduates are left to navigate the job market blindly. The stunning views over the valleys of Kashmir, which speak of history and persistence, shelter a silent crisis that is rarely brought forward in modern discourse.

The youth, irrespective of their academic qualifications, seem to be lost in a more complex web. They are struggling with an unstable global market, a society that offers little, and an evolving world.

Many graduates feel as though there’s no purpose in working in their chosen fields, and as a result fall deeper into a helpless state. Ultimately, the consequences that we are faced with is depression, substance abuse, and a moral crisis that leads the youth towards better earnings, which are most commonly from exploiting illegal activities.

Adding to the crisis is the absence of a strong private sector in Kashmir. Government jobs are limited, and the competition is intense, leaving thousands of youth unemployed. While some try their luck with online platforms and freelancing, many are deceived by scams, further deepening their disillusionment. The financial burden becomes unbearable, especially for those who can no longer rely on their aging parents for support.

Psychological Impact: The Road to Depression and Anxiety

The psychological toll of this uncertainty is significant. Research indicates that ongoing stress from unemployment can result in serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem.

In a culture where financial stability equates to personal value, many young people feel like they are failing to meet societal expectations. The pressure from families, the social stigma associated with being unemployed, and the anxiety about an unpredictable future can drive many into isolation, self-doubt, and, in some cases, substance abuse.

A lack of career direction can lead to learned helplessness—a state where individuals stop making efforts because they feel their actions won’t lead to change. When the brain is repeatedly exposed to stress and failure, it starts to view defeat as the norm. This, coupled with a society that provides minimal emotional support, contributes to a generation that struggles to find purpose in their ambitions.

The Dark Escape: Why Drugs Seem Like an Option

With unstable income, a lack of career guidance, and an increasing feeling of worthlessness, many young people in Kashmir turn to drugs—not only as users but also as dealers. The illegal drug trade offers what no other system in Kashmir can: quick cash. The reasoning is harsh yet straightforward—if society won’t provide them with a future, they’ll forge one themselves, even if it means crossing moral and legal lines.

Drug addiction isn’t merely a personal choice; it reflects a societal failure. When a young person sees no opportunities, when their dreams are repeatedly crushed, and when they are treated as mere statistics, they start looking for alternative ways to survive. The drug trade, with its extensive network and promise of immediate financial relief, becomes an alluring option.

Is the Government Responsible?

The government has a pivotal part in shaping the youth’s future, yet its programs frequently fall suddenly. While there are enterprise for skill development and entrepreneurship, they warrant availability and effectiveness. Corruption, regulatory hurdles, and an outdated education system fail to equip youthful people with the tools they need to thrive.

Rather of fastening on reactive measures like cracking down on medicine hawkers, a visionary approach is demanded — one that creates sustainable employment, fosters invention, and ensures that youth have multiple career avenues. Investing in internal health programs, strengthening vocational training, and contemporizing the education system are critical way.

Moral proprieties and particular Responsibility

While systemic failures are inarguable, particular and societal responsibility can not be ignored. Moral ethics serve as the backbone of any strong society. When youthful people warrant ethical guidance, the temptation of easy plutocrat becomes overwhelming. Family values, religious training, and social institutions must support the significance of honesty, adaptability, and long- term thinking.

Parents must encourage open conversations about failures and struggles rather of burdening their children with unrealistic prospects. Educational institutions must incorporate ethical training alongside academic literacy, emphasizing the consequences of short- term delectation versus long- term stability.

A Way Forward: Restoring Hope and Purpose

The crisis facing Kashmiri youth is not irreversible. Solutions exist, but they require a collective effort from families, educators, policymakers, and the youth themselves. Some key steps include:

1.Career Counselling and Skill Development – Schools and colleges should implement structured career guidance programs to help students recognize their strengths and explore diverse career options.

  1. Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Support – The government and private sector must invest in startup incubators, remote work opportunities, and industry collaborations to generate more employment.
  2. Mental Health Awareness – Accessible counselling services, workshops, and community support groups should be established to help individuals deal with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.
  3. Stronger Law Enforcement Against Drug Networks – While addressing the root causes of drug involvement is crucial, strict action against drug mafias is necessary to prevent youth from falling into this trap.
  4. Moral and Ethical Education – Schools, religious institutions, and families must collectively work to in still values that discourage illegal and unethical behavior.

Culmination: Kashmiri youth are not directionless by choice—they are victims of a broken system that prioritizes control over empowerment. They don’t need just sympathy, they need, paths, direction, and the chance to feel hopeful about their future. The moment has come to move away from ad hoc solutions in favour of sustainable solutions that nurture ambition, reinforce moral values and offer demonstrable career options.

Kashmir’s true potential lies in its youth. With the proper assistance, they could change not only their own lives, but the future of the whole area. The question is that, will society and government rise up before it’s all over?

(The author is an Engineer and a Research Fellow)

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