Dr. Farooq Ahmad Bakloo
Any nation's youth are its development engine and source of future prosperity. This vehicle needs a roadmap and an ecosystem in which youth can completely blossom to its zenith. Youth are enthusiastic, vibrant, innovative, and dynamic by nature. These characteristics of youth make them a precious asset for the Nation. Youth show strong passion, motivation, and willpower, which also make them the most valuable human resource for fostering the economic, ethnic, and political development of a country. A country's ability and growth is determined by the size of its skillful youth population. The energy and passion of the youth, if utilized in the right way, can bring gigantic constructive transformation to society and advancement to the country. Young people are the creative digital innovators in their communities and take part as active citizens, eager to positively lead to sustainable growth. This division of the population needs to be harnessed, motivated, skilled and streamlined properly to bring rapid progress to a nation.
In the context of Muslim youth especially in India, the community is lagging in all the developmental indicators. A recent news report was published in the Hindu according to which the Muslim community lag behind scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in Higher education ( 31 May 2023). Hence education is the key instrument through which the Muslim Youth can be empowered. However, it is much more important and in the interest of the community to change their conventional mindset concerning education. It is the responsibility of the educated persons of the community to engage the youth and develop social support for them, through which they can easily come towards education and take part in the development of their community and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of the nation. Apart from this education, there is a need for capacity building and equipping them with different skills. This results in the youth of the community standing up on their own feet and thus can be empowered through this approach.
Furthermore, the Muslim youth need to be connected with the successful and the people of vision. These people can help them and motivate them to attain their aspirations for the development of their future. One more thing which is crucial and can play a heart role in the empowerment of Muslim youth are to encourage the youth to actively participate in community services. This will build a sense of responsibility, social skills and empathy among the youth and could learn the spirit of teamwork as well.
In addition to above mentioned means the other ways through which Muslim youth can be empowered are through sports, computer literacy, media literacy, networking and collaboration, financial literacy, micro start-ups, through special financial packages. Moreover, by providing a friendly Ecosystem for them in which the Muslim youth can nurture their talent.
Empowered Muslim youth plays a substantial role in modelling the dynamics of the Muslim community. When empowered, Muslim youth can contribute profoundly to countless dimensions of the community, comprising social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. Here are some vital areas where Muslim youth empowerment can have an impact:
Education and Knowledge:
Empowered Muslim youth can attain education and knowledge to become cognizant individuals who can encounter stereotypes and fallacies about Islam. By pursuing higher education and engaging in critical thinking, they can become leaders, scholars, and educators who add to the intellectual development of their community.
Social Activism and Advocacy:
Empowered Muslim youth can involve in social activism and promoter positive change within their community and society at huge. They can address social issues such as poverty, discrimination, Islamophobia, gender inequality, and environmental concerns. Through grassroots initiatives, community projects, and collaborations, they can increase awareness, promote social justice, and work towards the construction of a more inclusive society.
Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration:
Empowered Muslim youth can vigorously join in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, nurturing understanding, tolerance, and harmony among different religious communities. By engaging in reverential conversations and stimulating mutual respect, they can break down obstacles and construct channels of cooperation, contributing to social cohesion and peace.
Leadership and Governance:
Empowered Muslim youth can develop leadership skills and actively join community organizations, mosques, and Islamic centres. By assuming leadership roles, they can bring new perspectives, innovative ideas, and effective strategies to address the requirements and aspirations of their community. They can also engage with local and national governance structures, and promote inclusivity, justice, and equality.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Development:
Empowered Muslim youth can donor to economic development within their community by becoming entrepreneurs and job creators. They can establish businesses, social enterprises, and start-ups that offer employment opportunities and address local requirements. Through economic empowerment, they can enhance the socioeconomic welfare of their community and contribute to its general growth.
Cultural Preservation and Integration:
Empowered Muslim youth can play a vibrant role in preserving their cultural heritage while integrating into the broader society. They can rejoice in their traditions, languages, and customs, promoting cultural diversity and enriching the wider community. By vigorously participating in cultural events, arts, and media, they can encounter stereotypes, promote optimistic narratives, and nurture cross-cultural understanding.
Mentorship and Role Modeling:
Empowered Muslim youth can aid as mentors and role models for younger generations, inspiring them to hold their faith, pursue education, and dynamically engage in community affairs. Through mentorship programs, they can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help younger Muslims navigate challenges and make informed choices.
In conclusion, Muslim youth empowerment is critical for modelling the dynamics of the Muslim community. By engaging in education, social activism, interfaith dialogue, leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and mentorship, empowered Muslim youth can pitch in absolutely to their community's progress, growth, and integration into an inclusive society. Their energetic participation safeguards a vivacious, comprehensive, and advanced community that addresses the encounters and harnesses the opportunities of the modern world.
Author is Ph.D Scholar of Political Science from Kumaun University Nainital and has also worked in the Parliament of India.
