Opinion | Raising Voices, Shaping Futures: A Plea for Kashmir’s Young Minds

Kashmir’s youth have so much potential. They are bright, talented, and full of energy. It would be a tragedy to see that potential wasted on distractions and digital chaos. Instead, let’s help them channel that energy into something meaningful.

It’s a strange and unsettling time we’re living in. Every day, I reflect on the direction our society is heading, especially when it comes to the youth of Kashmir. In an era where knowledge and wisdom should be our guiding lights, it’s heartbreaking to see how some individuals are misguiding young minds. Instead of inspiring them to pursue education, innovation, and self-improvement, certain so-called influencers are caught up in meaningless online feuds, all for the sake of entertainment and gaining more followers. It’s a trend that keeps me awake at night, and as someone who deeply cares about the future of our society, I feel compelled to speak and write up.
Let me be clear, this isn’t about pointing fingers or defaming anyone. I intend to offer sincere advice, share my concerns, and hopefully spark a conversation about how we can do better. Our youth are the future. They are the “icon brains” who have the potential to shape society in incredible ways. Yet, many of them are being lured into the trap of senseless digital conflicts, distractions, and divisive narratives. Social media, which could be a powerful tool for spreading knowledge, positivity, and skill-based learning, is instead being used to degrade and divide. It’s a tragedy and one we cannot afford to ignore. I often find myself thinking about the lessons history has taught us. Take China, for example. Their disciplined approach to education and technology has transformed them into a global powerhouse of innovation and creativity. They have produced real “kartai”—innovators and creators who are shaping the world in profound ways. Now, compare that to what we see on some social media platforms today. Instead of learning, growing, or building a better future, many of our youth are wasting hours on meaningless controversies. They are being drawn into a cycle of negativity, where the goal seems to be gaining attention at any cost, rather than contributing something meaningful to society. It’s a stark contrast and one that should make us pause and reflect.
The question is, what can we do about it? How can we steer our youth away from this path and toward something more productive and fulfilling? I believe change starts with small, conscious steps. First and foremost, we need to stop paying attention to negativity. As viewers, we have the power to decide what trends and what fades away. Every time we engage with toxic content, whether by liking, sharing, or commenting, we’re encouraging its creation. By refusing to engage, we can discourage this kind of content and shift the focus toward more positive and meaningful interactions. Second, let’s promote education and skill-based learning. Social media can be a powerful tool for growth if we use it wisely. There are countless platforms and channels dedicated to teaching new skills, sharing knowledge, and inspiring creativity. Let’s encourage our youth to explore these resources, and to use their time online in ways that enrich their lives and prepare them for the future. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering a craft, or gaining insights into science and technology, the possibilities are endless. Third, we must choose our role models carefully. Our youth should look up to those who inspire, entrepreneurs, scientists, thinkers, and creators who are making a positive impact on the world. These are the people who can show them what is possible when you combine hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Let’s celebrate these role models and share their stories, so our youth can see that there’s more to life than online feuds and fleeting fame.
Finally, let’s support ethical earning. There are countless ways to earn online through knowledge, skills, and creativity. Content creators should focus on meaningful engagement, not just views and likes. Whether it’s through blogging, vlogging, teaching, or creating art, there are endless opportunities to build a career that’s both fulfilling and impactful. Let’s encourage our youth to pursue these paths, to use their talents in ways that contribute to society and bring them genuine satisfaction. I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we’re facing. The digital world is vast and constantly changing, and it can be difficult to know where to start. But I truly believe that if we work together, we can create a better environment for our youth, one that values knowledge, creativity, and positivity over mindless entertainment and negativity. It’s time to rethink, refocus, and choose wisely. Let’s raise our voices, not to scold, but to guide, inspire, and protect the future. Kashmir’s youth have so much potential. They are bright, talented, and full of energy. It would be a tragedy to see that potential wasted on distractions and digital chaos. Instead, let’s help them channel that energy into something meaningful. Let’s show them that they have the power to shape their own futures and to make a difference in the world. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but I believe it’s a journey worth taking.
So, I leave you with this thought: What kind of future do we want for our youth? What kind of legacy do we want to leave behind? These are questions we all need to ask ourselves, and they’re questions we need to act on. Together, we can create a better digital and educational environment for the generations to come. Let’s start today.
The writer is a biology tutor at G.D Goenka Baramulla and can be reached at ahmadhilal127@gmail.com