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Empowering Youth: Rights and Protection in India

National Youth emphasises the important role of Indian youth in society, the nation, and the world. Beyond symbolic commemoration, the aim is to raise knowledge, responsibility, and empowerment among young people, recognising them as the foundation of national development and social progress.

Youth nowadays confront a variety of obstacles, including unemployment, mental health issues, restricted educational possibilities, and social and economic pressures. The aim of this article is to investigate these challenges and discuss how to defend and empower youth rights, with a focus on the importance of informed, supported, and capable young citizens.

National Youth Day

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, and National Youth Day commemorates his birth. His example inspired young people to contribute to national progress while also emphasising social reform and youth empowerment.

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings emphasised self-reliance, hard labour, and social responsibility, and his words, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” inspired young people all across the world.

The day’s goals are to share his ideology, inspire youth, nurture self-confidence, raise social consciousness, empower through mentoring, assist overall growth, and cultivate respect for diversity and equal rights.

Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Confidence and esteem for oneself: His main message was to “rise, awaken, and achieve your goal.” Success cannot be attained without self-confidence.

Sense of Leadership: He encouraged adolescents to take on leadership responsibilities in society. According to him, leadership is about taking responsibility.

The Importance of Education: Vivekananda believed that education should foster the development of personality and thinking, and that one should concentrate on gaining life skills rather than just bookish knowledge.

Focus on Goals: His message was to “strive to achieve your goal.” Difficulties can be solved by setting a clear goal.

Religious tolerance and unity: He saw all religions as equal and delivered a message of unity.

Rights of Youth in India

In India, youth have political, social, economic, and constitutional rights guaranteed by the Constitution and supporting legislation, which aim to empower them and enable active involvement in national development.

Political Rights empowers adolescents to participate in governance and decision-making. Citizens above the age of 18 have the Right to Vote, and those over 21 can run for office. Youth can also join political organisations and form parties under the Right to Political Participation.

Social Rights protect equality, education, and individual liberty. The Right to Education guarantees free education for children aged 6 to 14, while the Right to Equality and Non-discrimination forbids caste, gender, or religious discrimination. Right to Gender Equality and other safeguards protect women and youth from exploitation, harassment, and abuse, and are backed by organisations such as the National Human Rights Commission.

Economic Rights encompass employment, financial independence, safe working conditions, and chances for entrepreneurship.

Constitutional Rights ensure social and economic fairness, redress for human rights breaches, and transparency via the Right to Information. 

Together, these rights enable young people to become knowledgeable, responsible, and capable citizens.

Legal Framework for Empowerment of Youth

In India, youth empowerment is promoted by a variety of legal frameworks and government programs in the constitutional, educational, employment, gender, political, and digital realms. These foundations ensure that young people have equal opportunity, get protection, and develop holistically.

Constitutional Rights protect equality, freedom, and life, with Articles 15 and 16 outlawing discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or other considerations. Educational Rights, as enforced by the Right to Education Act, make schooling mandatory for children aged 6 to 14, and are supplemented by plans for higher education and skill development.Employment and Skill Development initiatives, such as MGNREGA and PMKVY, provide youth with jobs, skill training, and opportunities for self-reliance. Gender Equality Laws protect women and ensure equal opportunities. Anti-Human Trafficking Laws protect youth from exploitation and trafficking.

Political Rights give citizens over 18 the right to vote, encouraging active political engagement. Youth are also encouraged to participate in arts, culture, and entertainment through specific programs. Environmental and Digital Rights safeguard individuals from online fraud and exploitation while also providing access to secure, healthy environments.

Collectively, these laws seek to guide adolescents towards a safe, independent, and empowered future, allowing them to make important contributions to society.

Major Problems Faced by Youth

Youth are an important part of society, yet they face numerous obstacles that impair their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Unemployment: Educated and talented teenagers struggle to obtain work, and limited chances in certain industries erode their optimism about the future.

Educational challenges: A lack of quality education stops adolescents from learning necessary knowledge and skills, resulting in job difficulties.

Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and other mental problems are becoming more prevalent among young people, affecting their lives.

Social Discrimination: Caste, religion, and gender discrimination impede equal chances and general growth. 

Environmental Crisis: Climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement raise fears about the future.

Lack of political participation: Many young people believe their voices are ineffective in politics. 

A lack of skill development: Inadequate professional and technical abilities have an impact on job opportunities and advancement.

Economic inequality: Rural-urban differences have a negative influence on education, health, and lifestyle.

Online Confusion and Social Media: Comparisons on social media lower one’s self-esteem.

Urbanisation and Family Changes: Altering one’s lifestyle has an impact on psychological wellness.

Lack of Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Limited advice and resources stifle entrepreneurship.

Pressure on Love and Marriage: Family and societal expectations cause mental stress.

Important Measures for Youth Empowerment

Youth empowerment entails offering equitable opportunity, developing independent thinking, and promoting active engagement in society growth. It demands the efforts of society, the government, and individuals.

  1. Empowerment through education: Education is essential for young empowerment. Schooling, higher education, and skill development programs improve personality, raise social awareness, and motivate youth to effect positive change.
  2. Health and Mental Empowerment: Physical and mental well-being are crucial. Promoting mental health, exercise programs, yoga, and meditation strengthens young people both psychologically and physically.
  3. Independence and Decision-Making Capability: Youth should be able to think independently and make decisions, as well as improve their leadership and communication abilities, so that they may make a meaningful contribution to society.
  4. Sensitivity and Social Awareness: Youth who are aware of social issues such as justice, equality, and environmental care are motivated to bring about positive change and support marginalised populations.
  5. Economic Empowerment: Vocational training, self-employment options, and government programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Startup India, and National Skill Development Program promote financial independence and self-reliance.

Role of Youth in Bringing Change

  1. Participation in Social Movements: Youth actively participate in movements to combat inequality, child labour, and prejudice, promoting social consciousness.
  2. Supporting Innovation: They promote new technology, startups, and ideas, accelerating progress via innovation and digital tools.
  3. Efforts for Environmental Conservation: Youth help to safeguard the environment, reduce pollution, and create a greener, plastic-free India. 
  4. Political Participation and Leadership: Youth engage in politics to promote anti-corruption, transparent policies, and societal development.
  5. Struggle for Social Inclusion and Equality: They strive to abolish casteism, gender discrimination, and inequality while promoting equal opportunities.
  6. Promoting Inclusive Health and Fitness: Fitness, yoga, and stress management programs help youth improve their physical and emotional health.
  7. Beneficial Use of Social Media: They raise awareness and promote social causes online.
  8. Computer Technology and Digital Literacy: Youth use technology for education and social growth.
  9. Parallel Development in Rural and Urban Areas: They promote rural development and tackle urbanisation issues.

Conclusion

The protection and empowerment of young rights is critical not just for personal growth but also for the nation’s social, economic, and political progress. Providing access to school, health care, and employment opportunities, as well as competent mentoring, fosters an inclusive atmosphere in which youth can thrive.

According to Adv. Abdul Mulla, who shares his ideas on platforms such as www.lifeandlaw.in and www.asmlegalservices.in, effective application of legal frameworks is critical. When young people understand their rights and receive appropriate support, they can make meaningful contributions to society and create constructive change.

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