Melamshwa Allya appeals to GenX thinkers and doers
I AM blessed to be with people who inspired me to think and do. What I learnt from them is that we must cultivate the power to think – to have original ideas and thoughs, to evaluate the merits of others’ thoughts, to think outside of the box to find solutions to the problems that the society, state and the world are facing today.
We must also cultivate the power to do – turn our dreams and aspirations into reality. Thinking and doing are both substantial. For, what good is a vision that stays in one’s mind?
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” What he meant was that before trying to change, one must first think about what change he wants to see. In other words, the power to think necessarily precedes the power to do, for how will one know what to do unless one first considers what should be done? Thinking about change is no mean task. It requires an informed understanding of the current state of things, diligent and honey evaluation, wisdom to craft appropriate solutions and the ability to count the cost of implementing those solutions.
We live in the age of pervasive sensuality. Hollywood, sitcoms and worldly music are doing their insidious work inculcating ideas and philosophies. Youth nowadays grow content to allow media, music, television and movie stars to do their thinking for them. We no longer ask: Does this make sense? Do I agree with this? Is this logical? Will this kind of lifestyle or fashion be a stumbling block to others? We talk or dress exactly or nearly the way we see in televisions or movie stats without reasoning it carefully and come to the conclusion that it is à la mode and that everybody is following it. The arts can bypass your mind or consciousness directly to your imagination.
In addition to power to think it is also important that young people develop the power to do. Each generation has had its own class of doers – men and women who have changed history through their words, writing and conduct. If we are the doers, then we are the true wealth of this nation. The wealth of a nation or state is not based in material things but lies on the integrity, courage and conviction of its citizens. We see rampant hopelessness, misery, ordeal, pain, anguish and disheartened around us but do nothing except pray to God for help. Why would God help those who refuse to help themselves? Yes, there are cases where we cannot do anything but pray but there are also certain situations where we can do something but we don’t. Self-questioning and introspection are part and parcel to the health of any society. Inaction and irresolution are not empowering for anyone. Sitting helplessly, hoping and waiting for things to happen, brings nothing but destruction. As Edmund Burke said: “Good people have to do nothing and evil shall flourish.”
We the young people of the state are the leaders of tomorrow. The future doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, bureaucrats and politicians are sitting in the schools and colleges of today. The future of the world, nation and our state depends on us. We are told that the purpose of true education is to “train the youth to be thinkers and not mere reflectors of other men’s thought”
Through this article, I invite all the young people of the state to be thinkers and doers. Think of things which will help to develop the quality of the citizens towards the attainment of better societies in the future through knowledge society rather than through affluence. We see nowadays that most of the young people spent most of their time in televisions and computer games. We need these but not to the extreme. They have influenced how they think, worldview and seldom to rationalise things.
We should make it a habit to read a lot of books that benefit our well-being. To know how to read is also important as to know what to read.
We need to answer questions and various issues in our society. We may not be able to answer them now but I believe we will in the coming years. I believe our state will see young educated and intellectual people from different race who are rational thinkers, critical thinkers and analytical thinkers. Have faith and patience in your own ideas and thoughts. Someone once said, “With patience it is possible to dig a well with a teaspoon.”
Who knows maybe through our ideas, writings and actions they will make a difference in our society and state in a positive way and making this world a better place to live in. May we create ideas and thoughts that have values and worth spreading. The challenges and hardships facing the world at present call for young good men and women who have cultivated the power to think. There may be few thinkers and doers that will come out. Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
This article is a humble request for help and guidance from the experience leaders and role models who have gone before us. It is a challenge for those who have neglected their part. It is an expression of appreciation to those who have helped pave the way for the next generation of leaders. I think it is injunction to you all to invest in us young people.