By Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB –
With 72% of the nation under 40 years of age , 66% under 35 years and 47% under the age of 20, the youth of the nation today has important significance in our present strategies and future orientations. Amidst the population of 1.17 billion, the youth, the most dynamic section of society under the age of 35 in the country is almost 780 million (12% of world population).
The 460 million Indians today are between 13 and 35 years of age and 333 million of them are literate. The 64% of people will be in the working age group and with an average age of 29, India will be the World’s youngest country by 2020. Of the world’s 620 million economically active youth, 81 million were out of work by the end of 2009 (The International Labour Organization, An ILO Report).
The 18% of the world’s population are youth. Nearly 87% of them live in developing countries, with limited access to resources, health care, education, training, employment and other economic opportunities. The UN has focused on three objectives – increasing commitment and investment in youth; raising youth participation and partnerships; and boosting inter-cultural understanding among youth. The Church’s YM needs to support this move.
The time today demands for focus on policies that would keep development of the young people as the priority and carry them forward. Indian Church’s potential for growth is determined by its policies for its youth. India will have the demographic advantage with a majority young force and the human resources for growth. If not nurtured well, they can be the greatest threat as well. If marginalized, these disadvantaged youth can distant themselves from the Church and society, and turn to anti-social activities.
The 73-year-old Cardinal Oswald Gracias who attended the Synod on Youth in the presence of 36 young people from all continents, says that the Church in India plans to adapt the synod process in the Church in India – the country with 600 million under the age of 25 – the largest number of young people in the world. In general, in the coming years, India will have the maximum number of youth. With an average age of 29 years by 2020, Indians will be in a better position to take advantage of the Indian economic progress. But, we observe contradictory pictures of youth situation when it comes to basic questions of: identity, relationship, purpose and destiny.
In the multicultural and multi-religious context youth have to discover their authentic self within the family and community social structures; feel belonged to and accepted and loved in families, in local church communities and in the society; have a clear reason for existence with a mission; and know for sure where one is destined for in life here and now, and in faith in an eternal God.
As different people and traditions are coming closer in the world, the young people need to “learn how to listen intently, empathize with others, acknowledge divergent opinions, and be able to resolve conflicts” (Mr. Ban, UN). To be able to do so, the YM has to study socio-cultural settings in which the youth find themselves. Being actively involved in education at all levels, the Church can be a major player in their formation. What is needed today is a Church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people.
Sadly, as Percival Holt says, today young people prefer seeking assistance from the laity than consecrated people/clergy. The urban young people are easily drawn towards: fast money, corporate culture, western lifestyle, addictions and sexual relationships. Whereas there is still lack of education, poverty, oppression, anti-social practices in the rural youth. The youth of today are disturbed, a time timid, coward and selfish, and have broken relationships. They cheat, hurt & hide from self and others. In the midst of political turmoil, corruption & communal disharmony, there is further competition in education and career, which lead youth to migrate to other places and countries.
To be continued…
Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB is a Salesian priest from the Kolkata Province. He has a Licentiate in Catechetics and a Doctorate (Christian Education) from UPS, Italy. He has number of years of teaching experience in college and in the formation of future priests. Besides, he has written number of research papers and articles, and has 25 years of Ministry in India and abroad as Educator, Formator, Retreat Preacher, Editor and engaged in School, Parish Catechetical & Youth Ministry. He is now an assistant priest in Bandel Basilica, rendering pastoral and catechetical ministry to the parishioners and to the pilgrims. He can be contacted at [email protected].