Sahil Manzoor
Today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders—scientists, doctors, engineers, and lawmakers. They carry the blueprint of our nation’s future. But how prepared are we to nurture and protect them from the pressing social evils eating into the very fabric of our society?
From the spread of drug addiction to the rise of online gambling, and the toxic obsession with branded lifestyles, young people today face threats that extend beyond the classroom and into their daily lives. We cannot ignore the dangers. We must act.
The Learners: Builders of Our Nation
Every child in every household is a potential nation builder. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, India has over 4 crore students enrolled in higher education. These are not just learners—they are leaders in the making. If they are derailed by destructive influences, the consequences are not just personal, but national.
Parents, educators, policymakers, and society at large must acknowledge that our duty is to guide and protect this generation. Motivation and support are not luxuries—they are necessities.
Drug Abuse: A National Crisis
Drug addiction is one of the most urgent evils threatening our youth. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s 2019 National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India revealed chilling statistics: over 3.1 crore people in India are cannabis users, and more than 2.6 crore are addicted to opioids.
Worse still, the report notes that school-going adolescents are increasingly falling into this trap. In states like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Manipur, children as young as 13 are exposed to drugs. Prescription drugs like opioids and cough syrups, often easily available, are being misused rampantly.
Drug addiction leads not only to a loss of health but also to broken families, criminal records, and untimely deaths. It is not just a personal failing—it is a societal one.
Solutions: Awareness, Fitness, and Counseling
We need multi-pronged action. Schools and colleges must hold awareness drives—not just on specific days like Anti-Drug Day—but throughout the year. Visits to drug de-addiction centers, weekly documentaries, and interactive sessions can expose the brutal reality of substance abuse.
Fitness can be a powerful counter to addiction. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) endorses physical activity as a tool to reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Gyms, sports, yoga, and meditation must be encouraged. The government should ensure that every village and urban area has access to fitness centers and trained professionals. Home gym subsidies could also incentivize healthy living.
Counseling centers are a must. They must be accessible, stigma-free, and adequately staffed with trained mental health professionals. Every district should have government-supported counseling units for students and their families.
Online Gambling: An Invisible Predator
Online gambling has emerged as a silent predator. A study by Statista in 2024 estimates India’s online gaming market to reach ₹38,000 crore by 2025. Gambling apps disguised as gaming platforms lure teenagers with promises of quick money and thrill. The damage is psychological, financial, and long-lasting.
Even more troubling is the fact that some celebrities, including popular cricketers and influencers, are seen endorsing these apps. Such endorsements are deeply irresponsible and set dangerous examples.
The government must regulate online gambling more strictly, ban misleading ads, and hold celebrities accountable under consumer protection laws. Public awareness campaigns should make it clear: gambling is not a game, it’s a trap.
Brand Obsession and Peer Pressure
In a world ruled by social media and fast fashion, branded clothing and high-end gadgets have become a status symbol. Unfortunately, many youth from low-income families fall into the trap of material competition. When children start demanding ₹1.5 lakh iPhones or ₹10,000 shoes, it puts families under financial distress and increases the risk of poor mental health or worse—crime.
We need to instill the values of self-worth, gratitude, and simplicity. Schools and families must teach children to differentiate between needs and wants. Let them follow their passion, not peer pressure.
What We Urgently Need
1. Patriotic, Skilled Mentors – India needs a generation of teachers, professionals, and community leaders who are honest, approachable, and committed to nurturing youth.
2. Government-funded Gyms & Counseling Centers – These must be accessible even in rural areas, where such facilities are often non-existent.
3. Strict Laws & Accountability – Crimes like child abuse, drug peddling, and online gambling must be met with swift legal action. No crime should be taken lightly.
4. Media Responsibility – Celebrities must be held accountable for endorsing harmful products or platforms. Their influence must be used for the betterment of youth.
Conclusion
Let us rise above silence and complacency. Every learner is our responsibility, every societal evil our collective burden. Empower them with education, protect them with awareness, and support them with love and opportunity. If we fail to act today, we risk not just the future of our children, but of our nation.
Be aware. Be strong. Be the change.
— Sahil Manzoor
