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What and who a “Youth” is has a multifaceted definition. To many, youth is classified based on a particular age range. Others too consider youth to be associated with a certain expectations from a younger generation. Another group also ascribe the notion of a “youth” to the occupants of tomorrow – the future.

The term “future – leaders” may have been used a number of times to identify people of certain age bracket that are expected to take over the mantle of leadership from the current crop of leaders in a tomorrow so near than far.
From this dimension, future leader, we are made to believe, is someone waiting to take responsibilities not today but rather tomorrow.  This situation is what has led to many younger people refraining from taking up responsibilities and “always” blaming the older generations when things go wrong. Why? The answer might seem obvious but subtle. They -the youth – would love to act in apathy as they await a promised future!

I don’t believe in this analogy that the youth are the future leaders. Albeit the notion of a future leader makes the youth conscious of their expected role and responsibilities tomorrow, the focus should shift from such a limited perspective to a more inclusive and engaging era where the youth is seen not just as someone useful tomorrow but also worthy of playing an active role today and tomorrow.

Out of globalization and modernization come enlightenment. Previously were the days when people held in high esteem the old adage “life begins at 40!” Such must not be allowed to infiltrate a technology driven world like ours!
I am of the view that, life begins the moment we realize, appreciate and accept the responsibilities expected of our age.
There are parliamentarians, lawyers, global change makers  below age 30 and some president even below age 50. If being youthful has something to do with numbers, they qualify to be youth yet are today’s leaders instead of tomorrow.

What does being a youth means to you? Is it about numbers in this case age? Is it an expected role from the old aged? Is it a suppressed talent and potentials because you haven’t accumulated enough numbers to catch up with the elderly?

I strongly believe the youth currently has an active role to play in today’s politics, economy, leadership, business and what have you. Regardless of the restrictions in terms of numbers, the youth must realize that “Now is the future and the future is now.” Tomorrow never comes and it’s time to ACT!