The future is yours

Mona

The year 2020 isn’t like any before; the pandemic has changed life in all its aspects. Youth Engagement for Global Action being the theme for International Youth Day this year, young celebs speak of issues that are dear to them and how youngsters can change the face of future.

In a world even more divided than before with physical distancing being the new norm, actor-singer Bhavdeep Romana says, “I have noticed people are seeing each other with suspicion. One can maintain physical distance while also being respectful.” Bhavdeep sees this is the time to embrace all that’s digital. “It’s time to brush up one’s technological skills for the new world order. Social media can be used to help each other more.”

Big responsibility

Actor Bhawsheel Sahni stresses on youth taking more responsibility. “No more do we have the luxury to spend the youthful energy on being rebels without a cause or create flutter on social media. It’s time to channelise the energy in the right direction.” While he lauds that youth today is aware and expressive, it’s time to take a stand. “Youngsters will be the ones driving the society tomorrow. Now is the time to lay groundwork, to take others along with you. The first step I feel to be open to different viewpoints. As youngsters, it’s on us to keep the dialogue going and lead the world into a future that’s kind to everyone.”

“Being a celeb is not just glitz and glamour but a huge responsibility too,” says 22-year-old Ashi Singh, seen as Princess Yasmine in Sony SAB’S Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga. “One thing that Covid-19 has shown is that life’s too short to while away time. This increases the responsibility on the shoulders of the younger generation. The pandemic has taught us to adapt. Let’s respect our fellow human beings and aspire to get rid of the negativity around us.”

Get real

“Youngsters today are dealing with severe online toxicity,” believes Manushi Chhillar. Miss World 2017 and an actor, she wishes youngsters discover their identities, make mistakes and learn from them. “Likes, shares and comments in the virtual world are definitely adding up to the pressure and I would want the youth to always know that these things don’t really matter. It’s not real despite being quantifiable. On International Youth Day, I wish that the youth of our country does not succumb to these external pressures and continue to dream. These minds will shape up the future of this world.”

“I think we all youngsters should at least do things that are in our hands,” says actor Samay Shah aka Gogi in Sab TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. “While one of the biggest challenges that the youth is facing is saving the environment, something that older generations have conveniently overlooked, another major area of concern is artificial intelligence (AI). I think in future we should think about surviving, rather than fighting. It’s the survival of human race that’s being challenged by global warming and the pandemic. The youth can be united for these challenges.”