Darbhanga, Sep 23 (ANI): I am a young girl growing up in eastern part of Bihar, in Darbhanga district. This is the region, traditionally flood-prone, mired in backwardness and poverty. However, I consider myself fortunate, having grown up in a town, having an education up to college level and now looking at opportunities ahead.
What really are the opportunities for young people in a state, which is transforming itself from a poorly governed, under-developed one to one poised for effective governance, economic growth and inclusive development?
Let me begin with myself, my aspirations to become a painter, a talent which I believe I have and needs the right environment for growth. The catch is that these do not find favour with society "What is the scope of fine art?" is the question I am faced with at every step. Or else "Why don't you go outside the state to study?"
Essentially, people think art is a waste of time, there are no returns as in other fields and professions, not at least what society rates as high on its priorities defined for the young!
Painting is what my heart wants to do and I believe I can excel in it but what does a girl like me in a town like Darbhanga do? I do not have the means to travel, to live outside to pursue art. Nor do I have avenues of information, which I could access to know the art world and its possibilities.
This is not just my story. Countless young boys and girls, who have an interest in wide-ranging fields opening out to young people across the country, have to quell the voice within and fall in line with what society deems fit. These are quite predictable.
You could become a doctor, an engineer or join the administration; a collector would be highly regarded. Why is it that scores of young people in a region like ours are denied the opportunity to become painters, film-makers, advertising professionals, web designers, actors, dancers, fashion designers, journalists, sales executives or musicians? Why does the government or civil society or academic institutions not take steps, even small ones to make these a possibility for the young?
It is the principle that I am bothered about rather than the details. Just because we live in one of the smaller, less prominent towns in India, why should we not dream big? Is there an embargo on dreams and aspirations of young people who do not live in metros or cities in Bihar or for that matter anywhere in the country?
We hear a lot about education becoming a priority, which of course focuses on primary and secondary education. However, we are at a juncture where, the vast and growing numbers of high school pass-outs need to be channelised into streams of higher education.
Statements from the Minister of Education bear this out, the need to open more colleges and universities in regions to cater to the school pass-outs. . In principle this means to decentralise college and university education and open its portals to all those who seek it whether they live in Delhi or in Darbhanga.
There is a lot of focus on school education in the state. This is of course essential for any society seeking the path of growth and development, to emerge from the shackles of backwardness and poverty. But ultimately if the state has to progress, as the Chief Minister proclaims, it will need to cater to the needs of a growing section of educated young men and women, to take them further on the path of new knowledge and skills.
Is the government at all focusing on this? And here it must be said that polices need to be formulated keeping in mind the new avenues and fields which are opening up at a pace that is probably dizzying for the older generation. But they signify change, which is driver of progress in any society, during any time period.
Sneha, a young graduate of Home Science in Darbhanga makes this point, rather poignantly. She is deeply interested in trying out new recipes, in rustling up exciting meals for family and friends. She dearly wants to become a chef. She says rather wistfully "I know I have completed graduation in Home Science and keen to pursue PG in the same but I'd not like to be limited to degrees and want so badly to become a Master Chef." She believes that given an opportunity, she would not only excel but also put Bihar on the map as far as good cuisine goes!
Though enthused about her dream, Sneha is skeptical. She rues "It is hardly likely, I'll get the opportunity to hone my talents here. Nor would my parents allow me to go outside to study. So I may have to face the bitter reality of my dream remaining just a dream. "
Sneha is amongst countless others who are passionate about what they believe to be their calling in life. Ranjit too has been on this path of struggle. A talented singer, earning appreciation from all those who have heard him, Ranjit wanted to learn classical vocal music.
Their being no facilities in Darbhanga, he went to Muzaffarpur district to study. Ranjit supports himself by working part time to meet the expenses of his education. But he does get demoralised at times. Would his talent be able to find the right forum despite the struggle? This haunts him.
Sadly despite the enthusiasm, the grit, it looks like a losing battle for Sneha, Ranjit and many young people who have a talent, dare to dream but have no means to fulfill it. Nothing can be more redeeming, more life affirming than a talent being allowed to flow naturally towards its full expression and potential. It is up to the government to make that happen.
Broken dreams, frustrated attempts at seeking new opportunities will not pave the way for a strong Bihar, on its march towards progress. The progress of any society, any government lies in recognising and then nurturing its vast human potential, in divergent fields.
The Charkha Development Communication Network feels that this creative force can be a game-changer in Bihar's growth story. By Kavita Kumari (ANI)
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