popular author of chick lit books recently published a compilation of
his articles and lectures entitled What Young India Wants? The
book set me thinking. Here, writing as though through the eyes of and
reflecting the aspirations of a young Indian, the author argues for good
governance, transparency, economic opportunities, motivating education
systems, end of disparities and basic physical comfort; all extremely
important and necessary for nation building. However, the author missed
to mention that the youth in India may also be looking for a quality of
life where clean air, clean water, safe habitat and good health. And
that the young in India may be willing to take concrete action to
fulfill this aspiration.
The fact is that the services
and supports offered by natural eco-systems form the foundations of
basic economic and physical comfort in the cities that the young are
flocking to. Furthermore, that imbalance in these natural systems leads
to strife, unhealthy competition, lower productivity and economies,
threatening the very quality of life that cities promise.
As I look around, I find
increasing numbers of young entrepreneurs doing the clean-up act.
Recycling or, should we say, up-cycling wastes, youth bands singing for
a green(er) planet and blue(er) water and skies, children in schools
writing projects on climate change and environmental conservation and
youth activists demanding for a right to live in a safe and healthy
environment.
If the above actions define
aspirations then one would tend to believe that young India, age group 6
to 35 (and above – those still young at heart) not only desire a CLEAN
India but are ready to do something about the future. The test is
whether, Young India will embrace the concept of sustainable living in
their own lives as a necessary part of the change. Growing evidence
seems to indicate that this could well be true and a mass youth movement
for a CLEAN India is a distinct possibility.
India is a young country and a
rapidly urbanising one. Urbanisation brings with it economic
opportunities that the young aspire for. Current models of urbanisation
also seem to bring with them solid waste, water scarcity, land, water,
air pollution, congestion and reduced green cover. Youth today are
inheriting these archaic urban models but they do not have to live with
them; nor do they have to perpetuate them. Do they have a say in their
city’s environmental management and maintenance? Do they have a stake in
the city and, therefore, in the quality of life that it offers, and in
the sustainability of the city? How can we enhance their constructive
engagement in city life? How can children and youth today synergise
their desire and energies to make cities more sustainable with positive
and concrete actions?
An understanding of their
living environment through Assessment of the various facets of
urban environment and its dependence on the hinterland is the first
step. This includes information about water and air quality, wastes,
pollution, carbon footprints, etc. Awareness needs to be
generated and disseminated. Solutions to cleaning up water systems,
waste management, recycling, city forests, noise dampeners, clean
transportation and, most importantly, sustainable lifestyles. There can
never be enough of this awareness and education. But this education
needs application and, therefore, Action on making the solutions
real, replicable, sustainable and supported by their institutions,
resident welfare associations, municipalities and media. Collective
action and young voices can then Advocate for the replication of
solutions for clean cities in a Clean India.
Young India wants a change. The
first change will have to be in their own lifestyles. Are the youth
ready to make the leap? Youth today have the energy and the drive to
make the change. Can the city managers and policy makers help create the
avenues to direct this energy towards creating sustainable urban
environments? The young have the capability to break old stereotypes and
set new trends. Can we help them make CLEAN-India the new trend?
q