A wake-up call

In the scenic valleys of Kashmir, where nature offers unmatched beauty and peace, the youth find themselves drawn toward leisurely pursuits—most commonly cricket matches, content creation, and recreational camping. While these activities may seem harmless or even healthy in moderation, an alarming trend is emerging: a growing number of young Kashmiris are spending their most productive years in entertainment and distractions, unknowingly compromising their futures.

Many of these young individuals come from families with stable incomes. The comfort and financial support provided by their parents give them a false sense of security—that they do not need to work or contribute financially. What they fail to realize is that this comfort is temporary. One day, the burden of responsibility will fall squarely on their shoulders, and by then, it may be too late to start from scratch.

When tomorrow arrives—and it always does—it may not bring with it the same luxury they now enjoy. The real world is not as forgiving as the playground or a social media platform. It demands skills, education, resilience, and most importantly, the ability to earn and sustain oneself.

Let us take a moment to compare: in other countries, and even in other states of India, youth are channeling their energy into startups, freelancing, skill development, and professional careers. They are building futures, businesses, and stable incomes. They value time, treat it as an investment, and understand the importance of preparing for tomorrow.

In contrast, here in Kashmir, the obsession with cricket tournaments and creating digital content—often without any clear direction—is slowly eroding the potential of a generation. There’s no doubt that sports and creativity are important. But when every second person wants to be a content creator and no one wants to be a doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, or scientist—then we have a serious imbalance.

Who will build the hospitals of tomorrow if everyone is filming reels today? Who will run the businesses and lead the innovations if everyone is just chasing followers and likes? Offices, institutions, and industries are not built on entertainment—they are built on dedication, discipline, and knowledge.

This is not a criticism, but a call to action. A call for awareness. A call for balance.

The youth of Kashmir are brilliant, passionate, and capable of great achievements. But they must wake up before it’s too late. Use your free time wisely. Play, create, explore—but also learn, work, and grow. Develop a skill. Start a business. Volunteer. Study something valuable. Contribute to society and prepare yourself to be a pillar of your family and your region.

The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Let this be a wake-up call. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Start now.