Writers Writers Everywhere, Not A Teenager Around?

I have a zest for writing, however I always feel lonely in places where there are quality writers with exemplary literary pieces in their profiles. Why couldn’t there be some correspondents including younger residents of Pakistan. What I am trying to prove is the lack luster attitude towards one of the most creative scenes of Pakistan. One right that every human being in the world can practice is that of the freedom of dialogue; I believe this includes all forms of communication methods including writing. Then why is that the youth of Pakistan is backing up in the front of journalism and literature?

I do notice the amount of contributions on Chowk and the spirits of contributors; writers here unleash the powers of profound knowledge without any fear of rejection or criticism. This is not only true for writers but also poets, musicians and other forms of input to the site. Contributors belong from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, encompassing wide-ranging interests imparting knowledge upon multifarious issues of today and beyond. But one background that seriously is missing from the scene is that of our generation of tomorrow, our future and our hopes; the youth of Pakistan. I have searched a great deal for our generation-next in rhetoric mediums, such as Chowk itself. Being part of the same crop of age, I was disappointed on the search results. There were a few good poets, commendable musicians, and numerous painters, but I was surprised to see the figures of those who actually had the courage to pen down their thoughts in front of the world in plain language. I did not say they are completely absent as they do share a few hackneyed thoughts using the mode of the web-loggers plainly known as bloggers, diarists and diurnal rant recorders. But what is missing is the fresh insight from the most energized segment of human age groups, the juveniles. I feel the deficiency of their voice into our current, social, political and economic affairs, happenings and occurrences.

One might wonder if it is simply languid attitude towards acceptance of the role of mature denizens or serious detestation for the politics and machinery of our country. Whatever the reason, the repulsion for participation in the serious environment does point towards an unfortunate situation. My investigation for the reason behind this inhabitant apathy, however, reveals only the ignorance and indifference to our issues. Even though they are aware of them, yet they do not find the need to raise their voice and demonstrate their involvement in a ceremonious manner.

Personally, I think there is no reason for us to remain mute, even on issues which normally don’t bother us. We are supposed to be acting adults, showing our worth to not only our country, but also to the world. We lack no capability and that is one thing I don’t need to prove in here. We are prospective doctors, engineers, lawyers, businessmen, computer programmers, artists, actors, and God knows what not; we, even today, possess acumen to discuss critical issues with present day professionals. After all, we can prove to be more astute and shrewd than those already in the market, due to our inborn aptitude towards the modern technology; our previous generations had to learn the computer systems while we somehow are born with the ability to operate it, isn’t it?

For a start, Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) took place in the first week of July in Rawalpindi. I haven’t seen any comments from any of the participants of the seminar. The age group that took part was from eighteen to twenty four, quite the exact age group I am trying to provoke. At least, I am very much curious to know how the experience was for them. Moreover, we can discuss cricket, football, tennis and the entire sporting event galore around the world, as we add up to be the highest percentage of spectators and fan clubs.

So, to all those lurker teenaged chowkies, step in and turn this into the platform for brainstorming; our ideas cannot be waste. We can revive the nonfunctioning segments of Chowk such as Shifa Clinic and Galli Qasim. I individually know a few amateur Urdu writers, poets and critics who have the flair to open the eyes of many, but don’t take the step to reveal their ideas and inspirations. Perhaps, they don’t see the potential in their creations. That is why I encourage all those to at least send in, so that you can be appraised against the standards of Chowk’s publishing.

And let’s bring more color to the artists’ section. Even toddlers can convey their messages in vividly expressed drawings, if you ever have observed some artistic pieces from your nieces, nephews or cousins; we are however, grown ups and have more control over our right side of brain. As for the music section, well if you can amuse your class-fellows and family members, I am sure our chowkies would love to hear from you too. And who knows, someday I might proudly announce to others that I was among the very first ones who listened to your compositions and appreciated them.

I hope this article will provide you with fresh impetus to expect more from yourselves. I trust your abilities to detangle all national imbroglios we are facing, if you incorporate your will to do so.