Somnath Dutta
Sr. Manager: Communication and Policy Engagement
There was a time when the books from a specific session or class were passed down from one generation to the next. It was quite a common phenomenon to see younger siblings reading the books of their older ones. However, times have changed, especially with the convergence of technology, globalization, and the impact of AI. Today, new additions and convergence are happening almost regularly. Even scientists now hesitate to label discoveries as complete, preferring instead to view them as ever-developing. This impact is deeply connected with every aspect of our society in this era of change. When these changes directly affect society, it becomes our duty to make future generations aware of what is happening and the potential consequences. Without a solid academic foundation, it will be difficult for future generations to understand and adopt these changes.
Adopting anything without understanding its outcome and foundation is akin to taking risks with every step. Similarly, when it comes to career prospects, they cannot be confined to an orthodox paradigm. If technology, world politics, administration, public demand, and societal needs are interconnected through a single chain, changes in professional prospects will have a profound and spontaneous impact. Therefore, the result lies in our hands, shaped by new conceptual factors such as Public Policy Convergence, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance), Green Skilling, and YEE (Youth Empowerment Ecosystem). This demands a complete overhaul of the educational system, with these topics integrated into the syllabus. This shift will automatically create a platform for continuous training sessions, keeping the next generation informed and updated about the evolving professional landscape. In turn, this will empower them to rethink their career goals and innovate in decision-making.
Future-Ready Career Pathways
Career guidance must go beyond traditional boundaries, incorporating new, continuously evolving patterns and awareness programs. The smart study system, embracing global shifts, is being adopted worldwide, and India must adapt accordingly. As the nation looks towards a dynamic future by 2047, with approximately 70% of the population being youth, it is our duty to academically prepare them. The sooner this knowledge reaches the remotest parts of the country, the sooner the perspective will broaden with time.
AI and its consequences are now in the hands of every youth, but are they aware of its benefits and risks? Do they understand the concept of good governance? Are they familiar with how public policies are designed? Do they know what Green Skilling is? Or are they aware of the new changes in laws related to Corporate Social Responsibility? The questions are many, but the answers are often lacking.
A time has come when starting such discussions at the university level is already too late. A significant overhaul in the syllabus, training sessions, and the subjects taught at even the school level is urgently needed. This demand is clear and undeniable, reflecting its importance across all sectors.
Collaborative Action: Transforming Ideas into Impact
Starting is more crucial than merely thinking. While a proper thought process is essential for transforming concepts into decisions, their effective utilization and execution are equally important. In this regard, the traditional approach of leaving everything to the government must be changed. Collaboration is the key to driving change, especially from the grassroots level. Many NGOs and Think Tanks are already playing a vital role in nation-building, with their impact visible across various parts of the country. Philanthropic involvement is also critical to fostering positive development and thinking.
The more collaboration among concerned bodies, the more effective the outcome will be. There needs to be careful design of programs, clear planning for their utilization, and a defined target audience. In this digital era, every step must be synchronized with motivation, not driven by forceful protocols, for its true benefits to emerge. Think Tanks and NGOs should take the initiative to design and propose career guidance courses to the highest authorities and institutions, backed by proper research from the grassroots level. Additionally, the plan for utilization must be transparent and well-structured.
AI and its consequences are now in the hands of every youth, but are they aware of its benefits and risks? Do they understand the concept of good governance? Are they familiar with how public policies are designed? Do they know what Green Skilling is? Or are they aware of the new changes in laws related to Corporate Social Responsibility? The questions are many, but the answers are often lacking.
A time has come when starting such discussions at the university level is already too late. A significant overhaul in the syllabus, training sessions, and the subjects taught at even the school level is urgently needed. This demand is clear and undeniable, reflecting its importance across all sectors.
Empowering Youth: GRAAM's Transformative Initiatives
Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) is a development research and public policy engagement initiative. It was founded to nurture a space for the evolution of public policy embodying community voice. With this motto this Think and Act Tank also stepped into the academia and impacted the next generation with its key courses which make them aware of Public Policy, Good Governance, Forming New Career Goals, etc. The effective consequence is shaping the mind of people for more than a decade. AIM is one of the key projects of GRAAM, aligned with its experiences, offering robust career guidance to help students match their interests and talents with career demands. By fostering aspirations and providing essential resources, AIM empowers students to make informed decisions and achieve their goals. Designed for SSLC (class 10th) students in government schools, the program introduces diverse career paths, STEAM opportunities, competitive exams, entrepreneurship, and skilling programs, while also familiarizing them with higher education pathways and government schemes for financial aid.
Through interactive modules and inspirational sessions by accomplished professionals, AIM equips students with essential 21st-century skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This initiative not only nurtures creativity and ambition but also provides the tools and mentorship needed to navigate the complexities of modern career landscapes, ensuring every student is empowered to reach their fullest potential.
The Youth for Governance (Y4G) Fellowship Mysuru 2024, a collaborative initiative by GRAAM, PRIA, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation India, equips Mysuru’s youth to actively engage in governance and democratic processes. This nine-month program combines workshops, mentorship, and exposure visits, fostering essential skills and insights into local governance structures. Through group research projects addressing community issues, fellows develop practical solutions and present their findings to city officials and leaders, influencing local decision-making. Building on the success of previous cohorts, including enriching experiences like visits to the Karnataka State Legislature, the Y4G Fellowship continues to inspire proactive leaders dedicated to strengthening Mysuru’s democratic framework.
Sustained Success Through Awareness and Shared Experience
Initiatives can only bring success over time. Programs and projects like AIM and Y4G have the potential to motivate individuals and connect different generations, not by force, but through shared experience. These initiatives align with multiple advantages, the most significant being raising awareness about the outcomes and helping individuals select the right career path. Awareness is crucial for understanding the roots of issues and their impact on society.
As start-ups continue to mushroom across the country, future entrepreneurs must be well-versed in CSR and ESG principles. They need to be equipped with knowledge of the relevant laws and how their actions can positively impact society. Moreover, the opportunity to contribute to nation-building through these initiatives can provide a new direction for career selection.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future through Education and Collaboration
In conclusion, academia and its evolution are key to shaping the future. This transformation will drive economic development, sustainability, broaden perspectives on the entrepreneurial landscape, and open new pathways for careers in non-traditional fields. In this era of change, a collaborative approach across all sectors of society can lay a strong foundation for skilling and development. This initiative should begin at the school level, focusing not only on curriculum updates but also on shaping the mindset of the next generation—often referred to as Gen Z. Integrating skilling programs into academics, aligned with career goals, will pave the way for realizing our national aspirations and achieving the best outcomes for the country.
