NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENCE: MENTAL HEALTH OF THE YOUTH

 In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, the mental health of the youth has become a focal point of concern. From academic pressures to the influence of social media, young individuals are navigating through several challenges that can impact their well-being. 

Some Causes of Depleting Mental Health in the Youth:

1. ACADEMIC STRESS: 

 The competitive nature of modern education systems can take a toll on the mental health of students. Long hours of study, high expectations, and the fear of failure contribute to stress and anxiety. For instance, Valmiki Prasad an IIT-JEE aspirant in Kota who hanged himself illustrates the impact of academic pressures on a student's mental health.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE:

   The undeniable presence of social media has brought both connectivity and new challenges. Constant comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a curated online image can contribute to anxiety and self-esteem issues. For example a 16 year old boy from Ujjain committing suicide due to cyberbullying sheds light on the negative impact of social media on the mental health of the youth.

3. ISOLATION AND LONELINESS:

   Despite being more connected than ever, some young individuals experience profound feelings of isolation. Factors such as changing societal norms, relocation, or the demands of a digital lifestyle can lead to loneliness.

4. FINANCIAL PRESSURE:

   As young people transition into adulthood, financial pressures can add an extra layer of stress. Balancing education costs, job uncertainties, and societal expectations can contribute to mental health challenges.

The mental health of the youth is a multifaceted issue that requires attention and understanding. Real-world examples highlight the diverse challenges faced by young individuals today, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments. By acknowledging these struggles and fostering open conversations, we can work towards breaking down stigmas and providing the necessary resources for the youth to navigate the complexities of mental health in the modern world.

Social Learning Theory- The Daily Dynamic

 Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Social learning theory considers how both environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence human learning and behavior.

Social learning theory is the philosophy that people can learn from each other through observation, imitation and modeling. The concept was theorized by psychologist Albert Bandura and combined ideas behind behaviorist and cognitive learning approaches. Social learning theory endeavors to study socialization and how it affects human behavior.

HISTORY OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Bandura was a psychologist who studied human behavior. He is most widely known for his Bobo Doll study. In these experiments, Bandura had children watch adults model positive and negative behaviors towards a toy balloon resembling a clown. In some cases, the adults were aggressive and violently beat the doll. After observing this footage, the children were given hammers and asked to interact with the doll. Most children who witnessed the aggressive behavior towards the doll also acted violently towards it, while most children who witnessed positive, non-aggressive behavior responded less aggressively. Bandura concluded that the children learned their social behaviors through observation.

This study acted as the basis for Bandura's theory.

STAGES OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

The key concepts behind this process include four basic learning requirements:

Attention: For a lesson or experience to have an impact on an observer, the observer must be actively observing their surroundings. 

Retention and memory: For any learned experience to make a lasting impact, the observer needs to be able to remember it later.

Initiation: In order to carry out the lesson learned, the observer needs to be able to actually reenact it. Learning the necessary skills is an important part of the process before a behavior can be modeled. 

Motivation: Even if an observer has focused on a lesson, remembered all the details and learned the necessary skills to do it, they still need to have the motivation to make it happen. The source of motivation could include anything from external rewards and bribes, observations that similar behavior is rewarded, desire to be like the model who demonstrated the behavior or internal motivation to improve or learn.

To conclude it all, here are some examples of social learning theory that occur on a daily basis:

A person might develop any number of behaviors by observing them in someone else, from anxieties and fears, to politeness or generosity, or honesty and hard work. Social learning theory may be used in education to help students remember an important lesson. Having the students repeat certain phrases or watch a skit can also help to solidify their lessons. Another example is someone who decides to pursue a job that he or she has seen portrayed by a character on TV.

The Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Complex Struggle

 The Israel-Hamas conflict is a longstanding and deeply rooted struggle that has gripped the Middle East for almost decades now. This ongoing conflict that commenced on 7th October 2023 revolves around historical, political, and religious factors, making it a multifaceted and a complicated issue.

• HISTORY:

The roots of this conflict can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The displacement of Palestinians and the Arab-Israeli wars laid the foundation for tensions that still remain to this day. The territories of Gaza Strip and West Bank have been focal points of heated disagreement, with both Israelis and Palestinians asserting historical and religious claims to the land.

• WHAT IS HAMAS?

Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), emerged in the late 1980s. Initially, it focused on social services, but over time, it evolved into a significant political and military force. It is considered a terrorist organization by some countries, including the United States and the European Union, Hamas gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

• WHAT TRIGGERED THE ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT?

A conflict often flares up due to a combination of factors, including territorial disputes, security concerns, and historical grievances. This also included escalations involving rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, Israeli military responses, and ground incursions. Civilians on both sides bear the brunt of the violence, leading to a cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation.

• ROLE OF THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY:

The international community has been actively involved in efforts to initiate peace between Israel and Hamas. Various ceasefires and peace initiatives have been proposed, but achieving a lasting resolution still remains a complex challenge. The conflict has sparked debates and discussions on the global stage, with different nations and organizations advocating for different approaches to find a peaceful solution to this devastating conflict.

• CONSEQUENCES ON THE BASIS OF HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS:

Beyond the political and military aspects and intricacies, the Israel-Hamas conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences as well. The civilian population, especially in Gaza, faces challenges related to access to basic services, infrastructure damage, and displacement. Humanitarian organizations work tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected.

In conclusion, the Israel-Hamas conflict is a deeply entrenched and complex issue with deep historical roots. Achieving a lasting and comprehensive resolution requires addressing the multifaceted aspects of the conflict, including historical grievances, territorial disputes, and the humanitarian impact on the civilian population. The path to peace remains challenging, and ongoing efforts by the international community are essential to finding a sustainable solution, because war brings nothing but devastation, declination and destruction. 

TAHAAN- A BOY WITH GRENADE

 "Tahaan," directed by Santosh Sivan, is a captivating film set against the backdrop of conflict in Kashmir. Released in 2008, this movie features Purav Bhandare as the young protagonist Tahaan, Sarika as his mother, and Anupam Kher in a pivotal role. The narrative unfolds in the picturesque locations of Kashmir, adding a layer of visual richness to the storytelling.

Sivan skillfully crafts a tale that follows Tahaan's journey to retrieve his cherished donkey, Birbal, which gets confiscated due to some inadvertent circumstances by a man across the border. The film beautifully captures the innocence of Tahaan amidst the political unrest, providing a nuanced portrayal of the impact of conflict on the lives of ordinary people. This movie basically showcases the turmoil that 8 year old Tahaan goes through in order to retrieve his beloved pet across a conflict-torn Kashmir.

One of the impactful scenes of this movie is when Tahaan encounters a group of militants, bringing forth the complex dynamics of the region. Also another impactful scene of this movie is when A young terrorist (Ankush Dubey) asks an 8-year-old boy (Purav Bhandare) to smuggle a grenade. The performances, particularly by Purav Bhandare, the young protagonist are commendable, as he convincingly conveys the emotions and struggles of a young boy caught in the midst of turmoil. As it is very well known that bringing out the best from a child actor is a tough job to carry out, so props to the crew members for making it happen. 

The film's noteworthy cinematography is by Santosh Sivan himself, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Kashmir and effectively conveying the emotional ups and downs of the story. The music, composed by Taufiq Qureshi, complements the narrative with its soulful tunes.

"Tahaan" is more than just a film; it's a poignant exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Santosh Sivan's direction, coupled with strong performances by the actors and evocative and serene visuals, makes "Tahaan" a thought-provoking cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.Tahaan plays out both like a touchingly real story, as well as a fable, hinting at deeper truths beneath.

Source- Wikipedia