Akangjungla
Educated unemployment is a major concern and one of the mostly widely discussed topics, yet there seems to be no absolute solution. Simply worrying, debating and writing research papers about the looming rate of educated but unemployed youth does not seem to be contributing towards any change.
The strong perspective and opinion that qualification/degrees are equal to education can be seen as one of the many factors adding up to the numbers of unproductive graduates. Generally, it is assumed that some contributing reasons are the gap between the old school and new school of thoughts, mugging up textbooks and prepared notes versus practical understanding, economic security versus personal growth, government sector versus following one’s passion. It is encouraging to see educational institutes and stakeholders emphasizing much on quality education. However, many are skeptical of whether the ultimate objective of all the efforts put in is to be listed as certified institutions or if it is to actually produce employable students.
Theoretically, based on the various annual reports and surveys, some of the major reasons for the mounting educated unemployed youths point towards lack of acquiring practical skills, flawed educational methodology, high population, shortage of job opportunities etc etc.
One of the most established flaws in the Nagaland education system is the over emphasis on completing the syllabus and to have the enrolled students secure their name in the topper list. No harm in doing so, as long as the students are not compelled or pressured to be in such positions. The inability of the Naga people, from one generation to another, to look beyond the government sector and failure to understand the various employment policy of the government has limited the aspirations of many youngsters to the Nagaland Public Service Examination.
In an attempt to highlight the ailment of educated unemployed youths in the Naga society, the youth ministry of the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church along with the author of ‘Campus Blues’ are pushing harder to bring out this picture through the YouTube web series titled ‘Dreams & Chaos.’ Their effort comes out stronger in the season 2 where the characters and dialogues highlight ‘the dangerous flaw in the education system’ which ‘is killing the dreams of so many talented kids in the country every day.’ While the audience might be appreciating the team for the production, it also creates a platform for many Naga youths to share their journey from being a student to ending up as educated but unemployable. It also ignites a spirit of self-refection to look beyond the flaws and picking up mistakes in the educational system or putting the blame on the older generation wanting economic security over job satisfaction.
Despite of whatever the medium maybe, the problem will prevail as long as the individual does not fully understand the purpose of education. Along with the ambition to acquire academic degrees, the hope for every mind should be to become a thoughtful citizen, bring positive contributions to the community and also breaking the vicious cycle of becoming a part of the already existing problem.
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