By : Sheikh Mohammad Isa
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Maulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Wednesday addressed the challenges facing young people in the present era, calling on them to remain connected to their values while using technology responsibly.
He was speaking at a seminar on “Seerat-e-Rasool (PBUH) and the Present Era” held at the auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Students from several private educational institutions participated in the programme and presented their views on issues affecting the younger generation. The participating schools included Muslim Public School, Tabteen Public School, Islamia Higher Secondary School, Crescent Public School, Green Valley Educational Institute, Green Land School, Madar Land School, R.P. School and Islamia High School, Anant Nagar.
In his presidential address, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq congratulated the students, teachers and organisers for holding the seminar. He said young people should be given opportunities to reflect, research and express their views on serious issues.
According to him, such platforms can help build a generation that is confident, responsible and aware of its role in society.
Mirwaiz said today’s youth are facing unprecedented challenges, including the growing influence of social media, constant digital distractions, materialism, the pressure for instant success, moral confusion and increasing mental and emotional stress.
He cautioned young people against allowing social media influencers, online trends and algorithms to shape their identity, desires or understanding of success.
The Mirwaiz also stressed that setbacks in life should never make a young person feel that life has lost its value. He said failure in an examination, a broken relationship, rejection, unemployment, financial difficulties or any other temporary setback should not push anyone towards hopelessness.
He called for greater understanding of mental and emotional distress, saying such struggles should be addressed with empathy rather than shame or stigma.
Families, schools, religious institutions and society, he said, have a responsibility to create an environment where young people can openly discuss anxiety, loneliness and despair and receive timely counselling, medical assistance or other professional support when required.
Referring to the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Mirwaiz said the Seerah provides young people with important lessons in patience, steadfastness, self-control, moral strength, purpose and hope.
He encouraged young people to make use of modern technology without becoming dependent on it.
“Youth should use technology, but should not become its slaves,” was the central message of his address.
He also urged students to develop independent thinking, remain connected to their values and use their abilities for the benefit of society.
Appreciating the students who presented papers during the seminar, Mirwaiz said their willingness to research important subjects, reflect on contemporary challenges and speak before an audience was encouraging for the future.
Several students secured prominent positions in the seminar. They included Farhan Khan of Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, who secured the first position.
The second position was shared by Zainab Hamid of Madar Land School, Nohata, and Muhammad Kamal of Green Valley Educational Institute, Alahi Bagh.
The third position was shared by Sheikh Muhammad Usman of R.P. School, Almandar Colony; Amin of Green Land School, Hawal; and Tayyaba Jan of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal.
A special sermon was also delivered on the occasion by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam organiser, in the presence of teachers, students and other participants.
The programme concluded with prayers for the protection, guidance and well-being of the younger generation.
The organisers expressed hope that young people would continue to receive opportunities to move forward through knowledge, good character, confidence and service to society.
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