Youth and Crime

Youth and Crime

India is a very fast developing nation and is expected soon to be one of the most developed nations in the world. But one major obstacle that lies on its path is the increasing crime rate. The most disheartening side of this aspect is that most of the cases coming up are concerning the youths, the future, of our country.

 

The number of accused in the 18-25 age group is steadily increasing and is indeed a reason for serious concern. One point that is to be noted is that although many cases come to the limelight about rich and spoilt youths committing serious crimes, but statistics show that majority of the accused are from a poor background, forced into the act due to the circumstances. The few Upper Class youths become criminals due to psychological factors or show-off tendency.

 

It is quite unfortunate that some are forced into stealing, robbery and theft to make their ends meet. Unemployment is also another highly frustrating condition that it paves the way for criminal activities. Another major factor is the high illiteracy rates which blurs the line between good and bad. The dual blow of inflation and then recession has pushed more and more youths over the edge.

 

In the poorer sections of the society, crime takes place due to need but in the upper/middle classes it happens due to greed. In most cases, working parents have little time to teach the ethics at home and just-for-fun pranks later turn into serious crimes. One can also not rule out the influence of Media, T.V. and Films. Novel methods of committing crimes seen in Films are imitated by the youngsters. Keeping up with the latest trends also requires money and that may sometimes divert a young mind.

 

Need and Greed are the two factors that are driving today’s youth towards crime. The remedies obviously are providing financial support and counseling. 

 

Leopard at Zoo

 

 

Where should the poor go?

Where should the poor go?

How many times have you turned your back on a beggar or discussed about how poverty has become the greatest obstacle for development? Lost your count? Same is the case for all others. We blame the poor for spreading diseases, dirtying the cities, increasing population and what not. But has anyone ever thought from their point of view?

 

They are totally helpless and that too because of us. How can we expect them to develop when we ourselves do not let them do so? We do not allow them to eat or drink at public places, they are not allowed to enter most public places, Banks are apprehensive of giving them loans, and they are looked down upon in all possible ways.

 

With so many ‘Don’ts’ hanging in front of them, they find themselves completely trapped in a vicious cycle. Even after being in such a situation, they are blamed of being a blotch on the society. They face discrimination and hatred from the so called rich and superiors. But we must ask ourselves – Are they really at fault? NO. They themselves are not the only ones responsible.

 

For poverty to be washed out, it is the ‘rich’ and the ‘superiors’ who have to come forward to help. Helping the poor doesn’t mean giving financial aid to them. Helping the poor means opening up avenues for their development, teaching them how to use money and most importantly treating them at par with rest of the society. We have to always keep in mind that hatred and discrimination will only bring about more and more poverty, not alleviate it. They poor are after all human beings just like you and me. They are poor because they have been forced by the circumstances. They don’t enjoy being poor….. they also have the desire to be ‘someone’ in life. But they can come at par only if we let them do so. So…. Don’t want to see poverty vanishing from in front of your eyes????

 

 

Are you really helping beggars?

How many times have you come across beggars at a traffic intersection? Maybe innumerable times. And many times you may have given them a coin or two. But are you actually helping them? When a beggar gets alms for the first time, it only encourages them to beg again. This is just the beginning of the process that makes him a beggar for life. More and more people, coming from villages, are considering it now as a viable professional option! Many times children are forced into begging as they garner more alms. Beggars are also a nuisance at traffic intersections and slow down traffic flow. Street crimes are also on the rise due to the increasing number of beggars. It also numerous road accidents. So, the next time you come across a beggar at the Traffic Signal, think before you hand him the coins – Are you really helping a poor person or are you actually inviting three more of his friends to join him? Lastly, if you are really moved seeing the beggars, and want to do something for him, try to get a job for him if you can.