What a paradox! My generation in the 21st century have to their credit, 1 per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration, we are civilised and educated but do not practise our values.

My generation is probably forgetting the fact that an apple seed gives only apples, not chestnuts. The output is the same as the input, so what we sow, we reap and that directly or indirectly affects our livelihoods and life. Peace seems to be today’s buzzword and history is the proof of that but violence is always an inalienable part of the society which continues to prosper and peace is synonymous to a civilisation near extinction. Besides, an absolutely peaceful society is one that functions in order perpetually.

The pace, in which youths are progressing in recent years scares anyone and indeed my generation is proof that modernising isn’t a state of mind, it is a state of life, evident mostly in streets. If the same scenario continues my generation will leave a large vacuum in the history of tomorrow with no contribution to this society and its individuals.

Yes, my generation is replete with cars and mobiles, my generation is replete with professionals like Upendra Devkota and singers like Britney Spears, actors like Pierce Brosnan, and peace seekers like Arundhati Roy, businessmen like Bill Gates or even social workers like Mother Teresa and Anuradha Koirala but not much for contribution.

Yes, amidst all this, someone of mediocre merit will rise distributing the dream of a new nation as substitute for peace that is bound to last no longer than his tenure of power. I can see history questioning my generation, “What have you been doing?” Yes, of course, we will reply, “We’re working for peace!” but that won’t be a rational answer in such a critical situation. As far as I am concerned, I’m ready with my answer which is, “I was dreaming of driving a Pajero jeep in Cape Town. I am a part of the gang, too!”

— Pinky Singh, Grade X, Om Gyan Mandir Secondary School