By: Khan Irshad & Wani Ishfaq
In every young heart lives a dream- raw, pure, and full of possibilities. But the journey of life is not always smooth. Many of our youth are quietly carrying the heavy burdens of anxiety, fear of failure, pressure to succeed, and sometimes even the battles with depression. In this age of constant comparisons, quick judgments, and uncertain futures, holding on to hope becomes not just a choice, but a lifeline.
Do not lose hope. Every storm runs out of rain. Every hardship, no matter how crushing, carries within it the seed of growth and transformation. As Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA), the great saint and poet of Kashmir, once said: “Kari chukh na tarith wanai, dilas chum daer faray” (If you are in darkness now, be patient for joy shall soon blossom in your heart.)
To every young person reading this, I want to say: You are stronger than your struggle. Life isn’t meant to be a straight line. It has its curves, falls, pauses, and leaps. Sometimes, the only way to grow is to fall and rise again, wiser, braver, and more compassionate. Rumi, the mystical poet, beautifully said: “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” You are not defined by your failures. You are not broken because you feel lost. And you are not alone in your pain. The bravest thing you can do sometimes is to just keep going one small step at a time.
Depression and despair are real. But they are not the end. They are signals telling us to slow down, to heal, to reflect. In such times, talk to someone a friend, a mentor, a parent, or a professional. Speaking your pain does not make you weak it makes you courageous. And remember, temporary escapes like substance abuse, crime, or falling into social evils will only deepen the darkness. These are not solutions they are traps. You were not created to fade away. You were created to shine. Your ideas, your energy, your kindness this world needs them. This society needs your strength, your compassion, and your leadership. Be involved in something meaningful volunteer, read, plant trees, start small initiatives, mentor others, or simply be a kind listener. These acts not only help the world, but also heal you from within. There is immense peace in purpose.
Rumi reminds us again: “Don’t get lost in your pain, know that one day your pain will become your cure.” Sometimes we think success means big things fame, money, or titles. But real success is staying kind in a cruel world, standing tall in failure, and never giving up on your values. It is being able to look in the mirror and smile with pride not for being perfect, but for being-real.
To the youth of Kashmir, and beyond, you are not helpless. You are hopeful. Yes, times may be tough. But so are you. You are the bridge to a brighter tomorrow. Your thoughts, actions, and voices matter more than you realize. As Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA) said: “Zameenas ta asmaanas chum wuchaan, haenz rozaan chu vanaan paan” (I have searched the earth and skies, but the inner light speaks to me from within.)
Look within. Light that candle. Even in darkness, let your hope be your wings. You matter. You are needed. You are enough.
khanirshad7544@gmail.com
