By Reyaz Rabbani
Kashmiri In today’s fast-paced world,the younger generation is increasingly becoming aggressive and detached from moral values.The rapid advancement in science and technology,coupled with materialistic pursuits,has overshadowed the essence of humanity and ethical living.This trend calls for an immediate intervention-an essential step that can be taken is the introduction of moral education,counseling,and spiritual teachings in every school to shape responsible,empathetic,and ethical citizens.Undoubtedly,our children need to become scientists,doctors,engineers,administrators,and other professionals.However,their professional success should not come at the cost of their moral and ethical grounding.Along with academic excellence,they must be nurtured to become compassionate individuals who value relationships,respect their elders,support the underprivileged,and contribute positively to society.A well-rounded education should focus on both intellect and character building to create responsible future citizens who uphold justice,kindness,and integrity.In the past,schools and homes were the centers of moral and ethical teachings.These lessons were deeply rooted in the upbringing of children,producing simple,disciplined and God-fearing generations.Such individuals,despite having fewer academic degrees,were humble,responsible,and morally upright.They lived in harmony with nature,respected resources,and upheld communal and familial bonds.Conversely,today’s generation,though more qualified on paper,often lacks these fundamental human virtues.The growing selfishness, greed,and disregard for environmental conservation are alarming.Educated individuals are seen polluting rivers, lakes,streets,and forests by carelessly discarding garbage,diapers,and litter.The shift from a God-fearing to a materialistic mindset has led society toward moral decay,making it difficult to differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.If this downward trend continues,we might soon witness a world where moral decadence outweighs intelligence,leading to anarchy and destruction.A society that fails to instill human values in its children is bound to face chaos in the future.The essence of true education lies not only in acquiring knowledge but in cultivating wisdom,ethical decision-making,and respect for life.To reverse this decline,moral education must be prioritized in both government and private educational institutions.Alongside science,mathematics,and social studies,there must be a dedicated curriculum for ethical,moral and spiritual learning.This education should emphasized.Children must be taught the importance of caring for and honoring their parents and family members-Encouraging students to engage in acts of kindness and help the underprivileged.Instilling the significance of preserving natural resources and keeping public spaces clean.Emphasizing the value of truthfulness in both personal and professional life.Teaching the importance of patience,humility,and self-restraint in dealing with life’s challenges.Introducing teachings that promote inner peace,gratitude, and connection with a higher purpose.If we fail to address this moral crisis now,we may soon find ourselves incapable of controlling the very generation we have raised.The future of society depends not just on educated individuals but on ethical human beings who possess a conscience.While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes innovative strategies and modern pedagogies in education,technology,and science,it is crucial to also focus on nurturing good and responsible citizens to build a strong, peaceful,and healthy nation.A concerning number of educated youth have turned to drug addiction and exhibit irresponsible behavior in society, failing to establish careers across various sectors.This trend poses a threat to societal well-being.One contributing factor is the lack of proper counseling and moral education during their schooling years.Integrating comprehensive counseling and moral education into the curriculum is essential to address this issue and guide youth toward positive contributions to society.Therefore,moral education should not just be an additional subject but should be at the core of our educational systems.Let us strive to cultivate generations that excel not only in careers but in character,ensuring that our world remains a heaven of peace,respect,and righteousness.Education should not just create professionals-it must create good human beings first.Let morality and humanity be at the heart of learning,ensuring that we build a world.