MUMBAI: The COVID-19 cases in India has already crossed the 51 lakhs mark, making the country the second-worst hit by the Coronavirus. Not just that, the unemployment rate is increasing, the GDP has hit an all-time low, well, the truth is our country is suffering. And while there are some who truly acknowledge and want to change the country for good, there is a huge chunk who is more engrossed in the current seasons of Netflix, what's new on Amazon Prime, trolling celebrities,and whatnot. Don't you think it's time for the next generation, the future of the country, to ditch their phones for a while and acknowledge and discuss the real issues of the country? We spoke to a few celebs about this, and here's what they had to say:  

Vijayendra Kumeria- I think there is a need to strike a balance. There is nothing wrong with keeping yourself entertained as one needs to refresh their mind and it’s also a stress buster for many. But at the same time, the youth should be well aware of the socio-political news and what’s happening in the country as they are the future of our country. Instead of just being a part of the troll game, the youth should ask questions if they think that whatever is going on in the country is not right. They should be discussing serious issues too.
 
Vikas Sethi- As a representative of the entertainment industry I believe entertainment and real issues should be balanced. Our youth is spending precious years of their lives just mindlessly entertaining themselves. I am a believer in healthy debates on issues that pertain to India and the world at large.
 
Jhanvi Sethi- As a co-founder of MyZindagi Foundation I really feel the need for youth to focus on real issues and contribute to them, rather than staying stuck to Netflix and other modes of entertainment. The long-term effect of addictive watching of such shows is scientifically proven and documented. I urge the youth to reflect on this and take corrective action before it's too late.
 
Dhruvee Haldankar- Youth, by the very definition, means a time when one stops being a child and moves into maturity. One who exudes freshness, vigor, spirit. I think if one considers himself or herself to be a youth, then they must train themselves to look at everything around them with a fresh perspective. The train is the word to be emphasized here because just like gym training, this perspective-searching and soul-searching also requires effortful training. And I think that can be done only if you stop using all your waking hours watching Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. because an idiot box is called an ' idiot box' for a reason. "Watch some, think some, and act some.”  
 
Subuhii Joshii- When India's growth was booming in 2016-17, it earned the tag of the fastest growing economy in the world. Even at that time, when our country kept achieving marvelous growth, economists were really worried about unemployment growth. So, it's not that due to COVID-19 only our youth has been losing jobs. While GDP growth in India had been falling since last year, the coronavirus shock in 2020 had a tremendous impact on India's economy and jobs. The pandemic and consequent lockdown laid bare the fragility of India's formal job market, which has crashed. Even after unlocking the economy, there has been no improvement in the salaried job scenario, especially in urban India. I agree that youth is spending a lot of time on mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic gadgets, and they are watching movies, web shows, etc. all day and night. Our youth is not irresponsible, but they are confused right now, as they can't see any hopeful situation in the near future. And I can really relate with their sentiments because I am also sailing on the same boat right now. Hundreds and thousands of young actors, technicians, and many more people from our industry are also doing the same: watching movies and shows. The govt., the authority, our industry should think about youth and must create work opportunities for us. We should get a fair chance to prove our capabilities and we'll show what we can do.
 
Urvashi Upadhyay Sharle- Youth is the backbone of every country. The country’s economy and progress is dependent on the youth. Even Chanakya said that youth has the strength to change. This is not 100 percent true that youth has moved onto Netflix and other OTT platforms. Children like Tanmay Bakshi at the age of 13 achieved a lot. There are many children who have achieved many things at a very young age but this is true that the country’s 70 percent people always go on an easy path, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t have potential. We always get two sides, one is difficult and the other is easy. Many people opt to take the easy route. There is a lack of motivation and responsibility. India has a bunch of creative and talented people, but it’s just that they need motivation and awareness.
 
Saanand Verma- The quality of human life can only be improved by humans. It is very important for the youth to focus on politics as in our country people misunderstand politics. But the fact is that politics is a very good field and profession and you can do social work and improve the quality of living through it. If you go into politics and work honestly then you can make this country corruption-free. We need people who can walk on the path of true politics and follow them. I wish the youth removes their eyes from their mobile, tab, or other gadgets, and focuses on politics because it is our responsibility.