The Modern Generation: A Bright Humanistic Sun Behind the Digital Wave

 

Today’s youth are often called mechanical, unfeeling, a generation trapped behind screens. It seems they have lost life’s warmth, the gentle touch of humanity. We tend to view them through a narrow lens, hunting for mistakes, searching for failures—but rarely for their talents, their potential, or their illuminated sides. We are so used to spotting their flaws that we miss their brilliance. We see errors sharply, yet fail to see the spark of creativity in their hearts. But if we pause, and look deeper, we discover that these so-called “robotic” youth are in fact the architects of a new era, the artisans of a hopeful light. Beneath the glow of technology, a flame of empathy burns in them—a flame that can reshape society, guide a nation, and light the path of tomorrow.

Their vision is not limited to their own reflection; they feel the world’s pain. The starving children of Africa, the silent cries from Gaza, or the Amazon’s forests shattered by climate disasters—all touch their hearts. They type their thoughts, yet every word carries the warmth of humanity. Greta Thunberg, the teenage girl, is not just a symbol of the climate movement but a brave voice of humanity. Standing with the children of Gaza, she reminds the world that compassion still lives that humanity has not faded. When her small voice shakes global leaders, we realize this generation is far from silent—they raise their voices for the planet.

Their minds brim with innovation. Challenges do not scare them; they carve new paths from them. During the harsh days of the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept education alive online, proving that crises cannot stop them. On the contrary, each challenge makes them more creative, more adaptable. Their thirst for knowledge is boundless. They seek wisdom not just from books, but from the rivers of knowledge flowing through the world. They ask questions, verify truths, and refuse blind obedience, choosing instead the light of reason.

Today’s youth are not mere users of technology—they are creators of change. In Bangladesh, young people have courageously taken to the streets and social media for justice, truth, and democracy. In Nepal, the youth have risen against corruption and mismanagement, forcing society to rethink governance. Across the world—in Chile, Hong Kong, France, and Iran—youth have led movements for justice, environmental care, and human rights. In Chile, university students protested a subway fare hike, sparking a wider social justice movement. In Hong Kong, youth championed pro-democracy protests, demanding freedom of expression and autonomy. In France, young people joined the Yellow Vest Movement against economic inequality and climate injustice. In Iran, students and young women spearheaded the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, boldly demanding fundamental rights. This generation has shown that silence is not their choice—they listen, think, and if necessary, change the tide of history.

The youth of today are environmentally conscious and responsible stewards of the Earth. They plant trees, fight plastic pollution, and spark online campaigns that awaken the world. Their dreams are not limited to jobs—they envision a green planet. Their expressions are unique—they paint, write songs, make videos, or even speak profound truths through a single satirical sketch. Their words may be quiet, but their meaning is deep. They smile behind digital screens, yet cry for humanity. Most importantly, they are tolerant. Divisions of nation, religion, gender, or language mean little to them. They believe humanity is the highest identity. The youth of the twenty-first century are the world’s new citizens—singers of unity, not separation.

Our duty is not to hunt their faults but to guide their potential. Even if clouds of indifference hover, we can shine a light of direction. Just as a garden must be nurtured to smell its flowers, young minds must be nurtured with love, opportunity, and a healthy environment. Today’s youth are not only our future—they are a burning flame of the present. All they need is the lamp of responsibility in their hands, with words whispered to them:

"The world of tomorrow rests in your hands. Be brave, move forward, and know—we are with you."

In their silence lies planning, in their calm lies direction. If we show them the path, they will illuminate the horizon—for the next sun will rise by their hands.


Enamul Haque is Additional
Registrar in Aviation and
Aerospace University, Dhaka.