I USED to often wonder why we have not been producing social scientists, thinkers and philosophers in society. I recently got the answer at an event that was part of the students’ week at my university.

One of my fellow students was giving a speech which was reasonably cerebral, but there was hardly anyone listening to it or interested in any way. Everyone, however, was seriously interested and enthusiastic as soon as the song-and-dance component started on the stage.

Watching this, it suddenly occurred to me that we are not producing social scientists, thinkers and philosophers in society because the young ones have no time for the cerebral; all they want is song and dance.

Our students are hardly interested in learning, acquiring knowledge, conducting research or any such thing. They surely want their degrees, but the idea of intellectual pursuit puts them off.

When the youths of a country make social media and frivolities their priority in life, instead of the philosophy of great poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal and the principles of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, it is naïve even to think about even dreaming of prosperity and respect among the nations of the world.

The Quaid had called youth a national asset, but, unfortunately, the ‘asset’ today is more focussed on entertainment.

Education is a major weapon and key to success. It is a pity that students, even when they happen to be at the campus, do not focus on seeking knowledge.

Hajra Rauf
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2023