Dreams vs societal pressure

I met a student few days ago who shared that he was always interested in Urdu literature but is studying Mass Communication because of the wish of his family. They wanted him to opt these subjects as they thought it has more scope. Another reason was that one of his cousins was a media student. It could have been a good decision only if he would have performed well in the examination. Unfortunately, he could not get good grades due to lack of his interest in these subjects, course was also in English language while the medium of his previous education was Urdu. So, all these factors resulted in the wastage of time, money and energy. On the other hand, in Urdu literature, his knowledge was extraordinary and he could have definitely performed well in those subjects.

This is just one example but we find many similar stories around us every day where our decisions get influenced mainly under the societal pressure. Children have to sacrifice their dreams to remain in the race with their friends, class fellows and siblings etc. However, the intellectual ability of each child is different. If one can show good performance in a subject the other may not because he is good in some other subject. In this competitive age, such influences only increase the pressure on the children and effect their confidence level. Especially when even these sacrifices lead them to nowhere.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the family, especially parents, to express confidence in the dreams, abilities and decisions of their children. They should only assist them in decision making and not forcibly do it for them. Between social standards and reasonable dreams of the children, the priority of parents should be the dreams. They should help them to deal with the social pressure. The supportive role, played by the parents towards their children, would deepen trust and frankness in their relation.

VARSHA ARORA

Rawalpindi