STUDENTS' HEROIC LEADERS

WORLD :  In the political history of the world, 1968  is seen as the most important year of the 60s because it had a significant impact on generations of students.

Youth political activism was on the rise, Once again the youth population is among the highest in the world's known history, with Pakistan also experiencing a significant youth bulge and youth based political activism.

But are political parties ready to sustain this in a meaningful way? asks author and writer Salma Butt.

Will hope and aspirations of the youth be addressed by the political leadership?

Global movements play a pivotal role in leading social trends which are interconnected with political and economic benefit of masses anywhere.

During the 1960s, protesting students created serious disruptions in societies and and shook political systems globally in countries as diverse as Japan, France, Mexico, Georgia and the U.S.

The youth population blossomed as a revolt against the system of absolutism and totalitarianism.

It paved the way for the popular, charismatic political leaders political leaders like Sukarno [Indonesia], Nelson Mandela [South Africa] and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto [Pakistan].

In 1968, sit-ins were prevalent among universities like London School of Economics, Birmingham and Leeds, and even in France, causing them to halt their operations.

The students movement of Pakistan in 1968 under the charismatic leadership of Bhutto became inclusive by inciting peasants, traders and journalists to mount enough pressure for President Ayub Khan to step down in 1969.

With the advent of another military coup in 1977, political activism took a back seat among the youth and continued to fall in 1984 when Zia imposed a ban on students union on campuses.

Right-wing sectarian youth groups filled in the liberal and democratic vacuum on campuses and hence became the driving force to lead youth activism.

The dismal picture continues till this day.

!WOW! thanks Salma Butt for her insights on Political consciousness of youth.