Self-reliance, synonymous with self-independence, endows individuals with mental acuity, physical robustness, social engagement, and financial stability. It is universally acknowledged that success often accrues to those who espouse an individualistic mindset.
Pursuing an individualistic approach to resolving life's conundrums endows us with uniqueness, a quality increasingly imperative for our nation. Regrettably, our international standing has been eroded, and we must catch up to several less affluent countries in various aspects. A panoramic view of this situation is bound to astonish.
Pakistan, an Islamic state predominantly comprised of a 96 percent Muslim population, exhibits a high corruption perception index, ranking 124 out of 180 nations. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. At the same time, the police force is tasked with safeguarding the public, preventing crime, improving the quality of life for citizens, and maintaining law and order in local communities.
Unfortunately, both arms of the state have been mired in controversy from their inception, as revealed by the National Corruption Perception Survey of 2021, exposing their egregious incompetence.
Social maladies, including corruption, bribery, dishonesty, and domestic violence, exacerbate our predicaments, while unemployment, inflation, curtailment of freedom of expression, and illiteracy compound our disenchantment with the state's affairs. Cultivating uniqueness through individualistic thinking alleviates concerns and bolsters one's standing at such a critical juncture. To this end, three attributes or habits must be inculcated by parents in their children.
Firstly, the cultivation of self-reliance from an early age is of paramount importance. Self-reliance equips individuals with the capability to govern their lives, a critical skill for confronting life's adversities. It empowers individuals to make decisive choices, which, in turn, facilitates independent decision-making in all aspects of life. This mental disposition aids in selecting suitable life partners, reducing the divorce rate in Pakistan, which is often exacerbated by a lack of this very trait.
Furthermore, self-reliance fosters financial independence. The absence of self-independence frequently leads many graduates to wander aimlessly, blaming the state for their misfortunes. In today's digital age, earning and learning have become more accessible. Those possessing marketable skills can offer services online, encompassing fields such as typing, painting, teaching, and more. Blogging and YouTube channels present lucrative avenues for students to generate income. Adequate financial resources are indispensable for addressing problems and focusing on education, potentially elevating per capita income. This consideration should be addressed by the attention of policymakers and parents alike.
Secondly, guidance is as pivotal as self-reliance. It aids in the identification and comprehension of one's strengths and weaknesses, cultivates a positive outlook, and fosters resourcefulness and self-direction to navigate societal changes. Early counseling is indispensable for character development. Parents are primarily responsible for nurturing and guiding their children toward distinguishing right from wrong. Effective parenting encourages children's cognitive, social, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it contributes to their personal growth, with interactions and inspiration during their formative years playing a pivotal role.
Teachers, too, hold a crucial role in nurturing students' cognitive abilities. However, in Pakistan, the learning environment is often marred by punitive measures rather than encouragement, leading many students, particularly in rural areas, to abandon their educational pursuits early.
Thirdly, cultivating a capacity for divergent thinking equips individuals to unravel life's enigmatic puzzles. Thinking differently is essential for leading a thriving and meaningful life. Our thought patterns influence our emotional states, which, in turn, dictate our actions. Thus, the power of our mental conditioning shapes our outcomes and resilience in pursuing our goals. This approach distinguishes us in society and is a prerequisite for self-reliance.
Parents can instill this capability in their children during their formative years by creating challenging scenarios and puzzles for them to solve, discouraging associations with deceptive individuals, fostering fundamental respect for others, discouraging ill-mannered behavior, and instilling proper etiquette.
We lack a sense of self-reliance as a nation, necessitating a concerted awareness campaign to inculcate this quality. While literacy is undoubtedly a prerequisite, cultivating the three habits above plays a pivotal role in reclaiming our lost identity.
