Dr. Vijay Garg
Human civilization has progressed faster than it has in the last few decades, perhaps never before in history.Changes in science, technology, communication, transportation and every sphere of life have made human life more convenient and comfortable than ever before.Today we have smartphones, internet, air conditioners, high speed vehicles and countless amenities.But despite all this progress one important thing is slowly slipping out of our hands.
The blind race of modernity has given man not only facilities, but taken away peace and contentment of mind.Today’s human being seems busier, more anxious and more lonely than ever before.It is a paradox that needs to be seriously thought about.
In the past people had less facilities, but more time.Families used to sit together, relationships with neighbors were stronger and life pace was slower.Today conditions are opposite.People have all kinds of technological facility, but no time for sitting down with their family.Mobile screens have replaced the warmth of relationships.Rooms in homes have grown larger, but so too has the fate of hearts.
The definition of success in modern society has also changed.Today a person is not valued by his humanity, good nature or social contribution but by his income, expensive car, big house and social status.Because of this every individual is running in competition with each other.The race never ends, because the aspirations have no limit.
Social media has also made this problem more serious.On Facebook, Instagram and other platforms people tend to present only the bright side of their life.Seeing it makes others start to underestimate their lives.This tendency towards comparison makes human beings unsatisfied and stressed out.The more we try to be like others,the further away from our true vision.
Urbanization and industrialization have also affected the natural flow of life.People living in concrete forests are moving away from nature.Open air, greenery, birds chirping and simple life is now just a memory to many.The distance from nature is having negative effect on human mental and physical health as well.
Children’s childhood is also not untouched by this race.In the past children spent time in playgrounds, but now their lives are limited to coaching classes, online studies and digital equipment.The pressure of success at an early age is affecting their mental development.They have less and less time to play, think and live freely.
Likewise working people are living under constant pressure.In the quest to get a better job, higher salary and high position they neglect their health, family and peace of mind.As a result stress, anxiety, lack of sleep and other mental problems is increasing rapidly.
But that doesn’t mean modernity itself is a problem.The problem isn’t modernity, but our approach to it.Technology and advancement are meant to improve human life not push him into stress and unrest.Modernity and Skun both can go hand in hand if we use the facilities properly and create balance in life.
What is needed today is for us to rethink our priorities.Make time for family, connect with nature, take some time away from the digital world and look after your mental health.Measure success not just by wealth and riches but also value inner happiness, contentment and strength of relationships.
In conclusion it can be said that man has achieved a lot in the rush of modernity, but during this time he has lost a large part of Skun.Real progress is what should provide us with facilities as well as peace of mind, prosperity and balanced life.If we manage to maintain this balance, then modernity will prove to be a boon for us, otherwise this race would exhaust us before the destination.
Dr. Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout
