THE DOPAMINE TRAP: RADICALIZATION OF THE INDIAN YOUTH

 

“uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ”

Let a man be lifted up by his own self; let him not lower himself; for he himself is his friend, and he himself is his enemy.

 

Youth are at a vulnerable stage in their lives, seeking identity and purpose, which makes them susceptible to extremist ideologies. This radicalization is often fueled by socio-political factors, economic disparities, and religious propaganda. The youth's exposure to online platforms further amplifies the spread of radical ideologies.

Understanding the root causes and underlying factors of radicalization is crucial in devising effective intervention strategies to prevent the indoctrination of young minds. This writing aims to explore the various dimensions of radicalization among Indian youth, analyse the impact of external influences, and propose interventions to counter radicalization and promote tolerance and inclusivity in society.

 

The historical context of radicalization in India provides essential insight into the factors that have contributed to the phenomenon of youth radicalization in the country. India's history of colonization, partition, and communal violence has fuelled deep-seated grievances and tensions among various religious and ethnic groups. The partition of India in 1947 resulted in the displacement of millions and laid the foundation for religious and territorial conflicts that continue to simmer.

Additionally, economic disparities, political marginalization, and social exclusion have exacerbated feelings of alienation and injustice among the youth, pushing some towards radical ideologies. The rise of extremist groups exploiting these grievances has further escalated the issue of radicalization among the youth. Understanding this historical backdrop is crucial for devising effective counter-radicalization strategies that address the root causes of radicalization and promote social cohesion and inclusivity.

 

Factors contributing to youth radicalization in India are multifaceted and complex. One significant aspect is economic disenfranchisement, as many young individuals face barriers to employment and education, leading them to seek alternatives within radical groups offering a sense of purpose and belonging. Social isolation and marginalization also play a critical role, as disaffected youth are more susceptible to extremist ideologies that provide a sense of identity and community.

Firstly, the prevalence of online platforms spreading radical messages and propaganda contributes to the radicalization of the youth by providing a platform for the recruitment and dissemination of radical ideas. This is especially concerning in a post-pandemic era when socialising primarily through the internet is not only normalised but also, at times, encouraged. The constant exposure to hateful, negative, and outrage-inducing content on social media, as well as some key "role models" taking matters into their own hands and fighting for "justice," is enough to drive most young people to extremism. The Indian Society is collectivistic in nature, and this part of this society tends to seek validation from their actions from others in the same circle. Exploiting this very situation, the terrorist recruitment process is marketed as “an individual risk and sacrifice in service of the promotion of group intentions”. These factors intertwine, creating a fertile ground for radicalization to take root among vulnerable youth in India, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address these underlying issues and prevent the further spread of extremism.

Secondly, the one aspect that cannot be overlooked due to the sheer masses it draws is Religion. The radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir can be associated with the proxy war funded by our not-so-friendly neighbour Pakistan. The extremist groups propagate IS ideology and disseminate the rule of Sharia and Caliphate system, on account of which the local Kashmiri crowd joins these Pakistan-backed terror groups, fighting for the false cause of “Azadi” and other regional issues.

Thirdly, the past few years have seen a resurgence of Hindu nationalism. A popular political party and its parent body have been at the forefront of this resurgence, advocating for a Hindu-centric vision of India and promoting a blend of religious and nationalist ideologies which has played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the country. Rapid social changes, including urbanization and globalization, have left many individuals feeling disconnected from traditional values and cultures. This sense of loss has led to a search for identity and belonging, with Hindu nationalist groups offering a narrative that emphasizes the primacy of Hindu culture and values. Both these factions look to outpower one another, trying to increase their control of the growing youth, which is, in turn, increasing the religious intolerance in the county and the incidents of violence against religious minorities.

Lastly, although education is a factor that does have a bearing on every aspect of life, it does not seem to have much holding on why a person chooses the path of terror. The best exemplification of this can be the mastermind of the 9/11 US terror attacks, who was a surgeon and had seemingly a thriving professional career and yet chose the route of terrorism as the means to all. As per a study, roughly 35 percent of Al-Qaeda members are college-level educated, and more than 45 percent were trained in skilled professions before entering the fold.

 

Radicalisation’s impact on the Indian society is multifaceted and far-reaching, posing significant challenges to the country’s social and cultural fabric. The phenomenon that mushroomed in Jammu and Kashmir from the 1990s and has since advanced to the states of West and South India. Radical ideologies have fueled communal tensions and sectarian violence leading to divisions within communities, exacerbating existing social tensions, polarizing along religious, caste and ethnic lines and hindering cohesive development. These divisions not only hinder social cohesion but also contribute to a breakdown in trust and understanding among different communities. The youth, being the future of the nation, are particularly vulnerable to radical ideologies. It raises concerns about the potential for recruitment into extremist groups which diverts their focus from education and career-building and largely poses a threat to national security and stability. 

It is essential to address the root causes of radicalization, such as political and economic marginalization, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities, to prevent its detrimental effects on Indian society. To mitigate these impacts, a comprehensive approach that combines social, economic, and educational interventions is necessary to counter radicalization trends effectively. By promoting tolerance, inclusive growth, and educational interventions, Indian society can work towards combating the radicalization of its youth and fostering a more harmonious and prosperous future.

 Government initiatives to counter youth radicalization in India have been multifaceted and dynamic. One key program is the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), which aims to enhance coordination among intelligence agencies and law enforcement to prevent radicalization and terrorist activities. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) strategy, focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised individuals through mentoring programs and vocational training.

 The Ministry of Home Affairs has started a “Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation” policy, which helps in building consensus and devising acceptable and peaceful solutions to the violence executed by extremist groups. Though the policy has been implemented in J&K and North Eastern States, it is specifically developed in consideration of the particular geographical and social landscape. For example, there is an imminent need to counter the Naxalites issue. The government provided gainful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to those Naxalites who surrendered so that they would not return to the Naxal movement again. However, a similar policy cannot be implemented in Punjab due to the lack of support that Khalistani Movement derives from the regional population in Punjab.

 The most notable deradicalization project can be said to be the one carried out by the Maharashtra Police under which the team was successful in pulling back 120 youth from the brink of Jihadi recruitment. The project involves the short-term monitoring of individuals suspected of being radicalised on the basis of inputs received from field officers, family, and friends. Similarly, the J&K Police’s “Sahi Raasta” program brings back youth who have been radicalised and inducts them into a 21-day residential program conducted by experts from various fields and senior army officers.

 Furthermore, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) collaborates with various stakeholders to provide skill-building opportunities for at-risk youth, reducing their vulnerability to extremist ideologies. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach that recognizes the importance of addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of radicalization among the youth in India. By integrating security measures with socio-economic development, the government seeks to create a resilient society capable of withstanding the lure of radical ideologies.

 Additionally, radicalization has jeopardized the country's social cohesion and stability, threatening the democratic fabric of India. It is crucial for policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to collaborate in developing comprehensive strategies to counter radicalization and promote tolerance and inclusivity. Addressing the root causes of radicalization, such as socio-economic disparities, political grievances, and lack of education, will be essential in mitigating its adverse effects on Indian society.

Radicalization of youth in India is a multifaceted issue that stems from a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. It is clear that addressing the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty, discrimination, and political disenfranchisement, is crucial in preventing the radicalization of youth in India. Furthermore, efforts to promote tolerance, inclusivity, and critical thinking among young people are essential in fostering a peaceful and harmonious society. It is imperative that policymakers, community leaders, and educators work together to combat the spread of extremist ideologies and engage the youth in constructive and positive activities to prevent their radicalization. By fostering a culture of understanding, dialogue, and respect for diversity, India can work towards building a more resilient and harmonious society that upholds the values of democracy and pluralism

However, until we are self-aware and build a sense of what is right and what is wrong, nothing is bound to change.

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. We are made of our thoughts; we are molded by our thoughts.”