Culture is a framework of the society which provides certain behavioural patterns and values to the people. It actually serves as a foundation, according to which the people of the society should behave and act in order to pursue the functioning of the same. That is why a culture is ought to be fully developed, rational, wise and civilised so that the people of the society act in the same way for a healthy functioning of it. But in these past few years we are witnessing a drastic change in the way the culture of the nation is being perceived and implemented. And the major credit for those drastic changes goes to the adoption of ‘westernization’ in the present living. People are tending to adopt westernized ways of behaviour, attitude, thinking, acting and socializing. And off course the most influenced group or category among the society are the; “Youngsters”. Youngsters are very much influenced with the westernized patterns and they have adopted few western patterns in their life in such a way that they are themselves, spoiling their lives without being aware of it. There is no harm in adoption of western culture but any implementation should be done with a proper and sound knowledge and awareness. Half baked knowledge and awareness are always hazardous. Youngsters of today are so much moved by the western patterns that they do not even feel any need to look into the aesthetic value of their own Indian culture. Indian culture is so rich in values and morality that if one follows it with true heart one doesn’t need to ask for anything else in order to follow a good life. Following the western culture is now a status symbol or a fashion among the youngsters. Today, right from your attire to your thinking and actions, all should reflect a westernised approach if you want to be a part of young generation of the society. Drinking alcohol, smoking, night outs, drugs intake, late night parties, group sex parties, visits in pubs, rash driving these all are few new patterns of the so called newly emerged “Cool-Culture” among the youngsters. These all above acts are supposed to be ‘cool’ according to the youngsters and this ‘cool’ word denotes to the compulsory conditions to become a part of youngsters today. Youngsters have developed this new trend or culture for themselves which is quite compulsory to follow, if they wish to be called the Young blood of the westernised society. And this kind of culture is easily being seen among the highly educated and well established families. Where the parents are too much social and working their children seem to be indulged in this cool-culture to a major extent. Children of middle class families also seem to be involved in such acts due to over protection, excitement, curiosity, peer pressure and fear of lacking behind in the society. Few prime factors of this cool culture that are very much famous and into trend these days, among the youngsters is the intake of alcohol, drugs and smoking. Intake of Alcohol, smoking, drugs is a kind of addiction which seems fanciful initially but almost introduces with death at a later stage. But youngsters perceive it as a status symbol and also a sign of being grown up. Today, though youngsters of all age group are following this alcohol and smoking habits but the most curious and excited age group which is spelled by the fascination these; is the age group of sixteen years youngsters. However, many cases have been noticed where children of very young age such as 10 and 12 years start smoking and drinking of alcohol. Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, are central cities where youngsters begin with smoking and intake of alcohol at very young age. Because the life style of such cities is very much advanced and westernized. The main reason behind the increase in this cool culture is the mentality which perceives western culture as the best and the only culture which makes one; advanced, sophisticated and modernized. That is why while simply ignoring the damage of it youngsters follow this cool culture. Another reason for this increase is that, at the younger age a child is not enough mature to think over the pros and cons and simply look forward to the fascinated side of these acts. There is a huge curiosity among them to try out that everything which their elders do and behave. They want to experiment the new trends and the things which they are supposed to do at their adulthood. There is a lack of patience as well. Youngsters of today are very much impatient. They want to be adult very soon. They do not understand the value of time and growth. They feel being called as adolescent and young is like a stigma. Youngsters of today are seeing only one dazzling side of these acts and simply ignorant of the disastrous harms, they can do to their lives. Parental guidance, counselling at schools and homes, open communication, understanding, strict law rules, and personal efforts are the only solutions to face these problems.
