Freedom is a sentiment associated with the youth. It is

"Freedom is a sentiment associated with the youth. It is rebellion. It is what you feel at that age, and it is very important." These profound words by Zoya Akhtar capture the essence of a powerful force that burns brightly in the hearts of the young—a force that seeks to break free from the chains of convention, expectation, and tradition. Freedom, in the eyes of the youth, is not merely a political or social concept, but a feeling—a deep, rebellious yearning to express oneself and to forge a path outside the boundaries laid down by society. In the early years of life, freedom is a sentiment that takes shape in the form of rebellion, a rebellion that is not born out of malice, but out of the innocence and courage to question, to challenge, and to redefine the world.

The youth’s desire for freedom is rooted in an innate urge to discover, to understand, and to craft a life that is authentic to their unique spirit. The desire to rebel against the structures that attempt to confine them is a natural part of growth. It is a time of self-realization, when the individual begins to understand their potential and their place in the world. This yearning for freedom is not just about escaping restrictions, but about the pursuit of identity—the quest to understand who they are and who they are meant to be. Freedom, in this light, is not only the act of shaking off oppression, but the creation of a world in which the self can thrive without compromise.

Consider the story of the great Joan of Arc, who, though young, was filled with an undeniable sense of destiny. At the age of 17, Joan led an army to lift the siege of Orléans, defying not only the conventions of her time but also the limitations placed upon women. Her rebellion was not born from the need to oppose authority for the sake of rebellion, but from a deep conviction that her voice, her actions, and her freedom were necessary to fulfill a greater purpose. Joan’s courage to break from the traditional roles expected of her speaks to the heart of youth’s longing for freedom—a freedom not just to exist, but to become.

The rebellion Akhtar speaks of is also seen in the lives of writers and philosophers who, in their youth, rejected the ideas of their elders and sought to create new truths. Socrates, the great philosopher, was no stranger to rebellion. As a young man, he rejected the traditional education of his time, challenging the gods and the norms of his society. He became a voice of freedom, not merely through his words, but through his willingness to question everything. His rebellion was not an act of violence, but an act of seeking a deeper understanding of truth and freedom in the mind and soul. In this sense, youth’s rebellion is a crucial part of human evolution—it is the spark that ignites the flame of progress, of self-determination, and of creativity.

Akhtar’s insight on the importance of youth’s rebellious freedom reminds us that the desires of the young are not merely acts of defiance—they are expressions of potential. To suppress that urge for freedom is to suppress the growth of new ideas, new possibilities, and new worlds. It is in youth’s rebellion that we find the courage to challenge the status quo, to ask difficult questions, and to pave the way for future generations. The freedom to rebel is the freedom to change, to redefine society’s norms, and to make the world a more inclusive and just place for all.

However, it is essential to remember that freedom is not an absolute or chaotic force—it must be tempered with wisdom. The freedom to rebel should be guided by a purpose greater than self-interest. The ancient warriors and philosophers who rebelled did so not only for their personal gain, but for the greater good of the community, the society, and the future. Socrates rebelled against ignorance, and Joan of Arc rebelled for the salvation of her people. Similarly, the rebellious spirit of youth must be nurtured with values, directed towards building and creating, rather than simply tearing down for the sake of destruction.

The lesson here is clear: freedom is essential, especially for the young. But rebellion must be tempered with purpose and wisdom. We must encourage the young to pursue their freedom, to question, to dream, but also to do so with the understanding that true freedom is not the absence of responsibility, but the ability to choose a path that leads to a greater good. The young must be guided, not restricted, so that their rebellion becomes a force for positive change.

In practical terms, this means that we must celebrate the rebellious spirit of youth and provide a space for it to flourish. Encourage the young to question, to explore, and to challenge the norms, but also to think critically and act responsibly. Freedom is the most precious gift we can give, but it is only truly valuable when it leads to the betterment of society and the individual. Let us guide the youth with wisdom, helping them to channel their rebellion into a force for growth, creativity, and progress. For in their freedom lies the potential for a brighter, more dynamic future for us all.