Part 1: The Problem – Educated Yet Unemployed India has a youthful population, which means more than 50% of the population is under 30 years of age. Each year, students graduate from universities by the millions with a degree, and they are hopeful about their future. Yet a huge number of these educated youth end up unemployed or underemployed. ‘Educated unemployment’ is no longer just a term; it has become a bitter reality for a generation that was led to believe education would lend them credibility. This crisis of educated unemployment stems from a paradox: while levels of education are rising, the employment opportunities have not kept pace. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has repeatedly said that educated unemployment is highest among graduates. Reports have shown that the average national unemployment rate is around 7-8%. However, if you look at the number of educated youth, it is more than double that, especially for youth between 20 to 29. The situation is even worse in rural areas, where, even for those with professional degrees, the lack of relevant job vacancies and the sheer number of applicants is extremely concerning. One of the major reasons for this is the mismatch between academic qualifications and employable skills. Colleges and universities tend to emphasize theory over practice and an understanding of technical skills that students need today to be successful in the workforce. Many graduates, especially those from the arts, commerce, and even some engineering programs, find they cannot join the workforce because they do not feel ready. Employers state, fresh graduates do not know how to effectively communicate, solve problems, and often do not know how to even use technology. In today’s job market, many institutions have outdated curricula. The job market has changed significantly with the introduction of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Cyber Security. Conversely, most colleges are still teaching outdated programming languages, outdated management practices, and irrelevant case studies. For graduates to succeed, the significance of these differences means that a degree will have little impact. India also suffers from a quantity-over-quality problem. The rapid rise of private colleges and universities has led to a dilution in the standard of education. In their rush to cash in on the growing demand, many institutions compromise on infrastructure, faculty quality, and placement support. Students graduate without adequate exposure to industry standards, internships, or project-based learning. This results in a scenario where degrees become a formality rather than a true measure of competency. A cultural and systemic issue that adds to the problem is the overdependence on government jobs. Government positions are still seen as the most secure and prestigious form of employment. As a result, lakhs of graduates spend years preparing for competitive exams with no guarantee of success. The demand far outstrips the supply, leading to intense competition and widespread frustration. For example, a single clerical government job often sees more than 50,000 applicants, many of them postgraduates and even PhD holders. The urban-rural divide further widens the employment gap. Students from rural backgrounds, despite being qualified, often lack access to digital tools, career guidance, and exposure to English or industry-standard training. They are at a disadvantage when competing for jobs with their urban counterparts who benefit from better coaching, networking, and internship opportunities. Another disturbing trend is the rise in underemployment. Many educated youth are forced to take up jobs that do not match their qualifications or pay scales. A mechanical engineer working in a call center, or a commerce graduate doing data entry work, is not an uncommon sight. Such employment may reduce the unemployment figures on paper, but it fails to provide dignity, satisfaction, or professional growth to individuals. The problem also has a psychological and emotional dimension. Young people who invest years in education, often at great financial cost, find themselves without a return on their investment. This leads to anxiety, loss of self-confidence, depression, and even a sense of failure. Families also feel the burden, having spent their savings with the expectation of a better future. Societal pressure adds to the weight, as unemployed graduates face constant questioning and judgment. Adding to the chaos is the lack of career counselling and informed decision-making. Many students choose courses based on parental pressure or popular trends without understanding the scope or their aptitude. As a result, we have a flood of graduates in oversaturated fields like engineering or B.Com, with very few pursuing niche or emerging sectors like environmental science, ethical hacking, or design thinking. Lastly, the lack of industry-academia collaboration means that students are unaware of the real-world expectations. Unlike countries where companies regularly interact with colleges through internships, lectures, and sponsored projects, India’s academic system remains largely isolated. The gap between classroom learning and workplace demands continues to widen. In conclusion, the problem of unemployment among educated youth is a ticking time bomb. It is not just an economic issue but a social and emotional one that affects millions of families. If left unaddressed, it can lead to widespread disillusionment, brain drain, and a generation that loses faith in the very system meant to empower them. The second part of this article will explore the possible solutions and policy reforms that can help reverse this trend and truly empower India’s youth. KEEP READING FORAMZ FOR MORE UPDATES
Written by Ananya
As the labels blend and blur, Gen Z is reshaping intimacy — and that evolution is situationships, the ideal middle-ground between casual hook-up and serious relationship. Situationships, happen out of a perfect storm of emotional caution and hyper-digitized abundance, are the embodiment of freedom, flexibility and a fierce commitment to personal growth. When the culture is swiping, it makes for endless possibilities. Age-negative dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are creating a “paradox of choice,” to make dating deeply committed feel, uh, a bit… premature. When you combine pandemic-related anxiety (with 47% of Gen Z admitting to increased social anxiety and hesitation) or financial instability (thanks inflation!) or still-delayed major life events (such as moving out, graduation, job hunting, buying a car) into the modern dating mix, you have perfection—the default mode for dating becomes prolonged romantic ties with no defined end point, and no final outcomes. In this middle-ground romance, intimacy grows without the treadmill of payors-chasing-us. It is about emotional closeness, private texts, midnight confessions—and zero-pre-wedding-daydreaming. A 2022 Tinder study showed that 49% of dating app users ages 18 to 25 are sporting situationship status as their pride in relationship status. Sane smirks: “So, what happened to Hollywood-style romance?” This is the twist: Gen Z wants love… just on their own terms. They have made it clear that aren’t for “the sake of commitment,” but that they want the freedom to agency, authenticity, which flies in the face of social pressure to conform. “These gray area relationships are still laden with emotional baggage. Uncertainty, unequal levels of jealousy, and mismatched expectations drove 75% of Gen Z to experience emotional pain as cut through as traditional relationships. However, for those who value independence versus entanglement, the emotional gain can render the emotional risk worthwhile. Keep an eye out for Part II to dive deeper into the values, fears and digital drivers influencing the shift.” for more social issues keep reading foramz.com
Written by genelia
Social media has become a crucial part of our everyday lives in the current technological age. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter (X), and Snapchat have brought about a monumental shift in how we relate to, interact with, and ‘voice’ ourselves. Yet, while claiming to provide a means of connection, social media often disguises the increasingly significant problems they cause our relationships with other people in real time. From disrupting and deteriorating face-to-face relationships to increasing mental illness and warped societal attitudes, the changes are profound and wide-ranging. This article discusses the major issues that social media has caused in our relationships with people, specifically: trust, emotional intimacy, and social behaviour. Social media promotes quantity rather than quality. It’s not uncommon to have hundreds or thousands of friends or followers, but how many of those are close relationships? These online ties tend to be superficial, sustained by likes, comments, or memes, and not by meaningful conversations. This facade of familiarity creates a false feeling of belonging. Psychologists are adamant that relying entirely on direct contact for support may be even lonelier than when a person has no support at all, especially during personal crises when real support is valuable. Though this is not an unusual occurrence, there is a tendency for frequent use of these apps that provide the option to view images, videos, and communicate with others to contribute to misinterpretation and eventually jealousy in dating relationships. For example, when a person in a dating relationship likes, follows, or comments on another person’s post, it can generate feelings of insecurity and skepticism in their dating partner, regardless of there being no actual cheating. A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that 1 in 3 couples reported that they had fought about something one of them did or saw on social media. With time, this may erode trust, create the impulse to surveil (read partner’s messages or followers), and create emotional distance. The design of social media may be inherently addictive (push alerts, endless scroll, likes, etc.) and can lead to individuals spending hours staring at their phones and making it all too easy to forget the correlations of reality. The cost of this screen time: dinner conversations ignored, partners left out during crucial conversations, or parents missing from family time. A 2024 American Psychological Association survey discovered that 68% of individuals had previously had an experience over the past week when they had felt snubbed by another person who was using a phone while they were conversing . Such “phubbing” (phone-snubbing) behaviors can threaten trust, affection, and intimacy in personal relations. The second issue that has arisen as a result of social media is a comparison culture. People tend to only share their best selves online, such as their best times, vacations, and accomplishments, and they hide their struggles. For the viewer, it creates an unrealistic world that leads to feelings of envy, inadequacy, and anxiety. When people feel like they’re “not good enough” when comparing themselves to others, it not only fundamentally undermines their mental health but often becomes a threat to their relationships. Low self-esteem can develop into emotional dependency, withdrawal, or even defensiveness toward a loved one. Social media is not always a secure environment. Toxicity, online bullying, and cyberbullying have increased disproportionately, primarily among teenagers and young adults. Their emotional scars of online abuse often spill over into offline relationships as they withdraw or become fiercely defensive. An estimated 37% or more of adolescents in 2022 reported being bullied online, with long-term effects on their trust and communication styles offline. Constant access to everyone’s social life—parties, vacations, achievements—can create FOMO, as people begin to feel left out or isolated. This can make people overdo themselves socially, sideline genuine relationships for the sake of “being seen,” or even doubt the quality of existing friendships. This, in turn, hurts relationship satisfaction and breeds social anxiety. A Complex Web of Challenges Whereas social media has been designed to unite people, it ironically tends to cause more emotional detachment in most real-life relationships. Issues vary from compromised communication to emotional insecurity and lack of trust. The cyber world can never be able to offer the depth and touch of human presence. As we keep advancing in this digital era, recognizing these issues is the starting point for reclaiming the power of our real-life connections. KEEP READING FORAMZ FOR MORE UPDATES
Written by Ananya
Social media is a mirror in today’s digital world, but it is a mirror that never accurately represents our true reflections; it always represents a filtered, edited, and curated version of life. For Generation Z (1995 – 2010), however, this mirror is nearly impossible to avoid. Social media is a part of everyday life, from taking Instagram selfies and TikTok dances to Snapchat streaks and aesthetic boards on Pinterest. But in the middle of all of the likes, followers, and hashtags is the growing concern of the pressure to be perfect, and how that pressure negatively influences self-esteem. For many Gen Zers, social media is more than just a form of screen time; it’s a lifestyle. Research tells us that teens and young adults average three to six hours a day scrolling their platforms of choice. Entertainment, connection, and creativity are just a few of the beneficial aspects of social media, but they also include an intense sense of comparison. The cycle starts innocently: you post a photo, wait patiently for likes to come in, and get flooded with that feel-good rush as the hearts come rolling in. In no time, you start to wonder why there are so many others with clearer skin, better fashion sense, or more interesting lives, or bigger circles of other fun people. It’s crazy! Logically, we know that all of those images are filtered, curated, posed, or crafted, but we can’t help the compulsion to compare. These constant comparisons lead to feeling inadequate: “Why isn’t my life as cool?” or “Why don’t I look like that?”. Little by little, these thoughts strip away at our self-esteem, especially when we are still figuring out who we are. Social media’s greatest detractor is that it depicts little of reality. Social media’s dark secret is that the people we follow typically only post their best experiences, the amazing vacations, the perfect selfies, and the beloved celebrations. As a result, we are left with this social media highlight reel that glosses over the messy, mediocre, boring, and mundane. Consequently, scrolling through hundreds of highlight reels each day can lead to the perception that everyone else is doing better than us. This can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a skewed sense of self-worth. Gen Z is accustomed to this kind of pressure because social media has been prevalent in their lives since they were toddlers. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that Gen Z participants experience the highest levels of stress compared to previous generations, with social media contributing much to the angst. A lot of teens feel they have to perform look perfect, act cool, be on-trend just to stay META! Technology has made changing your appearance only with a few taps to the screen, easier than ever filters can slim down your face, whiten your eyes, and smooth out your skin. Editing apps can transform your photos within seconds to help you look like a model. Some people just enjoy playing around with these tools, while others feel compelled to utilize them just to feel “good enough” to share a post. This creates a toxic cycle of insecurity. You might share an edited photo, receive some compliments, and briefly feel good. However, when you look in the mirror, you feel disappointed, not meeting the transformative “you” that you created online. What can be done? To begin with, it’s worth remembering that social media is not reality. Behind each perfect post is someone with just as many struggles, insecurities, and bad days as you have. Unfollowing accounts that make you feel awful about yourself, stepping away from social media, or setting screen-time limits are all great ways to help protect your mental health. Following influencers who embody body positivity, mental health awareness, and being yourself is helpful too. There are more and more Gen Z influencers who are vocal about the negatives of filters and the importance of showing up as your true self. These are all great steps in changing social media culture. Speaking to friends, family, or even a counselor about your feelings can be hugely beneficial too. You are definitely not alone in feeling the pressure, and it is completely okay to ask for help. Perfection is a myth and not the goal. What matters is finding yourself, and realizing that everyone has flaws even those who look perfect on social media. Gen Z has the chance to change how social media is used and can do so by being honest, supportive, and kind. In the end, you are not defined by the number of likes, or followers, or filters that you have. You are defined by how you respect yourself, and how you respect others. Social media can be a fun tool, just don’t let it define your self-worth. You are enough. Keep reading foramz
Written by Ananya
In many parts of India, May has signified the peak of summer with extreme heat, dry weather, and anticipation for the soon-to-come monsoon in June. This year, however, dramatic events in May have become a peculiarly ubiquitous occurrence; across parts of northern and central India, there were episodes of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with resultant damage to crops and flooding on road and street surfaces and disruptive events in people’s livelihoods. Such events might read, feel, and sound like freak events; however, they appear to be increasingly common. They reflect climate change effects on already precarious environments and communities, and the disproportionate impacts this has on vulnerable individuals and communities. In recent days, cases of erratic weather patterns have been on the rise in India. Farmers expect to be protecting their rabi harvest with rains and thunderstorms this May, when preparing to sow the next season. Instead, fields in a host of states, from Uttar Pradesh mangoes and Madhya Pradesh wheat to a host of vegetables in Maharashtra, faced damage from hail and flooding. These weather anomalies are not outliers, but rather are consistent with a larger emergence of erratic climate behaviours globally, indicative of the localized consequences of global warming. Climate scientists are pointing out that the impact of rising global temperatures particularly disrupts global weather cycles. With the subtle monsoons of the Indian subcontinent, warming oceans, and shifting jet streams, rainfall fronts can appear earlier or later than expected and in extremes more intense than the systems can manage. These emergent storms and weather events are more than mere meteorological aberrations; they are indicators of a climate crisis that worsens each year. While the climate crisis is universal, it does not hit everyone the same. In India, it disproportionately weighs on the poor, smallholder farmers, especially daily wage earners, and informal workers. For them, unseasonal rains are not merely an inconvenience; they are life-threatening events.The very communities that emit the least to the global total, who lead low-carbon lives out of necessity, rather than preference, suffer most from its impact. This is what makes climate change not simply an environmental crisis, but a staggering issue of social and economic injustice. India has instituted multiple schemes to assist the climate-affected population, ranging from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for employment. However, there are gaps in coverage, uneven implementation, and delays are frequent. These nets are often inadequate in the face of furiously changing climate conditions. For instance, even when there is insurance access, small-scale farmers have a difficult time navigating the claim processes, and payouts do not capture the holistic losses. The informal workforce, who form over 90% of India’s working populace, is virtually devoid of any income protection due to weather extremes.On top of that, urban infrastructure continues to be poorly designed for unplanned heavy storms. The combination of lacking drainage systems, flimsy houses, and poorly controlled expansion results in cities facing catastrophic challenges even with moderate unseasonal rainfall. Addressing the unseasonal rainfall impacts is more than providing relief; it requires deep restructuring of climate resilience strategies around justice and equity. This involves: Developing more accurate forecasting models and quicker compensation mechanisms to better assist farmers, alongside investing in climate-resilient crops. Safeguarding informal and migrant workers, allowing uninterrupted access to income in the event of climate disruption, is also crucial. Focusing on improving urban slum areas and incorporating flood-proof infrastructure must be done to strengthen overall urban resilience. Incorporating climate-related plans developed by grassroots movements and indigenous people’s communities recognizes local knowledge. In every instance at hand, understanding that climate change is an ongoing challenge, rather than something to plan for the future, is crucial. Impacted people should not feel left behind while dealing with untackled challenging climate priorities. While May should be the month for the summer season in India, it now has a place on the calendar reserved for unseasonal rains and heavy downpours. Each unseasonal rain comes as a reminder that climate change is not just a concern for the future, but rather something affecting human life in real time. Through summer, the rivers on the subcontinent see blazing heat, and during monsoons, all the blessings of water are poured on them. Keep reading foramz
Written by genelia
Divorce is never easy. It is the painful unraveling of a relationship that once promised love, companionship, and a future together. Yet, in recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing rise in divorces fueled not just by broken relationships, but by battles over alimony — the financial support one spouse demands from the other after separation. What was once a mechanism to support a struggling partner has, in many cases, turned into a weapon of prolonged legal and emotional warfare. The Emotional Toll Behind the Legal Battles Behind every divorce, there’s a deeply emotional story of broken dreams, trust shattered, and families torn apart. When alimony becomes the center of the conflict, it often extends the pain far beyond the separation. Instead of healing and moving forward, couples are entangled in bitter disputes over money, sometimes dragging on for years. These conflicts drain emotional energy and sometimes deepen the wounds caused by the breakup. It is important to remember that alimony was originally intended as a safety net to ensure that the spouse who might be financially weaker is not left destitute. However, as the number of such cases rises, so does public debate about misuse and manipulation of the law for personal gain. High-Profile Cases Shining a Spotlight Two recent cases have sparked national conversations and stirred public emotions: the Yuzvendra Dhanshree divorce alimony case and the Atul Subhash alimony case. Both highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding alimony battles in modern India. Yuzvendra Dhanshree Divorce Alimony Case Yuzvendra Dhanshree, a prominent businessman from Mumbai, filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage. The split was amicable, but tensions quickly escalated when his wife demanded a staggering monthly alimony of ₹5 lakhs (500,000 INR). Dhanshree claimed this amount was unreasonable, especially since his wife had a thriving boutique business earning a steady income of approximately ₹3 lakhs per month. This case caught public attention not just because of the sums involved, but also due to the emotional testimonies on both sides. Yuzvendra spoke of his efforts to support the family during their marriage and felt betrayed by the escalating financial demands. Meanwhile, his wife expressed concern about losing financial security, especially as she was still adjusting to a new life without the stability of marriage. The ongoing court battles have delayed the closure both parties desperately need, showing how alimony disputes can prolong the pain of separation. Atul Subhash Alimony Case Another striking case is Atul Subhash, a middle-class software engineer from Pune. Atul’s divorce and alimony dispute became a media talking point because it revealed how even ordinary people are caught in this spiraling conflict. Atul’s ex-wife demanded a lump sum alimony of ₹30 lakhs (3 million INR), arguing that she sacrificed her career for the family’s welfare. Atul, on the other hand, argued that while he respected her sacrifices, the demands were unrealistic given his salary of ₹80,000 per month and obligations to their children. This case illustrated the emotional struggle of many men and women caught between societal expectations, financial realities, and legal battles. For Atul, the fight was not just about money — it was about dignity, fairness, and the hope for a peaceful future. Why Are Alimony Battles Increasing? Several factors contribute to this trend: Changing Social Norms: As more women become financially independent, traditional expectations of marriage and support are evolving. However, many still expect alimony to maintain a certain lifestyle post-divorce, which sometimes leads to disputes. Legal Awareness: Increased awareness about legal rights means more people are demanding what they believe is fair, leading to more litigation. Economic Pressures: The rising cost of living and financial uncertainties put additional strain on separated couples, making alimony negotiations more contentious. Misuse of Laws: Unfortunately, some cases reveal the exploitation of alimony laws, with demands made more as a strategy to hurt the other spouse rather than out of genuine need. The Human Cost Behind every case is a human story. Divorces fought over alimony are often a tragic reminder that financial security is tied deeply to emotional well-being. Many spouses, both men and women, suffer in silence, facing humiliation, financial hardship, and mental stress. The children, too, are innocent bystanders in these battles. They often witness their parents’ pain and legal struggles, which can affect their emotional development and sense of security. When Should Alimony Be Demanded? The rise in alimony battles raises an important question: If a partner is financially independent and earning well, should there be a demand for alimony? Here are some suggestions based on social and legal perspectives: Assess Financial Dependency Fairly: Alimony’s original purpose is to support the financially weaker spouse. If the partner requesting alimony has a stable income that covers their living expenses comfortably, demanding large alimony may not be justified. Lifestyle Considerations: Courts often consider the lifestyle the couple enjoyed during marriage. If both partners have independent incomes, the need for alimony should reflect a fair adjustment rather than an attempt to maintain a lavish lifestyle at the other’s expense. Focus on Children’s Welfare: If children are involved, alimony or child support should prioritize their needs and well-being above all else. Encourage Amicable Settlements: Financial disputes are less painful when partners agree on fair terms outside court. Mediation and counseling can help in such negotiations. Legal Reform and Clear Guidelines: There is a growing demand for clearer legal frameworks that define alimony based on income, financial needs, and the partner’s ability to support themselves, to avoid prolonged and expensive court battles. The Human CostBehind every case is a human story. Divorces fought over alimony are often a tragic reminder that financial security is tied deeply to emotional well-being. Many spouses, both men and women, suffer in silence, facing humiliation, financial hardship, and mental stress.The children, too, are innocent bystanders in these battles. They often witness their parents’ pain and legal struggles, which can affect their emotional development and sense of security. Finding a Way Forward The rise in divorces for alimony battles calls for a