What the youngsters need most today is direction and a clear aim or goal. There are too many distractions, too many opinions pulling them in several, often contrary directions. They need to learn how to sift and navigate through this maze of information and find their goal. Also how to discern and distinguish between what is true and what is false. And all this in a simple comprehensible direct language without too much of complex jargon and philosophical undertones. It should be present in a rational form rather than imposed as a belief system.
In India especially it is necessary to connect with their roots and have a working knowledge of what Sanatana Dharma and its understanding of life is about. The scriptures should be placed in the modern context and effete customs discarded. The existing ones such as holi and deepawali modified to make them more appealing to the growing sense of beauty, good and truth towards which we must move.
There should be an open forum (that is what askalokda is meant to be) where they can ask any question without shame or guilt or fear and apprehension of being misunderstood.
Podcasts is a good idea, appealing to the present generation but lot of planning and funds and, most importantly those who are open to deeper truths and have the capacity to communicate. Digital books are also good, for example a simple well presented short digital version of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as well as other scriptures and writings opening the doors of the future.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
