Somy Ali on Youth's Potential: "The Heartbeat of a Nation," But Their Energy Needs Direction

Mumbai. Former Bollywood actress and dedicated humanitarian Somy Ali believes that the youth are the most powerful force for change, but their energy must be channeled with a clear purpose. In a powerful statement, Somy referred to young people as "the heartbeat of any nation," acknowledging their incredible creativity, courage, and innovative spirit. However, she also offered a word of caution, stressing that this raw energy, without proper direction and guidance, can be easily misdirected.

In an era defined by information overload and the rapid spread of misinformation, Somy highlighted a critical challenge. She asserted that the solution is not to shield young people from information, but to equip them with the skills to question it. "The answer isn’t to shield youth from information — it’s to teach them how to question it," she said. Somy is a strong advocate for making critical thinking a core part of the school curriculum, on par with subjects like math and science. Her personal advice to young people is to always question the source and motive behind the information they consume: "Don’t just read — ask who wrote it, why they wrote it, and who benefits from you believing it." She herself combats misinformation by verifying sources and relying on trusted mentors, always remembering that what is "trending doesn't mean truthful."

When asked about the most important thing Indian youth need, Somy's answer was immediate and profound: empathy. She passionately believes that if a generation can be raised to feel deeply for the struggles of others—be it a domestic violence survivor or an abandoned elderly person—the nation's progress will be measured not just by its GDP, but by its compassion. She suggests that education should go beyond academics to include life skills, community service, and human rights awareness from an early age.

Somy's personal youth icon is Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, whom she admires for her courage and determination to speak out against oppression. For Somy, Malala is a living example of how "even one young voice can echo across the world."

Reflecting on the evolution of India’s youth, Somy noted a significant transformation. She observed that today's young people are bolder and more willing to question authority, mobilize faster, and understand how to be both global citizens and deeply rooted in their culture. She cautioned that the challenge now is to ensure this activism remains informed, inclusive, and sustainable.

Through her non-profit organization No More Tears, Somy continues her humanitarian work, dedicated to building a future for the next generation that is founded on truth, justice, and compassion. "The youth will inherit the world we leave them," she concluded, "but they will also build the one we never imagined possible."