I read a recent article in India Today about how young people in India are redefining success — prioritising mental health, balance and dignity over blind hustle.

From what I see, it’s true.

This generation is more aware. More willing to walk away from toxic environments. Less ready to sacrifice life for a title.

That’s real progress.

But I also see something else.

A search for meaning.

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Money is not the magnet

If it were, we wouldn’t see so many young people:

travelling light, experimenting with unconventional paths, starting small passion ventures, trying creator or independent careers.

They want experience. Freedom. Identity.

They want to feel alive.

And yet, after some time, a deeper question shows up.

What is all this for?

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A mentor once asked me

Nearly twenty years ago, someone asked me:

What keeps you ticking?

I didn’t have an answer.

But that question became a compass. It pushed me to connect my work to something larger than myself.

I was uncertain many times.

But rarely empty.

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My worry

Today it is easy to drift.

Too much noise. Too many comparisons. Too many temporary definitions of success.

Without anchors, exploration can become confusion. And confusion, over time, becomes disillusionment.

But builders, innovators, institution-makers — they usually come from belief and direction, not from detachment.

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Maybe mentorship today means this

Not just telling young people what they can become.

But helping them discover why they should become it.

Because purpose changes stamina. Purpose changes resilience. Purpose is fuel.

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I remain hopeful.

This generation is courageous enough to reject hollow success.

If that courage meets clarity, the impact will be extraordinary.

And perhaps it begins with a simple question.

What keeps you ticking?