Whenever you have time next, take a walk on yur street and observe the crowd. What do you see a majority of them doing? Apart from the people you may notice talking to themselves while walking; the next set of people you may see will be highly busy on their mobile phones! Try getting their attention, and they'll probably look right through you.

In a small survey conducted among a few college going students who were asked to list out 5 things they cannot imagine their day without, well, it was hardly surprising that cell phones topped their list! Mobiles have become a quintessential part of our daily life. Students claim to feel lost, bored, vulnerable and frustrated when they're without a mobile. But when years ago, people could do without mobile phones, why not now?

Says Shruti Sadani, a college student, "It's not that we can't live without mobile phones. It is just that we have adjusted our lifestyle with it. For our contacts, daily reminders, alarms, entertainment, be it anything, a mobile has all these services in one. It is very handy. So why not just use this technology rather than using 5 other things for different purposes?"

Among the other things that the youth of today can't do without are included their personal computers or laptops. When asked why, this is what student, Puja Sardar exclaimed. "Since I stay in a hostel, other than going out with my friends, my laptop is my only form of entertainment. With my laptop, I can keep myself occupied either by listening to music, or watching movies or playing games. I can't even imagine being without my laptop!"

And of course, the third important thing for the youth was their wallet- with money!! Says Rittika with a slight shudder, "I remember coming to college once without my wallet and I couldn't even pay for the auto. I had to borrow money from a friend for the whole day. I felt so incomplete, as if I was lost somewhere with nothing on me! It's not something I enjoyed! Since then, I've always been careful to check my bag before leaving home."

So as to keep track of how many more minutes a boring class will last, the youth today find their wrist watches to be of extreme important. "I cannot leave home without my wrist watch. I'll lose complete track of time without it! Especially if I'm going out somewhere after college hours, I need to have my watch with me. I'll probably feel lost without that on my hand", says Mishrit Vora, another college student.

And finally, the last winner is...music! Yes, that's right! Today the youngsters cannot imagine living without music and their walkmans or MP3 players or their iPods. Be it during a free hour or while commuting, music is highly essential! This is what college student, Gaurav had to say. "No matter where I go, be it college or outside, I always carry my iPod with me. Music is my only source of entertainment and it helps me relax and calm down. Music is a part of my life!"

Well, mobiles, laptops, money, wristwatches and iPods...these seem to be gaining a lot of significance in the lives of today's youth. And can you blame them? With the latest in technology available and the youth ready to try out anything that comes in the market, it is hardly surprising that these are some of the things that the youth today cannot imagine their life without!

By
Rashmi Kumar