UPSC Essays Simplified: ‘If youth knew, if age could’ — How to balance idealism with realism in an abstract previous year essay topic

How do you write an introduction that stands out, a body that keeps the reader engaged, and a conclusion that reflects vision and optimism? How do you ensure smooth transitions between different parts of the essay without losing the core message?

Today, we will take up one such topic from previous year UPSC Main Examination (2002). The approach used in the model essay by our expert can be applied to other essays of a similar nature as well.

If youth knew, if age could

By Pranay Aggarwal

There is a tragicomic irony to life: When we are young, we brim with energy but lack wisdom; When we are old, we possess insight but are constrained by the debilitating afflictions of body and mind. But, instead of lament the gap between two of life’s most potent forces – vitality and wisdom; what if we could bridge it?

Youth is the season of dreams, rebellion, and endless possibilities. It is when one dares to defy odds and dream of building new worlds. Young people prefer not to wait for permission; they act. The youth create start-ups in garages, lead climate protests, volunteer in remote villages, and challenge orthodoxies. But in this very restlessness lies a blind spot – lack of experience. How many dreams collapse under the weight of uncalculated risks? How many youthful missteps could be avoided with the right guidance?

If youth is fire, age is light. The elderly possess a wealth of experience, forged in the crucible of failures and successes, heartbreaks and comebacks. They understand nuance and the inevitability of failure. The Indian tradition and Hindu lawgivers have emphasized the role of elders in preserving social order. Even today, it is the aged who often counsel patience, advocate compromise, and remind us that life is not a sprint but a marathon.

(FYI: What stands out about this introduction for a UPSC essay?

A thought-provoking opening. An abstract topic needs an opening that is engaging right from the beginning. The use of the ‘tragicomic irony of life’ immediately hooks the reader. The introduction acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both youth and age. This logical, balanced approach is expected in UPSC essays and is often rewarding.

Also, a smooth transition within the introduction is as important as in the entire essay. From problems to the qualities of youth, and then to age – the introduction briefs the essay’s intent, promising a clear structure and flow right from the beginning. The cherry on the cake is the effective use of metaphors and culture that make the essay stand out.

Aspirants will note that there is a reflective question in the introduction, “what if we could bridge it?” This line is an important tool to engage the examiner and makes her curious to read further. What is striking is that it suggests the essay will explore ideas. Now, let’s see what goes in the body of the essay. )

When Generations Don’t Talk

Yet, how often do we see these two forces working at cross purposes? The young rue elders for being ‘outdated’, while the old dismiss the young as ‘naïve’. I remember once ignoring my grandfather’s advice during a college project. He warned me about stretching too thin. I, in my enthusiasm, brushed it off. A week later, overwhelmed and behind schedule, I realized the wisdom in his quiet counsel. Perhaps, it is the nature of youth – to learn only after stumbling?

Unbridled youth can burn the house down. But disconnected elders can freeze progress, too. We see this globally – youth movements turning aggressive when not heard, and senior leadership failing to grasp digital revolutions.

When Old and Young Walk Together

History teaches us the power of inter-generational synergy. During India’s freedom struggle, we saw the elderly Gandhi guiding a youthful Nehru. One brought moral clarity, the other brought political imagination. In governance, even today, young civil servants are shaped by seasoned mentors, ensuring continuity and innovation coexist. Be it in family or in educational institutions or in politics, the elderly must allow and enable the youth to flourish; while the young must continuously and actively seek the timeless counsel of the elderly.  Even in India’s start-up ecosystem, the most successful ventures blend youthful founders with wise investors or advisors. Yuva Shakti must flourish with the invaluable Margdarshan provided by the elderly.

Here is a quick story. During an internship at a policy think tank, a young intern came up with a pretty radical idea to reform rural employment schemes. A senior analyst listened, smiled, and then gently explained how a similar proposal had failed before because of local resistance. Instead of shutting the idea down, they worked together to refine it. That senior analyst’s experience didn’t crush the intern’s idealism—it actually shaped it. That moment taught the intern something important: wisdom and energy aren’t rivals; they’re partners.

The real task is to institutionalize this wisdom-energy fusion. Families, schools, public service, and civil society must be designed (or redesigned?) as intergenerational spaces. Can we create mentorship programs where retired professionals guide college students? Can Panchayats include youth representatives alongside experienced elders? Institutions must become bridges, not barriers.

The Indic tradition offers a template – at least a model worth trying, if not a sure shot answer. The Guru-Shishya parampara was not just about passing on knowledge; it is a sacred transmission of wisdom from the experienced to the eager. More than just a mode of education, it is a way of life where the Guru imparts not only knowledge but also values, discipline, and key life lessons. Rooted in mutual trust, reverence, and lifelong learning; it embodies the personal, spiritual and intellectual bond between teacher and disciple. The holiest of the sacred Hindu texts – the Bhagavad Gita, itself is a conversation between a confused Arjuna and a wise Krishna – youth guided by eternal wisdom. Dharma, or righteous action, is best learned when wisdom speaks and youth listens.

( FYI: How is the body of the essay engaging for a UPSC examiner?

An impressive body of the essay must demonstrate maturity, depth, and structure. There should be no attempt to oversimplify. The body avoids one-sidedness and presents both sides clearly. Lucidity is a must, as needed. In such a topic, remaining optimistic and respectful is important. Examples and anecdotes are not just fillers; they are illustrations that make essays memorable and create credibility. Note that formal discussion is mixed with storytelling. Connecting ideas with culture, history, and current scenarios makes the essay relevant to the Indian perspective. After all, you are aiming to serve India. A solution-oriented approach is important because, as a civil servant, UPSC expects you to be both a problem identifier and a problem solver. This should be reflected in the body of the essay as well. Appreciate the intergenerational cooperation along with other progressive elements discussed, rather than just focusing on problems. Remember, engagement is the key. Therefore, storytelling elements help keep the essay lively.)

A Vision for India

Call it destiny or demographic accident, India is poised to benefit from the synergy of youth and age.

With a median age of 28.4 years, India at present is a youthful nation. To put things in perspective, the median age is around 37 years in China and in USA, 45 years in Western Europe, and 49 years in Japan. Our large young population endows us with an energetic workforce and a huge domestic market.  India will have more than a billion working-age people by 2030, which will spur economic output and drive consumption. While India boasts of a large and young population, we are also witnessing a surge in the numbers of senior citizens. The 60 years+ aged population is expected to double, from the current around 10% of the population to over 20% by mid-century.

As India enters the Amrit Kaal, we must harness both youth and age to build Shreshtha Bharat. Political consensus, a vibrant civil society, and strong democratic traditions already lay a sound foundation. What we need is a people’s movement that channels the dreams of the young and the discernment of the old into national transformation.

If youth knew and age could, the world would be perfect. If it is anything less than that, together, We – the young and the old, can strive for it. Let young hearts seek counsel, and let old minds stay open. Let the fire of youth be lit by the lamp of wisdom. For when energy meets experience; nations rise, aspirations awaken, and civilizations thrive.

(FYI: What makes this conclusion impactful in your UPSC essay paper?

A conclusion like this demonstrates vision and optimism, and it connects the theme with values. It must be noted that the conclusion is not merely a summary. In fact, it motivates and mobilizes, maintaining an engaging, active, and mature tone. While data adds credibility, it is the solid interpretation that truly adds value. Also, there is no attempt to overload the conclusion with poetic language or philosophical quotes; the use is just enough to remain impactful. What makes the ending smooth is the natural closure, not a hurried one.)

About our Expert: Pranay Aggarwal is an educator and mentor for aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam. With more than 10 years of experience guiding civil service aspirants, he is acknowledged as an expert on civil service exam preparation, especially on subjects like Social Issues and Sociology. He is the India representative on the Research Committee on Education, Religion and Political Sociology for UNESCO’s International Sociological Association and a committee member of Indian Sociological Society and its committee on social movements. He is also the Convenor of Indian Civil Services Association, a think tank of senior bureaucrats.