They chase degrees, clear exams, and dream of stable jobs; but the rungs crumble under them. Even graduates are struggling: 50% unemployed, 92% in mismatched roles. And the economy? It’s choosing AI over people, contracts over security. The real crisis isn’t exams or skill gaps; it’s a system designed to push growth without creating dignity. When ASHA workers earn ₹3,000 for life-saving care, and IT firms fire humans for algorithms, we’ve missed the point. GDP isn’t the goal; people are. The ladder must be rebuilt from the bottom up, not just polished at the top. That’s not socialism; that’s survival. Our economy wasn’t built to serve 1.4 billion. It’s time to redesign it; before hope runs out.