Politics through the common people

India IS relatively a very young country where a major segment of population is in the age group of 18-45 years. With such a large population of youngsters, isn’t there a need that this young section gets more representation and a more relevant say in the decision-making process of India? Maybe yes, maybe no. Different people, different perspectives. But most people, like me, believe in a balanced amalgamation of the youth and experienced in the political sphere. Many people believe that experience matters the most in decisions regarding national issues. But many disagree. ‘Experience vs energy’ is a much mooted issue. But it all boils down to one notion – whosoever has the right kind of background, money and ‘backing’ will succeed and progress in politics. For common voters, entering politics is a strict ‘no-no’ and they want to continue as mere voters, without efforts to bring about any change. Is this an ideal democracy? What is the reason for such apathy? Dynastic politics, oligarchy, a fear of power or the common notion that instead of you changing the system, the system changes you? Though over the years, many young faces have entered the parliament – Sameer Bhujbal, Nilesh Rane, Milind Deora, Priya Dutt, Varun Gandhi, Jyoti Mirdha, Deependra Hooda – to name a few. But the family profiles of these show a strong political mooring. This virus of political parties, promoting the kith and kin of aged politicians in elections, is epidemic, having a universal effect on all parties – left, right and centre. The irony is that those ‘immune beings’ who rose against this virus of dynastic politics, eventually became the carrier of the same! All this has reduced politics to a kind of ‘family business’ where ‘merit’ is not valued and there are no opportunities for vertical growth. There is a need to arrest this new form of political succession, which is giving rise to a new oligarchy. The fact remains that the common masses do not want to enter the political arena, thus maintaining passive or entirely indifferent. This attitude is upsetting, but true. But strangely, truth is always upsetting. In order to bring about some change, if we want to engage more youth and the masses into political processes, firstly it is necessary to ensure that they are aware of the political processes and secondly, rather than being indifferent, they duly exercise their universal adult franchise. The youth can change this entire system of ‘dirty’ politics but for that they need to be aware and conscious about problems of the country and should be willing to improve it. The Jaago Re campaign of Tata Tea clearly puts across the animosity of people against politics and tries to awaken the youth not only to vote but also to fight against the wrong. We need many more such inspiring campaigns to empower the youth. I hope that the present and the coming generation will be more aware and more responsible towards their country and will rejuvenate the ageing politics.