Politics is perhaps the most commonly used word in every sphere of life these days. Now, when independent India has reached the age of 60, why not have a look at the youth and their perception of politics? Independent India has completed a journey of over 60 successful years. During this period, we have witnessed the worst and the best. The changes our country went through have helped it to evolve as a stronger and progressive nation in the world. For our generation, politics as a career comes way down in the career option list. It is no secret that politics is losing its appeal amongst the youth of India.
Reasons are many, like rampant corruption, criminalization of politics, apathy towards people’s needs, lack of accountability and the list goes on. When we have so many other options to explore, why should we dirty our hands in politics?
We put the blame on the government and our elected members whenever we see or feel that our representatives are not doing their job efficiently. But, more than 50 per cent of population does not take part in the political process of our country. Thus we have no right to blame anyone except ourselves. We all feel that the system needs to be changed but we don’t want to take the responsibility on our shoulders. We have potential human resources who can change the scenario, but they choose to go to UK or US for studies and jobs and restrict their lives only to their “secured” jobs and settle there permanently.
The perception of our generation about politics has generally been negative. Though we have few young politicians, they have not been allowed to stretch their wings. The politicians need to open up and promote the young generation in the mainstream politics. It is stereotypical to think that only people with gray hair can become successful politicians. In UK, Tony Blair retires at 58 while in our country the chief posts are mostly occupied by the politicians above 50 years of age. The younger generation does not have any outlet to show their principles of leadership. Now ask the youth of India about the politics and there is the straight rebound question: Who wants to join the politics?
However, is turning away from politics and maintaining a distance form political class really a solution?
Changing dysfunctional behavior is difficult but not impossible. If we as a nation have to move ahead and build the country of our dreams, we have to use politics as a medium to ensure that government remains sensitive and accountable to the people. We come back to the same question. Who will take this country into the era of prosperity, economic growth, sustained development and all round progress?
It will have to be a collective effort. We will have to work together with a common goal in mind. We have come a long way but journey by no means is over. It is important to make this growth sustainable. India has large productive and young population as her asset.
If we truly believe that the future of any country lies in the hands of the youth than we need to take a step forward. Only the youth can change the pace and the course of our nation’s progress and make India a global giant. If we want to see a better India, it is time to take charge. We have to build a foundation now for a prosperous future. Unless youth feel concerned and gets involved in politics at all stages, we cannot expect a nation to grow.
Remember, it is not good for a nation when its citizens only complain and expect someone else to fix their problems.