Friday 13 July, 2007

YOUTH AND POLITICS!!

Each of us discuss about, “Politics” in some way or the other. It’s the hottest topic for both criticism and fun to anyone and everyone. I always wonder thinking (instead being the hottest topic) why politics is not considered as a career? Even my friends when questioned, “Would you like to join politics?” would give a strange glance first as if I’ve asked something out of world and then reply me defining politics as a dirty thing. They have even termed it as Dirty “Poly Tricks”. What could one say back for such a reply? I will say, “Just leave your fate on those whom you elect to decide about you” and sitting in the verandah (As Paresh Rawal says in the movie “NAYAK”) say your wife “Darling see how our country's progress is declining day by day”. Remember all, “One has no right to criticize who doesn’t attend to his responsibility well”.
Though there is no harm criticizing all those selfish politicians who suffer short memory loss (For instance, who forget implementing their promises made at the time of elections and never appear back in their constituencies till a term of five years) but it does really matter if we criticize the entire political system itself. India is a politically rich country where there exist many-a-number of political parties at national, state, regional and sub-regional levels and to my surprise there are political parties based on the name of religion and caste too. Of course, they serve no purpose for what they are built for and even they do not contribute towards the development of a better society and its welfare. All the political parties are blindly after making money whether they are old enough in the number of years or just budding parties. And we the poor citizens due to favoritism (towards the political parties) or due to blind belief on those whom we elect stay calm and patient as our mother Earth does.
This is the sole reason why we are still an under developed nation. Having an ancient cultural heritage and riches, does not fetch any favors in attaining a state of being called a Developed country like America, Japan or what ever. It is pathetic to state but,the partition of India itself was due to the quarrels about conquering the power in politics. Does one have to remind that, Mr. Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Pandit J.L. Nehru had signed the pact of partition just for the sake of the post of Prime Minister? They have not only partitioned the boundaries of the country but also the long lasting fraternal relations that existed between us. It is pathetic to reveal but it is the sole reason behind us losing an eminent leader, our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Till date, we are experiencing threats in the form of wars and terrorism externally and the policy of “Divide and Rule” which is blindly followed by existing politicians today is creating chaos internally which is obvious from partitioning the States into smaller ones. This is hindering the growth of the nation.
Isn’t it we who should stand responsible for all this. Isn’t it our greed for materialistic things which compels us to sell away our valuable vote (which decide the future of the nation) to unsuitable candidates? Even the educated youth acts indifferent at the time of elections. Please do not mistake me but the educated youth would not love taking pain standing in the queue to caste their votes. It does matter to them in any manner because they don’t bother whether their vote is polled by some one else or just gone wasted. Does one have to make you realize that, a “vote” in a Democratic country where the government is of the people, by the people and for the people is really invaluable? (All those who cast their valuable votes like I, please forgive).
Clarence Darrow says, “When I was a boy, I was told that anybody can become a President; I am beginning to believe it”. Isn’t this statement is as clear as a crystal is? In this country any one can become a political leader and decide our fate. But mostly here it follows hereditary system similar to movies. The person mostly eligible for this is either from cinema field, or a rich person, or a person with a criminal background. Do you think that I’ve forgotten the educated youth? No, I found them in a very less number or say educated politicians are just countable on fingers. Because, they don’t like to waste their valuable time thinking about making a career in politics since they are well aware of Henry Ford who says, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” They never show courage to question back even if some thing goes wrong. They do not like to take risk doing so, because what matters to them the most is the self-prosperity. They leave their fate to the leaders to decide for them and simply accept what ever is decided by them. What a pity?
Day by day, people are forgetting the social consciousness and are in such a competitive world where no one has enough time to spare for betterment of society. When an educated youth starts thinking about his/her own self, (whether prosperity o development) then, it is obvious that they all are blindly giving away their lives or future to those whom they elect to represent them. In such criteria, we have no right to criticize and also have no right to rewind the rights facilitated to us by the Indian Constitution.
The House of Commons (Lok Sabha/ State Legislative Assembly) is filled with a great number of unconscious fools chosen by the conscious fools (The people). Don’t question me why I’ve used the word “Fool”. I know very well that you’re all aware that, most of the politicians are illiterates and if they are educated also are still unaware of the Indian Constitution which they amend again and again and to my belief some of they even amend some of the non-amendable articles and classes of the constitution. So, what should be done? What is our responsibility?
There is a popular saying that “As the King, so the people”. If the majority of fools are elected, then they will not only destroy the entire country but also ruin the prosperity of the country. Albert Einstein Says, “A fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.” It is vivid that, if you’re a real friend of the country, who believe in excellence, seeks for it, fight for it, defend it, and try to produce it; then you must also show the courage in attaining it.
Down deep in every human heart is a hidden longing impulse and ambition to do something fine and enduring for the development of his/her own country and if you personally feel that this existing political system has to be changed, then as Mahatma Gandhi says, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Present day politics need Youth to take upon the responsibility. You can count the number on fingers the existing young politicians both at Central and State Levels. As Atlas had shrugged after giving away the world which he used to carry on his shoulders to Hercules, you too take upon the responsibility by joining the politics and start working on the problems. India has infinite number of problems viz., population, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, etc. needs ready solutions and to make it possible the educated youth must choose politics as a career. I believe that, Politics is more powerful than any other system (Except Indian Judiciary). Even an IAS officer obliges to what ever a politician says.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal all those educated youth to join politics and make it as a career only if they are courageous enough to take the responsibility on their shoulders to change the world. I know, there will be a violent opposition from our family and friends and even some mediocre minds, but don’t step back if you’ve decided that you can adjust in politics and build a strong self determination that you can change the world. To my belief, “The talk you hear about adapting to change is not only stupid, it’s dangerous. The only way you can manage change is to create it”. And, if you’re a real friend of your country then step ahead in the direction which makes your country progress. All the best!!

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.)
University of Hyderabad.