Why not the Youth?

 Politics is perhaps the most commonly used word in every sphere of life these days. Now, when independent India has reached the age of 63, why not we look at the youth and their perception of politics? For our generation, politics as a career comes way down in the career option list or maybe does not even feature in the list. It is no secret that politics is losing its appeal amongst the youth of India.

“Youth in politics” has always been touted as the perfect solution to cure all the ills of the Indian political system. A number of debates, especially which involve the ‘younger’ crowd, will frequently propose the idea of “youth in politics” as the perfect solution to everything that is going wrong in the system. Have more young people as MPs, MLAs and miscellaneous other elected representatives and that will end corruption! At least, this is what is widely believed. In addition, there is a widespread dislike towards the older set of politicians, admittedly with valid reasons.

But it is important to think, and have a careful look at this proposal. Can a greater participation of youth in politics be sufficient to bring about the change that we all are eagerly awaiting? In my opinion, it is not applicable to equate the “young” with “better” in politics. To be honest this very much sounds like, ‘Why don’t we hang kasab, when we know that he is guilty’ or ‘let’s launch an attack on the neighbouring country and finish them off’

Democracy is ‘the’ word for our political system. But it doesn’t seem so! Is it democracy that a young nation where a majority of population is below 40 years and elects someone above 50 to the parliament? Are we really satisfied with the way our country is being governed? Should it not bother us that at the age people generally take retirement and rest, our politicians actually become eligible to be at the helm of affairs? Why is it so that people below 50 years are considered as political ‘kids’? 

How do you define young? The law permits voting rights at 18 years of age, but to contest an election to become an MP in Lok Sabha has to wait another 7 years, that is, till 25 years of age. This is young enough by any standard. SO what is preventing 25 year olds from contesting elections in greater numbers? If someone really wants to join politics to serve people, then he or she is not likely to be swayed by small problems. Probably, the priorities of young itself has changed. We want the good things in life right now, not the eternal hard work and hurly-burly of active politics.

 If one looks at the statistical details closely, some facts may come as a surprise. Most people are likely to believe that the average age of our national parliament would be in the higher regions of 60, though actually, it is not so. The average age of MPs in the present Lok Sabha is around 55 years, which is the age group of the maximum number of MPs. This should be seen with the fact that most of the MPs have had a fair stint in state politics, and a number of them had started as “young” MLAs in state legislatures.


Facts reveal the average age of parliamentarians in other countries as follows:
 UK-51 years
Japan-53 years
Also, the so called powerful nation of the world USA- 60 years. Is that youth in politics??

This should prove that youth in politics does not always mean better in politics, or better administration.

There are few things which need to be clarified. One that youngsters do not mean people who are 20 years old with no experience at all. Youth in this context is meant to refer people in their 30’s or early 40’s with a good mix of energy and experience. Two, it is not intended to mean that old people should leave the political scene and rest. What is wanted is that they should be there but for guidance because they are treasures of invaluable experience. 
 
Rahul Gandhi at 40 is the perfect example for it.


Another aspect of this debate is when we analyze the current crop of young politicians. A vast majority of these so called ‘young politicians’ are sons and daughters of established politicians. How many of them would have succeeded on their own in securing a parliamentary seat?

A few names that flash through my mind:
 1. Rahul Gandhi- Rajiv Gandhi
2. Milind Deora- Murli Deora
3. Sachin Pilot- Rajesh Pilot
4. Sandeep Dixit – Sheila Dixit

This was also very well shown in the recent political drama ‘Rajneeti’

So, what does this mean? Does this mean that youth has no part to play our political scenario the answer is a BIG no! In fact, there would be nothing better than a greater participation of youth in politics. The cure that we seek lies somewhere else, and not in the fact that our policy making body is old, which is not the truth in any case. Perhaps, it would be immensely useful, constructive and productive if the youth just come out in full force, and do a duty that is enjoined upon them by the constitution – Firstly VOTE and secondly VOTE for the right candidate.

I remember we at Rotaract Mumbai driving a couple of initiatives during the general and the assembly elections called ‘ I-vote’ – where the objective was to get as many youngsters registered for voting and ‘Badlaav’- where the objective was to tell people to vote for the right candidate. Both the initiative was very well appreciated by a lot of people across various walks of life.   

Also for the youth who believes that politics is the ‘Gutter’ that one should not get into, we can also contribute in more ways than just contesting elections. Much can be done in areas like educating people, raising awareness about social problem and lot more..
 Remember, it is not good for a country where its young people only complain and expect someone else to fix their problems.

Jai Hind !!