The hue of the Lok Sabha elections remains deep. Various parties have fielded their candidates, and slowly but surely, the campaign has gained momentum. This time, the battle is crucial for many parties
Niraj Krishna
In the context of India’s democratic framework, youth and politics have always been extremely important topics. India, as the world’s largest democracy, stands as a symbol of political ideals and practices. However, the role of youth in shaping the country’s political landscape often remains ambiguous. Despite the significant role played by youth in many other countries around the world, recognizing their importance in India seems to differ. Regarding youth participation in politics in India, Benjamin Disraeli once said, “The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity.”
The hue of the Lok Sabha elections remains deep. Various parties have fielded their candidates, and slowly but surely, the campaign has gained momentum. This time, the battle is crucial for many parties. “Now or never.” These elections will determine the fate of Delhi’s throne. Everyone is preparing for the battle ahead. They are only concerned about the election, not the next generation.
Today, the people of this age group are the largest in number in the country. This is a class that is physically and mentally the most powerful, striving for the development of the country and their families in every possible way. Today, 75% of the youth in India are literate. Today, India has made considerable progress compared to other countries. Education has contributed the most to this progress. Today, every youth in India is receiving a good education. They are getting ample employment opportunities. Today’s youth have been made only target-oriented, meaning today’s parents themselves do not want their sons or daughters to contribute only to their work but also to the social work of the country because today’s environment has become such that everyone is only focused on building their own future.
Today, politics is seen with disdain in society. Parents educate their children at home and talk to them about becoming doctors, engineers, and administrative officers. No parent or family member says that it is hard to get into politics. India today is most prosperous in terms of youth power. This situation could give India an important direction in terms of development. This dream will only come true when the country, society, and political parties give priority to the youth. And the youth will dedicate themselves and the country to setting the agenda for development.
Often, youth are not passionate about politics, and in politics, they are often the youth whose families have been involved in politics or have connections from wealthy households. Youth from middle-class families have to focus on their careers, and getting into politics in Hindustan is a long process. Many years are wasted, criminal cases are filed, and only thugs and strongmen can play this game. Elders do not even want to leave their seats.
Youth play an important role in the politics of any country. In India, the world’s largest population of youth exists. Therefore, we cannot ignore their role in Indian politics. But it is unfortunate to say with great sorrow that in Indian politics, if any youth is at the top of power in any political party, then he is definitely the son of some big politician.
Today, in Indian politics, only the voices of elderly people are heard, and only a few selected youth are in politics. One reason for this is that the political atmosphere in India is deteriorating day by day, and instead of true politicians, power-hungry and greedy people have taken over. Instead of patriotism in politics, there is nepotism, casteism, and communalism. Every day, as stories of politicians’ corruption come out, indifference towards politics is increasing among the youth of the country.
Now, there are no young leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, or Lokmanya Tilak in Indian politics. Who could inspire a new revolution in the minds of the youth with their intelligence and enthusiasm? But unfortunately, after independence, these elderly leaders who cannot take care of themselves have taken the responsibility of running the country on their stooped shoulders.
Even after independence, student politicians participated in major movements in the country and went to jail. They played a significant role in national politics, from the Rajya Sabha to national politics. In emergencies, the Mandal Commission, and many major national movements, our student leaders have made commendable contributions and established a strong image of themselves.
The politics of change, revolution, and transformation had tied hopes with the youth, which is still evident in our political understanding, but despite this, the active participation of youth in politics is not possible. In such a situation, if the future of India, that is, youth, cannot take active steps in establishing power and democratic values, then despite sufficient power, their direct participation in political leadership cannot be possible.
The youth of India will change politics when they play an active role in it. Apart from reacting to events happening in the country, they should do something about it. Speaking is one thing, and doing is another. The role of youth in Indian politics is important, and they should be involved in the leadership of society. The younger generation has the ability to support leadership in the future, and their energy and enthusiasm for solving problems. By joining youth political parties and actively participating in the political process, they can support their ideas. They should also contribute to raising awareness of society’s problems and needs.
There is no lack of enthusiasm and wisdom among the youth of the country; whatever shortcomings there are, it is only a lack of experience, which will be fulfilled with time. They are capable of giving a new direction to the country, provided they understand its needs. In today’s era, they can avoid distractions and free themselves from their selfish motives.
Even the youth who do not actively participate in politics can play an active role in changing the politics of the country by voting, opposing corruption, and doing all the work that requires honesty. Essentially, to change the politics of the country, the youth need to take modernity, liberation from old beliefs, and freedom to speak and act for the benefit of the country. There is no doubt that involving youth in politics will be beneficial from every perspective. This will naturally express their aspirations in policy-making.
Today, the time has come to pledge to build a strong nation with a global image, and this can only be done through the participation of the youth. Any nation can achieve its aspirations and dreams completely and enthusiastically with the full and enthusiastic contribution of the youth. The history of every country is witness to many revolutions initiated and implemented by the youth for better human life, as well as social, economic, and political-administrative changes.
