Voting in Vogue
It is interesting to read numerous comments in discussion forums, blogs, news channel websites etc. about the recent Mumbai attack - some are accusatory (towards politicians, PM, Home Minister, specific politicians etc.), some consolatory (towards those who lost their lives, families and friends), some analytical and most full of anger. It's a shame what happened. But I truly believe that the life that each one of us has is a consequence of our thoughts, our actions, our beliefs. You reap what you sow. Similarly, our country and its leadership is reflective of the decisions that we've taken, the responsibilities that we've evaded, the mistakes that we've made. I'm not condoning the attack by the terrorists. They are damned souls. Hope they rot in hell! All I'm saying is that just as it's futile to cry over spilt milk, it's futile to waste our energy and thoughts on playing the blame game and arguing about political parties.
We, as the youth of the country, must take charge, for it’s our responsibility to do so. Most of us, well all of us, are in situations where it's not possible to have the Prime Minister to sit down and listen to our views. We are not in a position to frame policies that would impact the governance of our country. Each of us has a perspective, a viewpoint, a suggestion, a voice - about what should be done, what should not be done, who should be punished etc. etc. Now some of our opinions, suggestions and ideas may be conflicting. However, there's one point where we all stay united - WE ALL KNOW DEEP IN OUR HEARTS THAT THE TIME FOR ACTION HAS COME. WE CAN'T LET OUR COUNTRY DEGENRATE FURTHER BEFORE WE REALLY WAKE UP.
Let's keep our anger in check, but our realization alive. Let's think rationally, logically what we, as individuals, can do to ensure a better leadership, a better future for our country. Let's direct this discussion towards the constructive issue of what's to be done next? One suggestion that I read and liked is - TO VOTE. I'm 24 and I've never once voted. It's a shame I know. But voting in India is like choosing the lesser evil; for we don’t trust our politicians (Can we be blamed for that)! However, we must exercise our right to vote. And if required, use the 49O clause while voting; which basically means that you're choosing to not elect any of the political candidates (Google for more Info).
Voting in India has never been in vogue; especially among the urban, the educated and the young. I'd like to present some statistics here: In the 2004 national elections, the overall voter turnout was between 55 to 60 percent. Now, about 70% of the Indian population lives in villages. It wouldn't take a bright mind to estimate the abysmally low proportion of the urban population that votes. Reasons: never cared enough, no time, all candidates lack ability. I'm sure you can add a few more reasons to the list of why we don't vote. The point that I'm trying to make is this: Imagine a situation during the elections, where each of us spares two hours of our lives to go and elect the leadership that we desire. Each of us rationally appraises political candidates based on their abilities, past performance etc. rather than political loyalty/religion/cast/regionalism. And most importantly, each of us Votes. Do you know what difference it could make if the entire Urban population voted for once? And voted for the best candidate who really deserves? And if there's none, we reject all candidates by using clause 49 O and the elections are held again with new political candidates.
People say that what difference a set of words by an ordinary citizen can make. I disagree because I believe in the power of I. Every great change that this world has seen has originated from an individual/a group of committed people and spread across like a wave, transforming everything it touches. Let's be the change that we want to see in our country. Let's stop cribbing and start taking action. Let's have forums to discuss the future of the country. Let's make a difference. More importantly, let's believe we CAN make a difference. There are so many people who lead ordinary lives and die. Let's be among those who make a change, no matter how small, to the future of our country before our life comes to an end. Let's leave a better tomorrow, a better country that our next generation can be prouder of. Lets set our priorities right - Let us give the brave soldiers and police officers their due respect, and let not our adulation be more inclined towards cricketers (yeah they're definitely something but they don’t risk their lives everyday so that you and I can sleep peacefully), and actors (yeah good-looking and talented, but just performers, after all). I'm not against cricketers and actors, but I'm just saying that we must know whom to value. Let's place our country at a high priority on our lists. Let's join hands and shape the destiny of our great country.
Ideas, suggestions, and opinions on how we, as individuals, can contribute are most welcome. At the risk of coming across as a hopeless idealist, I'd say I'm looking forward to impassioned responses.
I couldn't have agreed more, especially on the passages detailing our apathy towards the elections. Its imperative, that we own the responsibility (there's some research on in this area)and while the solution (unity) is for all of us to see and preach, its implementation awaits yet another dawn. Sad, for the time is always, always, now.
ReplyDeleteAt the cost of repeating myself, I would again suggest Chomsky (understanding power / manufacturing consent). I completely agree with your point on being active, but I am not sure if we can do that JUST by voting. The world is quite more complicated with politics (vote banks, cartels, etc etc) & believe me, even if everyone voted one way, there are more than ONE ways of affecting (not changing) the result.
ReplyDeleteIt is also important to organize. Sadly, that is where we all shirk from our responsibility. Our responsibility is not just limited to voting, but also to educating others whether the candidate is right or wrong, to attend election rallies, to read the party's / candidate's agenda. I am sure you will agree that we lack the above. As a voter, we can exercise our right only when we get into the depth of the matter. And our propaganda system clings to famous issues, while sidelining common & critical ones...
Hi again, Honshu5. Could you please point out where exactly in the post have I suggested that we can completely change the landscape of our country, JUST by voting? Although, I suggested that voting would make a difference, I never once contested that there are other ways of doing so; this post was dedicated to Voting, an exhortation, especially to the youth, to vote (hence the title, 'Voting in Vogue').
ReplyDelete-As for the rest of it ("educating others whether the candidate is right or wrong, to attend election rallies, to read the party's / candidate's agenda"), although I did not state it explicitly in the post, it makes logical sense to gather all information about the party and the candidate before taking the decision (as is the case with all decisions in life, at least for those of us who take their decisions rationally). I concur with your point of taking an informed decision while voting. I have not stated it explicitly in the post, but I assumed that anyone who had the realization of his responsibility to vote, would also have the sense to take an informed decision.