Friday, 3 January 2014

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH – NEED OF THE HOUR

The greatest wealth and strength of any nation is its youth. The quality of its youth determines the kind of future, the nation will have. Therefore, if we want to ensure a bright future for our country, we first need to strengthen and empower our youth. The youth of any nation and society are its potential energy. They are the powerhouse and storehouse of infinite energy. They are the ones who are the pride of the nation. It is the youth which brings laurels to their country.
Everyone seems to think that the younger generation nowadays is just glued to social networking sites and has nothing to do with society or politics at large but you are mistaken. According to a recent survey a whopping 71% of Indian youth were found to be interested in politics as compared to a mere 45% in 2011.
Well interest is one thing and participation in electoral politics another. We have to see if this interest translates into higher voting percentage or not. It is a fact that one in every ten youth of India is highly interested in politics. The interest level of youth increases as their education and exposure to media rises. The huge surge in interest of youth in politics within two years has been rather significant. A study on “Indian Urban Youth and Political Participation” was conducted by Delhi’s Centre for the Study of Developing Society, which surveyed youth between the ages of 15 and 32. The report showed that interest of rural youth is not much different from that of urban youth of India. From the time of the freedom struggle the youth have had major roles to play and it won't be wrong if we say that the active youth participation played a big role in getting us independence in 1947.

The Indian Youth is bending more towards the developmental side and not just that, it participates unitedly in almost all the problems the country faces. The recent biggest example’s are that of the 
Nirbhaya Rape Case & the support from the youth brigade towards the Aam Admi Party headed by Arvind Kejriwal.

The Youth has anger as well as respect towards the political situations that arise in the country. They hold better analyzing power, they want change, change for betterment of their country. Instead of focusing on politics on the religious lines, the politicians should focus on the youth of the country and try to put forth their demands. The voice of a youth will obviously lead to a better tomorrow of the nation. This way, not only will the country become a better place to live in but it will also help decrease caste and religious based politics.

From terrorism to rapes and poverty to development, our youth want action, action towards the good of the country. More youth should be brought into the political front. This will not only increase the present conditions of the nation but will also see an increase in the literacy level of the political leaders.  
Youth participation is a must in the political front. The youth of the nation are much more aware about the problems, India is facing. Political parties should make sure that the voice of a youth does not go unheard. If we can harness this powerhouse of the nation in the right direction then the country can reach untold heights. All we need is to direct the energy of our youth in constructive channels that lead to development and progress. The creative potential of the younger generation coupled with their zeal, enthusiasm, energy and versatility can work wonders for the country. We need to empower our youth so that they can make a better tomorrow.
Schools must encourage students to take part in Model United Nation Sessions, Youth Parliaments and Youth Conclaves and Confluence so that they learn to use their voice strongly and learn to debate over the right issues. Since every third person in every city of India is categorized to be a youth therefore around 33% of the country's population comprises of youth. This way, the youth has a major role to play in the Indian politics and voting process.
After all, today's youth will be the future of India’s tomorrow.

Tina Olyai
Director LAHS
www.lahs.org


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