In the midst of the second year ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is no coincidence that the youths have come out to participate in electoral debate and other politics at play. The nature and aim of such exchange of ideas and discussion, mostly virtual on Facebook and WhatsApp should always essentially be the agent of opening up constructive dialogue to persuade each other with respect for the individuals and civility as its core. When hundreds of members in a certain virtual platform see exchange of conversation, it becomes a matter of public debate.
The formal hurdle in all such public debates is the aggressive approach to certain ideas, political agenda and ideology, which has made virtual discussion platforms unhealthy, and to some extend, toxic. People tend to become unreasonably sensitive. These trend cuts across individuals and party lines with already 2022 polls approaching swiftly.
In the search of healthy platforms for conversation on pertinent issues, it will be fair to say that the left right and centre politics hasn’t gained much ground, at least in a small township scheme of politics. However, this is not to say that the intertwining of national, state and tribal discourse hasn’t had much effect on the bandwagon. It’s certainly moving. The question is, is it moving in the right direction? Is it helping the youths of today, especially?
In all these high pitched noise, pledge and manifesto, the absence of hope for the youths, for their future avenues is visibly clouded. The hope for vital tangible social, economic and political change is still missing. Just politics and rhetoric and no substance in most cases. As was in the last assembly elections in 2017.
A good example would be to talk about the ever unachievable goal of banking system no intending candidates are talking about, or his party supporters. Elections have come and gone since the 80s. Political tussles between and among parties have always been part of the agenda. But think of this, why should all the emerging small-scale businesses from small shops to new restaurants to street vendors should suffer when there is no equitable flow of cash in town? A lot more can be said over this front, beyond the blame game.
On a clear personal goal level for the youths, whether career related or project-related, the believe in yourself factor, believing in research, to pursue academic career as the central agenda, has unfortunately, lost direction. Which was the year someone from the community cleared UPSC? Because, the youths of today are busy politicking across the board aggressively as if it’s a matter of life and death. Sometimes with clubs and spears, well not literally, but you get the gist.
It’s all well and good you are participating in a democratic electoral process. However, it’s a losing game if you have lost your roadmap to building your own career. List out priorities and do pay your bills yourself, before you put on the expert hat in politics, and of course, fake accounts – the worst culprit there is.
Dear readers, clearly, on an individual level, there is an eminent need in changing of gear.
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