Do you always understand your children? On most issues in life - familial, social, political do you and your children think alike. If your answer is 'no', then naturally you do not have a right to claim that you represent your family. We belong to different generations, and we are not expected to think alike. This is generation gap.
A generation gap is the difference in outlooks, beliefs, behaviors, and interests that exists between people from different generations, particularly between younger and older people. These gaps arise from each generation growing up with distinct societal, technological, and cultural experiences. For example, the technological fluency of Millennials and Gen Z differs significantly from that of Baby Boomers, creating different perspectives on work, communication, and values. If you stretch it back to the grandparents then they are almost technology novices. So, though out of respect, the wedding invitation to a family is invariably addressed to the grandparents, if they start thinking that
India's median age is 28.4 years. Over 50% of 1.4 billion Indians are under the age of 25. Around 66% are below the age of 35. So, 650 million Indians are below 25 and 700 million below 35. But the average age of a MP in Lok Sabha is 58 and in Rajya Sabha is 61. Political parties prefer old established loyalists to young and energetic candidates to fight elections. So here we have a young nation being represented by old politicians, of grandparents' generation! How can young India expect their grandparent like politicians to understand their aspirations, feel their struggles, and give answer to their questions?
As if this dichotomy was not enough politics has long become the preserve of the powerful, abode of nepotism, the playground of the wealthy and the sanctuary of criminals. Young and enthusiastic are carefully kept out of this preserve lest they tilt the apple cart. If you can create trouble and inflict untold miseries on the public by jamming roads, flaming agitations, hurling insults to haloed institutions and individuals (Bharat tere tukre honge...' you become a precious sought after 'young turk' for political parties and get a rare entry ticket into the grandparents club. Otherwise, the youth is ignored.
Make no mistake, there are no dearth of plans for the betterment of the cause of youth with the government, but far from co-authoring these plans, the grandparents rarely ever consult them. Their representation remains symbolic.
The youth today fails to find a young and relatable political role model. The opposition's youth icon is approaching 60 and in the ruling party three young ministers lie in the periphery. Now if the young voters do not turn up in large numbers, can you blame them? They are being shamelessly used as vote mobilization tools for flooding the streets and the social media. They are all politically aware but electorally alienated.
I wonder if the only thing that will work to assure them their rightful inclusion in the parliament is a bill in line with the Women's Reservation Bill. Young people are needed in the election ticket and in leadership role, where they can shape electoral strategy. They should be part of the committee that drafts election manifestos for parties. The deserving ones should be fast-tacked into strategic campaign roles and not relegated to become sloganeering foot soldiers. The political parties should follow internal quota systems for women and youth and widely publicize it as their USP. This will attract the youth vote towards them.
How long can 65 year old law makers represent 25 year old voters without understanding their world, their issues, their ambitions and their aspirations?
I do understand my children, indeed grandchildren, two youngest being 32. I feel I move with them
ReplyDeleteI am 94
ReplyDeleteA very thought provoking write up. I am surprised that you have such a vision for our future generations. In fact I never thought about this aspect of politics. What I have observed so far is that it has become a family business for many politicians. They definitely promote their young generation to follow in their footsteps. Nehru family, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Yadav have always promoted their family members. Every political party except perhaps BJP follow the same principle. Recently I was surprised to watch an interview like presentation of Rajat Sharma's aapki Adalat, covering Dr Mohan Yadav, CM of MP. It was very refreshing to find a well read politician risen from ranks with no family background of politics.
ReplyDeleteHe is comparatively young also.