Monday, February 16, 2009

The Upcoming Indian General Elections

What do you think about the upcoming general elections?
It's one of the most important events this year and concerns most of us Indians, I'm excluding NRIs :)

On the blogger world, I can see many people vouching for Arun Shourie as BJP's PM candidate although Advani is the current one.
Check out:
http://www.deeshaa.org/2009/01/15/draft-arun-shourie/
http://lifeandsomething.blogspot.com/2009/01/brief-case-for-shri-shourie.html

What are your thoughts about these elections or who you would want to be the PM?

I'm personally against Congress, especially, since the only politics they've played till now (for the last more than 60 years) is minority appeasement, communalism and dynasty politics - none of which are progressive.
It's sad for a democracy of a billion people with no other deserving candidates in the foray.

There are many good grassroots level social movements/activities going on but those are so scattered and unrelated that we don't see any united, political movement coming out of it, at least not in the near future.

My idea for the political scenario in India to change is to introduce honest, ability-based politics (maybe in a very dilute form) in educational institutions (of all kinds, private, public, govt, in rural and urban areas). Also, introducing compulsory community work in all schools would make the children aware of the real issues and the surroundings. Because the only way to affect the future is to do it through the future generation so that it values commitment, hard work, honesty etc.
This way we could also see leaders emerge from among the youth. Currently, most Indian parents and hence the children are just concerned with academics (required for white collar jobs), no one even thinks of entering politics.
This could also make the future voters aware about what qualities they should look for while voting.
I know many would have reservations about this idea saying a lot of Indian population is illiterate and many children don't even attend schools. Well, that's where the grassroots level organizations would come into play :)
Wishful thinking, is it really?

What would you (want to) do for the politics in India to change in the long run? Any ideas on how to enable the educated, deserving people to enter Indian politics?
Or if you don't care, why do you think you are not concerned (apart from the usual "Chalta hai; It doesn't affect me directly; I earn enough and I'm happy; Nothing's going to change; Politics is always dirty" etc) ?

1 comment:

Tina said...

One of my dear friends, after reading this post, told me about PPI www.ppi.net.in
He attended its induction and orientation program held in Pune. He says it's at a nascent stage but a unique initiative aimed at the corporate world and the middle class.
Maybe late for 2009 elections, but a good initiative.