The article about Lok Sabha elections from April to May in India and the political campaign that led to it triggered a nation-wide debate on democracy and its relevance to young people who constitute over a half of the population. What aspirations and expectations do they have for a government coming back to power for the third time? Do they still trust their political, economic and social systems enough, to make their lives prosperous? What are our concerns? How can we improve in the long run?
One cannot help but notice when talking with youth from all walks of life across India just before Independence day celebrations, they are politically savvy and desire growth. The young want to be part of democratic governance processes at all levels; right from intelligent voting when selecting representatives at the grassroots level. Madhuwanti Banerjee, once a sociology lecturer at S.K. Somaiya College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Mumbai believes that India’s youth will never trade democracy for anything else. “Whenever any kind of injustice has happened like Nirbhaya case or Aarey’s forest saved movement 2014 or CAA protests 2019 there they were,” risking their lives by going out into the streets risking arrest or physical abuses she says.
Again unlike what many people may think Gen Z is a very pragmatic generation; according to Banerjee “As an educator, I tell you that these students are highly perceptive, compassionate etc; more accepting of different castes classes genders religions.” There exists healthy political/sociological discourse as well as dissent within higher learning institutions throughout India. I saw them fighting for democracy without fear of victimization.” Here are some edited excerpts:
Anamika Sudhakar, 24
NGO employee | Gurugram
We have voting rights but how effective is our voting behavior? Sometimes caste politics and religious politics make people sentimental about whom they vote for – this should not be so. Those in power shape opinions using propaganda media which leads to uninformed decision making. Election ethics are compromised and no actions are taken against the offenders. It is irritating to witness media propaganda splitting common people into groups based on religion identity, gender, caste, community etc., distracting them from what they should be focusing on now, saving the environment and mitigating climate crisis. Harmful laws have been passed for both but no one seems to notice. I have chosen to work in an NGO sector with a grassroots education institution alongside government to make a change.
Aleena Aakashamittayi, 28
Poet, Dalit and queer activist | Kochi
It’s really disheartening when I see growing micro agression towards minorities and queer individuals. Even though Kerala state may be perceived as progressive, I am not able to find a place to rent as a Dalit woman. In case I find one I know that my life will be under scrutiny all the time. The minority has been treated differently over the last decade after treating democracy as modernity. My poetry seeks to address these issues through public discussion and engagement with students. Silence is never an option: it is time to speak up and fight for democracy now!
Abdul Razzaq, 28
Data analyst | Dehradun
It appears like just some people know that we have a democracy in our country, and the rest of them did not get the memo. The entirety of the narrative now is about dictatorship. Back then, it was no biggy to be having a Muslim name. Yeah, during cricket matches we were called Pakistanis but it was just banter. Even our elders never thought so much about this. In the past decade though hate has been now blatant for its object of aggression… I still don’t tell my name to anyone without being told and I fear going close to policemen thinking they will mistreat me for being ill-treated by them. I do sometimes think of leaving this country, but only because I cannot bear any sort of life outside here. But there are a few things that make me hope for better days after seeing the results of the last elections…I realized however that most people who didn’t vote for BJP weren’t trying to save our Constitution but their own communities.
Tusharr Khanna, 28
Actor | Mumbai
Being born into a business family taught me how governance is all about power politics and money. It’s not by the people or even for them — be it the ruling party or opposition party.
Therefore, I am leaning towards right-wing development agenda. I believe if you want your nation to grow there have to be decisions that are very harsh which may not benefit everyone. That’s what you give up for your country’s economic growth and globally recognized dignity.For me democracy does not mean more than my country’s progress.
Elizer Bareh, 28
Actor | Shillong
The worst thing about living in India is that every single day we face racism as Northeasterners.We get teased, bullied and insulted practically everywhere in India without any legal enforcement against those doing so.
When will India realize that we too are an integral part of this nation?
Sakchi Jain, 24
Chartered accountant and content creator | Ranchi
Today’s governance decisions appear to be dictated by power politics and not the rule of democracy. While it is always difficult to retain the real nature of democracy, I know there are improvements that can still be made which should involve the youth. In the last election, I went through the internet to search for trustful sources of information, had long talks with my dad then voted. However, what is worse about present day India is pervasive corruption at the grassroots level. It is tough when you have experienced this to go on trusting administration too. Other than that it’s also food, healthcare costs as well as sky-rocketing inflation. This makes life very hard for people in lower income groups.
Malhar Kalambe, 23
Environmentalist and digital content creator | Mumbai
Democracy can only be upheld if we participate in everyday governance. Most of us believe that casting our vote once every five years is our democratic responsibility. That is certainly not enough! Well, I do clean up Mumbai beaches and organize cleanliness drives… The movie Rang de Basanti (2006) inspired me into doing this. There’s a line in the movie which goes “Koi desh perfect nahi hota, usse perfect banana padhta hain” (no country is perfect one has to work towards making it perfect). This statement summarizes where our country stands now and what each citizen has to do for its welfare actively.
Shailee Mehta, 27
Artist | Indore
Democracy must allow for dissidence, without any fear whatsoever; this of course is in deep trouble. I have a means through which my opinion could be made known in the form of art. But others probably do not know how to do it. Being a woman also means that I am always cognizant with my body and people’s looks toward it. Even if a crime occurs, those responsible may escape punishment because they come from a specific caste or community. When I was in college, I did think of going abroad. But now on second thought, India needs thinkers who are privileged enough to do that which minority communities cannot engage in some other countries again. But what will happen if I fail to establish such society as well as questioning and challenging the system? An artist can no longer be confined by the walls of their studio anymore. We are thinkers and emotional empathisers that need to use our empathy for engaging with communities, educating people and working on the ground level. I take part in animal sanctuaries as a volunteer.
Siddhesh Sakore, 28
Farmer | Pune
One thing that should go hand in hand with democracy is making sure that government policies reach down to grassroots where they are implemented though this seldom happens . As an educated mechanical engineer turned farmer there are many good policies on paper supporting the poorest farmers and agrarian economy of our country (India). However due to bureaucratic processes and heavy documents illiterate powerless farmers cannot be able to access the same because they exist only on paper. Unfortunately most don’t even know about them at all let alone understanding their implications. My collective has taken upon itself this role by bridging these two entities doing so through my farmers’ collective. I feel everybody should also contribute towards helping those who are least advantaged among us. This way democracy survives.
Shankar Srinivasan, 24
Scientist | Bengaluru
There is a great digital infrastructure growth in India and the world over that has served as a catalyst to democracy. This gives voice to people staying in the farthest areas of the country which also ensures accountability. As a scientist, I change lives with technology by designing devices that make mental health care available to everyone across all social classes. The device, Sputnik Brain is one of my inventions designed for non-surgical, chemical-free stress alleviation. At NIMHANS it is currently being tried out and eventually I expect it to be accessible at a reasonable price to the needy masses. This project endeavors to use technology for positive social change while empowering youth.
Kartik Sabherwal, 23
Gaming entrepreneur | Jhansi
I think this shows how media including political analysts on YouTube have done great disservice to democracy by not being fair and balanced. Last election when I was researching for whom should I vote, all the videos I came across were either 100% pro-BJP or anti-BJP. Same goes for other parties too. But are either side completely wrong or right? Definitely not. Then why does media never produce an impartial report card on their performance. This makes voting entirely very confusing thing for someone like me. Am founder of start-up company and “development over everything else” has been my mantra since its inception.
Ammar Khatri, 23
Bandhini artisan | Bhuj
Democracy, in my understanding, is one country and only one rule for all people without any discrimination or favoritism. However, this does not seem to be the case in India. In my view, cast discrimination is soaring at its highest peak ever. Those affected have hit the streets and are calling for change but the government seems to ignore them all together. I am also concerned with the increasing drug problem here in Bhuj. Also on my mind is how there is lack of proper infrastructure and support for artisans and their startups. There’s only one thing that I can do so as to make sure that democracy will not die in our country which is voting wisely. Thus, I researched extensively about last year’s elections and even consulted respected journalists such as Ravish Kumar before casting my vote.
The Mumbai-based journalist is also a movement therapy practitioner and Kathak student.
