Indian politics is becoming the old man’s chessboard. The youth stay away.
Against
“Politics ain’t all black and white, so you can’t play chess on it now!”
–– Unknown
It’s quite true, politics; especially in India has reached its all time low; and with everything from film making to stock brokering to hairstyling, forming an almost infinite spectrum of occupational options, one might naturally forget all about democracy, government, human rights and all that jazz. But lets think again; a suitable foil for the apathy state of politics; in the newfound power of the youth. The last 50 years have been a veritable testament for the capabilities and strength of the youth of today. Be in the unanimous revolt against a power hungry government in USA and the world over during the Vietnam and Gulf wars; or the lesser-known grass root level politics; the youth have made their presence felt. And how…
Even if we narrow down our focus group to just India, we can trace back a rich heritage of political intrigues spearheaded by the youth. Now; especially with the new Congress led government, and all its 20 something ministers; with Rahul Gandhi proclaiming the beginning of a New Era in the political arena; where boys; and men will stand shoulder to shoulder; and support each other in the Atlas like responsibility of governing our diverse peoples.
On a more personal note, I would like to think of today’s youth; much like Ingmar Bergman projected his Knight in the 7th Seal;
“Death: What is it that you seek?
Knight: The Truth…
Death: But do you not trust me…?”
Can we indeed trust someone else’s version of truth? History, it has been said, is always written by the victors; thus truth often converges with power, megalomaniacal egos and just plain pride, and projects a lopsided version of events. Can we trust the Truth? If not, what is it that we can trust? Unlike in the past; today, we demand to use our right; to know; to understand. Gone are the days when age got with it unprecedented wisdom. Everything is multifaceted and everything can be questioned.
We have entered a new millennium, humble and young, we are but dust, shimmery dust in the face of an eternal universe. Our world has been left to disintegrate by a group of out-dated, illogical men of the past. Their days of glory have long since passed.
“We are but tenants on this land that right-fully belongs to our children.”
––Zen quote.
Its high time, we began to seek and understand these truths. Its high time “the wise” comprehended this age old quote and learnt from its wisdom. Only those who think out side the box succeed today; but how can the old be expected to do so with one foot in the big old box already? Most of the politicians in the Indian democracy are 75+ and that is a kind estimation. India is the world’s largest democracy; and judging by its present state, its being run by a bunch of self-soothsayers. Numerologists’ and jyotish’s have as much credibility as strategists and statisticians.
Today’s youth might not seem like it cares; but if anything; it’s willing to question the establishment; and hold its own. The youth of today might have been raised on an overdose of everything; but as a bonus; they come equipped with the passion; that will make the world go around again. They might seem like they strayed the path; but they are prepared to work to get back and fix it all up. And most importantly, the youth of today have the errors of yesterday to guide them through the wilderness of life.
“We are stardust, we are golden, and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden…”
––John Mitchell (Woodstock)
Against
“Politics ain’t all black and white, so you can’t play chess on it now!”
–– Unknown
It’s quite true, politics; especially in India has reached its all time low; and with everything from film making to stock brokering to hairstyling, forming an almost infinite spectrum of occupational options, one might naturally forget all about democracy, government, human rights and all that jazz. But lets think again; a suitable foil for the apathy state of politics; in the newfound power of the youth. The last 50 years have been a veritable testament for the capabilities and strength of the youth of today. Be in the unanimous revolt against a power hungry government in USA and the world over during the Vietnam and Gulf wars; or the lesser-known grass root level politics; the youth have made their presence felt. And how…
Even if we narrow down our focus group to just India, we can trace back a rich heritage of political intrigues spearheaded by the youth. Now; especially with the new Congress led government, and all its 20 something ministers; with Rahul Gandhi proclaiming the beginning of a New Era in the political arena; where boys; and men will stand shoulder to shoulder; and support each other in the Atlas like responsibility of governing our diverse peoples.
On a more personal note, I would like to think of today’s youth; much like Ingmar Bergman projected his Knight in the 7th Seal;
“Death: What is it that you seek?
Knight: The Truth…
Death: But do you not trust me…?”
Can we indeed trust someone else’s version of truth? History, it has been said, is always written by the victors; thus truth often converges with power, megalomaniacal egos and just plain pride, and projects a lopsided version of events. Can we trust the Truth? If not, what is it that we can trust? Unlike in the past; today, we demand to use our right; to know; to understand. Gone are the days when age got with it unprecedented wisdom. Everything is multifaceted and everything can be questioned.
We have entered a new millennium, humble and young, we are but dust, shimmery dust in the face of an eternal universe. Our world has been left to disintegrate by a group of out-dated, illogical men of the past. Their days of glory have long since passed.
“We are but tenants on this land that right-fully belongs to our children.”
––Zen quote.
Its high time, we began to seek and understand these truths. Its high time “the wise” comprehended this age old quote and learnt from its wisdom. Only those who think out side the box succeed today; but how can the old be expected to do so with one foot in the big old box already? Most of the politicians in the Indian democracy are 75+ and that is a kind estimation. India is the world’s largest democracy; and judging by its present state, its being run by a bunch of self-soothsayers. Numerologists’ and jyotish’s have as much credibility as strategists and statisticians.
Today’s youth might not seem like it cares; but if anything; it’s willing to question the establishment; and hold its own. The youth of today might have been raised on an overdose of everything; but as a bonus; they come equipped with the passion; that will make the world go around again. They might seem like they strayed the path; but they are prepared to work to get back and fix it all up. And most importantly, the youth of today have the errors of yesterday to guide them through the wilderness of life.
“We are stardust, we are golden, and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden…”
––John Mitchell (Woodstock)