Before reading this book, I knew a lot about it because of Sudhanshu Kaushik. His activism to promote youth empowerment always impresses me. Though I've never met him, I know a bit about him as he is also a policy fellow and advocates for positive change in our nation. It was the right time when I picked up the book Future is Ours as we started the general election of 2024.
When I took this book in my hand, I remembered my presentation in 2017 on National Youth Day at my university, which I messed up because I was not well-prepared. I failed that day, but that failure led to an invitation to meet the Deputy VC of our university. He asked me, "Who is the youth of our nation?" I didn't have a properly articulated answer to that question, but this book starts by explaining who the youth are.
I then recalled many speeches by political leaders in our nation who portray "Youth as assets for our nation." Indeed, our nation is young and full of aspirations. However, as someone who works around national policies, I am concerned about our policies for the youth. I ask myself, "If youth are that important for our nation, are our policies empowering them to be leaders?" I cannot deny that many initiatives and policies have empowered youth to participate in startups and pursue aspirational goals, except in political leadership.
I also recalled Dr. Tharoor's statement that if we don't utilize our youth properly, they will become a demographic liability instead of providing a huge demographic dividend. In India, adult suffrage is at 18 years, but to contest an election, one must be 25 for the Lok Sabha and 30 for the Rajya Sabha. A strong point Sudhanshu makes is that in India, anyone can become a civil servant and serve the nation at 21, but that person is not deemed eligible to contest elections. I agree with him. In India, millions of youth prepare for civil services, and there is nothing more aspirational for them than becoming an IAS, IPS, or any government officer. These officers have the responsibility to manage entire districts. From millions of aspirants, a few hundred each year get the chance to serve the nation. It would be another topic to discuss their aspirations, but we must ensure that if youth can serve the nation as officers or have the caliber to think about the people of the nation, then they are also capable of contesting elections and doing something worthwhile for the people.
This book begins with, "The destiny of any nation, at any given time, depends on the opinion of its young men (and women) under twenty-five" - Johann Wolfgang. As a nation with an abundance of youth, what is our average age in the legislative assembly? How will our youth policy support young people in showcasing their leadership in the legislature?
Interestingly, this book also shares insightful international perspectives and statistical data on youth. It includes a brief analysis of various countries on these matters. Additionally, it provides detailed scrutiny of national, state, and political party data. While this didn't surprise me, as it was obvious, I am sure that those not active in such matters will be blown away by knowing how old our leadership is in a young country.
I can't recommend this book without mentioning my favorite quote: "What makes a person old enough to die for their country, yet not be able to stand for its election?" This refers to the minimum age to join the defense force versus contesting elections. I shall end by saying, "The future is ours, but we have the opportunity to create young legislative leadership."
Commentaires