Young politicos sow seeds of change

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Shashi Tharoor

The young parliamentarians of the nation are ready to reshape the future of the nation. Presenting a blueprint of the India of their dreams, a group of politicians got together in the city recently, cutting across ideologies, geographies and political affiliations.

They offer unique perspectives on a wide range of issues ranging from cutting-edge technology to excellent healthcare; from cyber security to sweeping political reforms to education for all among others.
Speaking at the launch of the book India: The Future is Now that contains essays by young parliamentarians, MoS HRD Shashi Tharoor (the editor of the book) while moderating the talk said, “The young have turned out in the streets to voice their concerns, whether about corruption or urgent social wrongs, more recently about the Delhi gangrape. The most important challenge we are facing is to channel their energy into constructive political action.”
Hamdullah Sayeed, one of the contributors to the book, who was elected a member of Parliament when he was 26 years old becoming the youngest member in the 15th Lok Sabha, spoke about his dream of India in 21st century and said, “A new India shall need a new script. And the best way to script a new story is by ensuring that India’s 1.2 billion population has access to education. I visualise education in India to undergo a phenomenal qualitative transformation.”
Relating it to the younger audience, Sayeed said, “I would like to mention the Bollywood film 3 Idiots is an apt commentary on the Indian education system where the young are pressurised to pursue a subject which will get them a good salary and a comfortable life. The pursuit of one’s interest is generally dissuaded. All this hampers the growth of an individual and hence the realisation of his true potential. Why can’t we include puppetry, theatre, visual arts and similar art forms to define the contours of education of the vibrant Indian culture?”
Speaking at the launch, young politician and the impeccably attired Jyotiraditya Scindia chose the example of power sector to highlight how poor distribution spoils the efforts the government puts in improving the infrastructure. “Distribution remains the Achilles’ heel of power sector. But for that to improve, the distribution also has to be economically viable for the discoms,” he stated.
Scindia emphasised that there is no dearth of funds and the government regularly eased the burden on common man through schemes but the focus needs to shift on ensuring that benefit reaches every citizen.
One of the most entertaining contributors of the book cartoonist Sudhir Tailang talked about his political observations of the nation. He said, “Tharoor has the perfect features for a caricature. I like his big eyes, which remind me of Rajiv Gandhi and of course, I like his thick hair. There was a time when we had political giants like Gandhi and Nehru. Even the cartoonists were hesitant to attack them, but it is not the same anymore.”
Kachchh MP Poonamben Veljibhai Jat focussed on the issue of women empowerment. She said, “Despite reservations, in governance women are not able to come forward in large numbers. Men continue to oppose representation of women in public offices. I believe everything is possible with a positive attitude and approach in life.”