Recent studies have shown that 65% of Indians are under the age of 35 and about half the Indian population is under the age of 25. Currently, the average age of the Indian Population is 28 years, an age that can easily be classified as “young”. Most of these young people are educated and can make a difference to our political system and nation in great ways. A country blessed with so many diverse young people would truly benefit from young voters as they bring in culture, vibrancy, innovation and enthusiasm all of which are required by India to become a great nation. IBN-Lokmat catches the pulse gen Y of India in an exclusive show “Yangistan Zindabad” this Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8 pm and Sunday January 26, 2014 at 10 am & 9:30 pm.
A significant aspect of our political system is the gap between the average ages of our cabinet ministers, most of them being above 60 years of age and the voters, majority of them being between 28-30 years of age. This gap causes a wide disconnect between the young Indians and parliamentarians in terms of ideas, conceptions, procedures and actions that can only be bridged through a combination of young voters, social media and the vision for a better political system.
Young India commonly referred to as “Youngistan” will have a major role to play in the upcoming general elections. The power of our youth was quite eminent through the assembly elections in Delhi last year and it was this power that proved to be the major reason behind the emergence of the Aam Admi Party on the political scene. Now established parties like the Congress and BJP are redesigning their strategies to influence more of the young voters.
Participatory democracy has proved to be of utmost importance as it is the participation of our youth that will finally make the required difference in the elections. Each and every person eligible to vote must wake up and vote as these votes will shape India’s democratic scene in a way that makes it socially and economically beneficial for millions of Indians. Political Parties have also realised that promises based on caste and religion will no more have effect on the young people anymore. Education, health, safety, employment and women empowerment are some of the common demands by young India.
Media has been influencing society to a great extend and youngsters are now realizing the need to work towards changing the system by voting. Media as well as organizations are working towards one common cause. More the votes from young India the faster our nation walks towards a better future.
It is in the hands of the young Indians to join hands, say Youngistan Zindabad and participate in the democratic process to make a difference in future.
Tune into IBN-Lokmat this Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8 pm and Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 10 am & 9:30 pm.