Empowering youth for political engagement

September 5, 2024

NEW DELHI – Since the founding of the Republic of India, it has maintained the status of a vibrant democracy and is widely regarded as one of the most stable countries in the region. Credit for this stellar democratic record rightly goes to our past and present citizens. However, multiple avenues remain for us to further deepen our democratic values and increase the degree of public participation in the political process.

On India’s 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi poignantly addressed this issue, calling for an additional 1 lakh Indian youth, who lack a political background, to enter active politics. The Prime Minister’s message has undoubtedly stuck a chord with the public. It is evident that the entry of next generation citizens into the world of Indian politics is vital for the health and continuation of India’s democratic traditions. It is equally apparent that such an outcome will not be possible in the absence of sufficient ‘opportunity’ and ‘guidance’ from existing political stakeholders. Involvement in Indian politics is accompanied by significant sociopolitical hurdles, which have served to deter many passionate citizens in past decades.

Foremost among these hurdles is the proliferation of dynastic politics, even embodied by the dynasty of our very first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. ‘Parivar vaad’ and the passing of political power down the generations of establishment families has created substantial barriers for those without political connections. Exacerbating this issue is the continued preference for seniority and political experience over the vitality and ideas that younger minds can bring. Many passionate young citizens without political connections are also