Sunday, January 13, 2008

Let's NOT (??) vote..

Hello young readers of FRW Mag. We're freaks. We're rebels. We're weirdos. But we are not Voters. We just don’t have the time for it. Damn the government. They take taxes from Dad. Now they want to ruin this one holiday that I deserved and I got.

Unarguably, the youth is that section of the society which is the most intellectual. I seriously feel the need of the youth turning into a vote-bank. Poor people are a vote bank. People from the so-called "backward classes" are the vote bank. Non-Maharashtrians in Maharashtra are a vote-bank. Maharashtrians in Maharashtra are a vote-bank. Then why is the youth not counted in the vote bank? Is it that the youth has no demands? Is the youth self-sufficient? If the youth thinks that the government instead of a catalyst, acts as a road block for welfare and development, can the youth just go ahead with its lavish life?

I’d like to state here that if you want to retain your right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, you will have to vote. Else, you won’t even know when the following happens.

BREAKING NEWS: You can’t study anymore. We’re breaking down your school to
make a mall. We’re the government. We even control the media.
In your face. Ha!

Sab parties waste hain. All politicians are corrupt. Everything is rigged. It's of no use. Samir is wasting his and our time…And many more excuses will always be there to evade our responsibility. But unless we take up this responsibility, we’ll stay freaks and weirdos (no offence to the FRW organization.). But definitely not rebels, if we just resist whatever is presently going on in the world, in our own country, in our own city, in our own backyard.

One more interesting (rather hilarious) issue. I’ve often heard people say. Kisko vote deneka re? Sabbich saale chor hain. Celebrities*? “Oh No! We voted for Govinda. He won. He defeated a veteran. He was so proud that no one in the Parliament ever heard from him thereafter!” Has anything been done about this except the party still vouching for its candidate. Does he need a “Partner” who’ll get the job done? If that’s what will justify the still-persistent “Bhaagam Bhag” of Mumbaiites. Arre baba thodi akal lagao. Does anyone read the portfolios/promises during the elections? Start. Distinguish between right and wrong.

There was this case where a guy contested elections with the promise that he’ll fight for free electricity and free water for everybody. WHAT?! Is this Wonderland?! Be aware. Be realistic. Know the candidate. Try to find out. Ask your parents. Ask the candidate’s neighbours. View his history. Take a decision, and make sure it’s a well-thought over one.

I’m not the one who likes preaching. Kindly do not worry. I’m not planning to contest the forthcoming elections either. But I’m someone who cares about my present and my future. And I know I’m responsible for it.

*I have nothing against Govinda or other celebrities or the political parties they represent. But I request them not to accept the responsibility if it’s gonna take the back-seat.

CREDITS:
Inspiration for this topic: Rajendra K. Misra, LEAD INDIA Contestant, Bangalore
Reference: wikipedia.org


- Samir Bellare
sambell111@gmail.com

4 comments:

Janvi Gandhi said...

Very pertinent topic & expertly expressed with all facts and arguments in place. Few pointers:
When did youth become the most intellectual? What about our elderly and them, as more informed citizens? Youth encompasses a huge vote bank sure but point is, they don't CARE to make a difference. It's not their intellect but their involvement which requires serious stirring. Their lavish lifestyle is again class centric - the point is not from which social class you come from but how much you're willing to commit for a good cause.Do you care? Another important issue is, why shirk away from contesting? It's a long shot of course but there is no greater difference you can make than being a part of the system itself. Voting is an important way to begin but it's not an end in itself.

Samir Bellare said...

Oh my God...those are a lot of questions. I'm sure the youth comprise a large percentage of the educated class...So lets suppose that education teaches them the difference betn right or wrong, or atleast the power to take a decision. I do not intend to partying, when I say 'lavish lifestyle'...but the youth's general tendency to give 'taang' to responsibility and opt for 'fun' instead.
I think if we start voting, subsequently, many of us might even contest elections, after seeing the difference between the promises made, and their execution(if any).

anagha said...

Its high time the youth starts taking its social responsilbilty seriously & starts valuing it as well... I dont completely disagree with Janvi, but i think when one gives a thought to the kind of governance we get for the kind of tax we pay & for the kind of potential the country has it lights a fire within u & one tends to go a bit overboard... but thats the kind of fiery attitude one shud hav.. its already too late & we are going down the drains with the existing leaders & their increasing incapabilities. We need more & more people with a right attitude & fire to set things right for the next generation.

Vee said...

i agree sam!its irritating when people blame others all the time....government,leaders,etc.etc...its about time we took the responsibility.i have been trying since i was 18 to get the voting card.still have not got it....but i shall keep trying.they miss my name in the list,ask me to come later,say i have missed the date to collect the form!!i have not given up.next year i shall try again and get my card and give a vote too.great topic to write on,buddy!!keep it up!!