Ever since the ghastly Mumbai attacks the mails haven’t stopped pouring in. Some of them have been explaining why we should attack Pakistan, some have been blaming the politicians and some have even been going so far as suggesting they be hanged! Some mails highlighted the gross inadequacies of the entire state apparatus to even manage crisis, let alone to avoid such incidents.
However, what struck me most was a comment by a respected business man on one of the news channels. He said that we will forget about this event until another, maybe even more ghastly, incident happens four months down the line. The Year 2008 alone has brought more than fifty five bomb blasts to our country, claiming the lives of countless fellow Indians. Every time that happens, the whole country erupts, blaming the political class.
This led me to think about why is it happening and what the solution is.
The answer to the first question was obvious and easy to understand. Yes our system is inadequate to stop and manage any terrorist activities perpetrated by the so called non-state constituents, harbored by our incapable neighbor. We are not only a soft target but also a very soft state. There is no doubt that we should have a better intelligence agency; crisis management agency; better equipped police; more responsible media and above all very pragmatic and stern government. Then I thought if we all know the answer to this question, why aren’t politicians seeing it. Don’t the leaders of the country have even an average IQ?
This is where I began to realize the rather obvious answer to my second question. As simple it seems as difficult it is to implement. This led me to explore the larger question of where our country is headed in the future.
Our economy has achieved a great deal in the last 17 years. Not only Indians but the entire world is amazed about the next economic marvel. Now we can call at least 300 million of us as middle class citizens instead of categorizing ourselves as 10% rich and 90% poor Indians. This has brought great optimism in the country about India’s place in the world, especially among the younger generation. We are even dreaming of becoming one of the three superpowers in 2050!!
However, everything seems in disarray today. With the terrorist attacks on most of the major Indian cities and ever-deepening economic recession, we have started doubting all the dreams we are yearning for. As usual, and rightly so, all the blame is being put on the political class. However, it is high time that all the whining turns into concrete action.
We, the middle class of country, are the biggest beneficiary of all the economic development in India. Let’s ask ourselves how much involved are we in the political growth of our country. In spite of all the benefits we have reaped, we are always critical, sometimes cynical also about everything India is. But we don’t think twice before corrupting officials to get things done, throwing trash in the open, breaking all the traffic rules etc. etc. How can we then blame others when we are a party to the same wrong actions?
Our country is at the threshold of moving towards achieving greatness or regressing to backwardness. Our generation has the responsibility. We can realize the dream for our future generations or leave the same legacy that those before us had left for us. Therefore being cynical, staying aloof and complaining while sitting on the fence is not an option. It is time to take some action.
What is the first and simplest thing we can and ought to do? Just go out and VOTE.
Why is this important? If I haven’t voted for the MLA or MP in my constituency, the person does not represent me. The voters are the customers of that person. Therefore he or she will cater to the demands of his or her voters only. If I don’t vote, I am not a customer of the politician. How can I expect that politician to heed to my demands?
The problem is that the educated, informed and liberal Indian middle class is not a vote bank. That’s why most of the election issues in India are based on caste equations, religious tensions and petty local issues. The larger picture always gets neglected. We elect 543 MPs with 543 different agendas, who in turn elect a representative government. This government finds it difficult to pursue a global mandate for holistic governance of the country.
Imagine if 300 million (and growing) educated and cosmopolitan Indians voted. The issues would change and assume greater national character. The same politicians cannot afford to neglect the demand of this large and informed vote bank and hence we can bring about the CHANGE that is so desperately needed in our country.
The classical argument given against this logic is, WHAT DIFFERENCE IS MY SINGLE VOTE GOING TO MAKE? That is the biggest mistake we make. Regardless of the outcome, we absolutely must vote. If things don''''t change now, changes will appear in the 3rd or 4th or 5th election from now, but we must not lose hope.
The next chance to make a difference will come up soon. I sincerely hope that the Indian middle class stands up this time to be a part of the political mainstream of India.
Jai Hind !!
