QUE: Based on the statement, ‘India is the youngest country in the world with old politicians’, write an analytical presentation on the status and role of youth in the country’s politics, addressing the editor of the discussion paper ‘Kakhag’ newspaper.

A.B.C.

Address,

Date:

To,

Editor Shri

T.T.D. Newspaper

Address 2

Subject: To publish a discussion paper providing an analytical presentation on the status and role of youth in the country’s politics.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I humbly request you to publish the discussion paper written on the above topic in your newspaper..

Regards,

A.B.C.

“Indian Politics and Indian Youth: Disgust or the Stress of Opportunity”

Today, 65% of India’s population is below 35 years of age and India is the youngest country in the world, but the question is, are the elected representatives in politics as young as they are?

Despite the Indian Constitution stipulating 25 years as the minimum age for various public offices, society or political parties consider the younger generation immature and incapable of taking a stand for the good of the society and for themselves. It would be wrong to say that this perception has changed in the years after independence. Because, the average age of Lok Sabha MPs in the country’s first general election was 47 years, which increased to 57 years in the 2019 general election. Also, according to the report of the Parliamentary Committee of the Lok Sabha, 26% of MPs in the country’s first Lok Sabha were below 40 years of age, but only 12% of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) were below 40 years of age.

We all know that many government jobs require young people, whether it is for bureaucrats or military personnel (Agniveer scheme). If the youth are immature and inexperienced, why are they given the opportunity to become bureaucrats and government officials? Hence, age should not be seen as a basis for selection in politics either. It should be based on talent, problem-solving ability, role in policy-making, etc. 

There are many examples around the world that point to the active participation of youth in the governance of the country. For example, the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, is only 36 years old and the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, was only 34 years old when she took over as PM. Moreover, countries like the Netherlands, Italy and Denmark, which have shown a glimpse of active political participation of youth, indicate that the younger generation is capable enough to provide successful leadership to the country. Shri Harsh Sanghvi, who is holding the post of Minister of State for Home Affairs in our own Gujarat, is also a living example of how youth can bring innovation and active participation in politics.

Youth are full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm and have the power to achieve whatever they want. They are not only interested in traditional issues, but also in issues like climate justice, technological interventions, which are also the demands of the present time. Moreover, they have a clear understanding of what is important in the current context and they also like to fight for it. Along with this, a huge increase in young voters is also expected in India in the coming years, which also creates the need to provide an active and responsible role to this age group.

From the above discussion, it can definitely be said that, be it the government or the political party, there is a need to pay more attention to the youth generation, as they will lead the future generation. Many times political parties have to compromise this age group in the name of youth wing or as party workers, which is not justified. However, youth representation does not mean that senior leaders should be excluded from politics. They have seen a long history and are the main experience holders in this field. But, there is only a need to bring balance in the system of representation and power sharing between them. For this, senior politicians will have to give up the lust for power at a certain age and become a part of this change instead of being just a spectator.