Friday, April 4, 2014

Engaging in Governance - Youth and All

Education is the first thing that comes to mind with letter “E” for the theme that I have chosen – “Towards a better world”. While the importance of Education is beyond any question and doubt, some of my fellow bloggers & esteemed educators are already enlightening about it – one of them notably is here by Mrs. Beloo Mehra. I will make an attempt to express my views about another equally important issue gaining importance in the current socio-economic structure and that is getting engaged and involved in governance of the country.

I personally believe that the current upswing in public involvement, from being conscious of our immediate environment to voicing our concerns with a firm resolve, have done immense good for our democracy. If we continue the momentum in the same way and be a conscious citizen, people in power will dare not do any harm to our society and country. These issue based upheavals observed in recent past- be it women safety, corruption, poverty alleviation or other matters of importance to the country have changed the dynamics of governance altogether giving rise to more of a participative governance.

We have endured enough and now with our back on the wall, we can only rebound. Youth – a potent force in this movement will need to be equally engaged in this journey. With support from media- both print and electronic ones, getting involved is not of a much hassle nowadays. In this context and with regards to my previous efforts to urge my fellow men to get engaged, I would like to bring to your attention few of my earlier posts here and here  (as a guest post).  It is my strong conviction that keeps on reminding me that there is no point siting on the fence and crib about the system. We can do our bit – however small it could be, to participate physically or electronically in these activities.


As I started the post with Education, can’t resist myself from touching upon the subject a bit in next few lines. To me, on one side we have a responsibility to make basic education reach and enter every household to prevent masses from getting cheated anymore and on the other side, we need to ignite the minds that ask and analyze rather than mug up information. When the mind manifests – quoting Swami Vivekananda- “Education is the manifestation of Divinity already in the Man”- our children will be better prepared to handle any situation in life independently. 

36 comments:

  1. Yet another thoughtful post from you!!


    S(t)ri
    Smile - It makes (y)our day!

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  2. It is really nice to see you bring up some very important issues here. As you said in a previous comment, we can only touch up these things briefly on a blog but with a hope that some of it will create a spark in some minds and hearts and stir up some things... About this particular issue, I agree that the Indian youth is becoming more involved and aware, but there is still a long way to go....social media can definitely help but it can also make people into arm-chair activists...it is a fine line I suppose! And thanks so much for your kind mention, really appreciate the support and encouragement!

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    1. Thanks, Ma'm. Yes, blogs are not the solution to problems. It is just to make us think if at all it is serving any purpose...It is my pleasure to mention about your blog from the thoughtful content perspective...

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  3. As Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world! Because when you know better, you do better!! yes, education is a must for all children! Thanks for sharing a thought provoking post!

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  4. Hi Jayanta,
    Thanks for this share on education series,
    Yes, our youth can play a vital role in the
    already polluted environment of our Governance
    Thanks a lot for dropping by.
    May you have a wonderful weekend
    I am yet to start my 5th insatllment LOL
    Best Regards
    ~ Philip

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    1. Thanks Philip for your time. Hope you do vote regularly with any aberration this time and make sure people around you also vote. That is the very beginning :-).

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    2. Yes, Jayanta I do vote every year.
      The sad part is that the middle class and most of the upper classes just ignore this great privilege they are having, Let us wisely utilize our franchise
      Have Good Weekend :-)

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  5. I agree, Jayanta, we do need to get more involved in governance. I don't want to be cynical but we should start by voting - it's easy to talk on FB - harder to get out there and cast your vote. I saw that happen during the last Elections.

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    1. Hi Corinne, Thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated. I do agree on the voting part and am urging people around me to vote, have written couple of posts making a fervent plea to come out on the voting day..

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  6. Jayanta, thanks for sharing your thoughts on some key issues. I read and hear about alternative education routes that are being set up at various levels to focus on aspects that traditional education seems to be leaving behind - social consciousness, social justice and sustainability. If it is of interest, you could look up http://www.aarohilife.org/ (set up by friends of ours) and the Swaraj University.
    Cheers!

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    1. Thanks a lot for stopping by and the url. Will surely look at the same and will spread in my circles...Thanks again.

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  7. Such valid points and valuable advice. Hope we all spread awareness bit by bit.
    Yes, let's vote!

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  8. Thanks for sharing this thought provoking post !

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  9. I am not familiar with your country or its education system but I agree that there is always room for improvement. In our country, there is a serious lack in our education system and as a result, it is showing up when they enter the workplace.

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    1. Hi Carol, Am from India. This post is more of Engaging in governance :-) and less on Education. Thanks for your time and I appreciate your comments.

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  10. Education is the answer to a lot of problems. But with every rising rate of education unemployment gets a kick ahead too. So the situation is in my opinion more complex than we would like to believe.

    Richa

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    1. Hi RIcha, This post was more from Engaging in Governance and not on Education. Thanks for your time on my post and comments though.

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  11. Another well thought out and relevant post..

    Random Thoughts Naba

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  12. Whenever I ask my friends or look at their Facebook bio I find a blunt statement- "I hate politics". But the thing is how can one hate politics and be a part of Governance at the same time? I don't what kind of education the youth is receiving these days that they simply wish to stay aloof.

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    1. Hi Namrata, But my experience is not exactly like yours or probably I am mixing up with youth a little more matured compared to college goers...We need to get into participative democracy going forward. Hope you would agree.

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    2. Um hm. The question isn't just about the college going student. This lack of interest remains with the Young India in toto.

      watch this and you'll understand what I am saying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRgl3f5xn-w

      I have nominated your blog for the Sunshine Blog Award. http://namratakumari.blogspot.in/2014/04/my-sunshine-blog-award.html
      I hope you would accept the award. :)

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    3. Just watched the video. hmmmm.. It is pathetic.. However there is a better lot as well, I would guess, people like you , more conscious :-).. Got your message.
      I am deeply honored that you have nominated me for the sunshine blog award. Am sure to accept it..Hope I got this nomination purely on merit :-). Good luck. Happy blogging...

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  13. Thanks for sharing this.. What an enlightening thought!!

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  14. I'm amazed at the thoughtful way you draft your posts, Sir. This was so informative and insightful !

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    1. Thanks a lot, Ma'M. I feel elated from your comments.

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  15. Very thoughtful...education is our basic right and yes also a duty of each of us to educate all around us.

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  16. You are right about steps being taken......for security of woman,poverty alleviation programmes etc....but I suppose much more efforts are required so that it trickles down to the needy

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  17. Really a thought-provoking post...education means enlightenment..freedom of mind ...

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  18. It's heartening to see somebody giving a wake up call to the youth.

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