Rahul Chopra
The world is increasingly getting younger.
More than half of the world’s population is under 30.
As their numbers increase, so would their influence on shaping the future of the world.
In these unpredictable times, conventional norms are being abandoned when it comes to political matters.
It is therefore imperative that today’s youth is engaged, aware and most importantly, enthused to protect and shape democratic ideals.
Importance of Education
The most important factor when it comes to conditioning a young person’s mind is the education they receive.
Educational institutes have a major role to play in ensuring young people are taught about governance and its importance in our lives. This curriculum should keep up with the changing times, and be presented in an attractive manner and not as a drab slog.
Parental role
The other important component of raising a politically aware young generation is the role of the parents. Parenting in today’s technology driven age has to be cognizant of not raising children who live in a virtual world.
They should be made aware of their surroundings that include societal, political and economic conditions of the times.
Varsities breed politicians
Universities have long been considered the breeding ground for future politicians.
It has been worryingly noticed that student participation in University politics is dwindling. Educational institutes are to be blamed for this also.
An active student body many a times is not in perfect harmony with University ideals. Places that are supposed to encourage conversations and debates covertly try and subvert the system. This leads to University students passing out with degrees but being distant from social ideals. An educational qualification is just not a degree but a principle that should not be forgotten.
Businesses should also be encouraged and incentivised to come good on their Corporate Social Responsibilities. This will lead to a workforce which is more aware of the good that businesses can do to the society, and have a flow-on effect on solidifying democratic ideals.
The Media
Politicians and Media have an important role in shaping the minds of the youth.
Politicians should formulate and project policies that attract young people.
Today’s generation is interested in a clean green planet.
They are also passionate when it comes to social and gender equality.
Democratic ideals of the future have to be based on principles for tomorrow.
A more tolerant society which cares for the environment should form the contours of any political party’s plans for the future.
Social media is the biggest tool when it comes to youth and their reaction and participation to surrounding events.
Laws of the future should strike a fine balance behind ensuring freedom of speech is not used as a tool to spread hate and ‘fake news’ (a recent term borne out of a changed American political landscape).
Politicians and society thinktanks must engage youth in their online forums by forwarding arguments young people will like to be a part of.
Young people should be given more opportunities to hold major responsibilities in political parties. There is a need for more diversity and inclusivity when it comes to the top echelons of the political system.
Balanced Views
Youth also have the responsibility to hold more balanced views and see things as more than black and white and get rid of the mentality of being keyboard warriors.
Any change, big or small, must happen in the real world, not in the virtual world, hiding behind screens and being hunched over smart phones.
This is where their growing-up years count for a lot.
An active childhood, spent outdoors and playing sport, will contribute to an adult who is accommodating of people who are different to them and more likely to be a team player.
Power to change
Youth has the power to change the world. The onus is now on the present generation –both young and old to synchronize their experience and energy to ensure we do our small bit in ensuring a better tomorrow for us, and the generations to come.
Rahul Chopra is Out of Parliament Office Assistant to National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
