Colour of Democracy – III
Colour of Opinions

Today, our professor was discussing the issue of security in the Third World countries. He pointed out the aspect of ultra nationalist politics as a threat to the security of countries like India. So, I contributed by pointing out the concept of ‘rath yatras’ as a tool of this brand of politics. Immediately, a classmate clarified that the specific event in question was a ‘yatra’ and not a ‘rath yatra’. This was a mark of qualifying his upport for right wing politics. Even though I have serious differences with my differences with my friend over this issue, he still deserves my kudos. The reason : free expression of a clear opinion.

In this age, most young Indians view politics in either of two ways : loathe it (why wallow in the muck?) or court it (the bungalows in Delhi are so comfy!!). My friend does not subscribe to either of these views. Yet, he retains clear ideas on politics. Apart from the fact that he is a fellow student of Political Science (one could draw hasty conclusions from this fact), he has clear opinions. This is the need of the hour. Unfortunately, my classmate is just a drop in the ocean of youth in the country. Leave aside a politician, even being ‘political’ is looked upon these days. No wonder then, that student politicians in my university (and in many others) are viewed as aliens and the student elections as affairs in outer space. No way we are bothered about them!

Being a “cash-for-questions” MP is a crime. But being a political animal (thus spake Aristotle) is certainly not. Formation and articulation of diverse opinions is a central feature of a thriving democracy. This is one step closer in effecting that big ‘change’ we aspire for – which eventually manifests itself as the vote. Hence I am grateful to my friend for showing me the way………to become a little bit wise.