Category Politics & Parliaments

Children demonstrate an interest, but stay away from engaging in socio-political affairs. Here’s how they can address the gaps, become active citizens and prepare to participate in future democratic processes…

Knowledge of politics

Education is the building block of a progressive society. Besides shaping your personality, it helps you bring about change in society. Wondering how? If you become aware of your rights and responsibilities, you will be better equipped to face society and take an active part in shaping it. Continue to follow politics in your state and country from a young age. An early awareness of politics is essential to awaken your sense of social responsibility in a democracy. To start with, familiarise yourself with local governance and democratic values. Get to know about political developments, leaders and their accomplishments. Are they good at their work? Are the policies framed by them effective? Find out from the newspapers and other media. Discuss themes ranging from fundamental rights to voting and elections. This will help you make informed choices when you turn 18, the age to exercise your right to franchise. What’s more, if you are cut out for politics, you too can enter the field at the right time and make a difference.

Start small

Are you indifferent towards the pot holed road in your locality? Or uncleared dustbins in the neighbourhood? Have you ignored the govemment’s call to end the use of certain plastic items? Well, if your answer is ‘Yes’, it’s time to act. Change starts with you! You can be the change you would like to see in society. Find out how you can contribute to change in your community. You can start by volunteering with organisations working for civic issues during the weekends. As you commit yourself to such work, you will inspire others too to follow suit. Start small, start local, and then expand your areas of work.

Read autobiographies and biographies of leaders

Every leader had to overcome great obstacles during their lifetime. Today we may not even have an idea of the struggles they had to undergo to attain freedom for our country. Read up on the history of India and world, the wars, the biographies of great leaders and the works written by them. You will get to know about their qualities, what made them stand out, their credibility, statesmanship and their effective policies towards disadvantages sections of society. You will also learn about the futility of war. Books serve as great teachers and reading biographies will shape you into a better leader.

 

Care for the environment

With a warming world staring us in the face, what can we do to minimise its impact on us and the future generations? Remember the 3Rs – Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. Conserve energy by unplugging appliances when not in use. Conserve water by fixing the leaky taps in the kitchen and around your house. Plant saplings, and remember to water them regularly. They will surely provide the much-needed green cover in a few years’ time. Cycle or walk to places in the vicinity instead of taking out your fuel-guzzling two-wheelers to buy things needed for home or to visit friends. In this way, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thereby cut your carbon footprint. Instead of going on accumulating new things, try recycling what you already have and reuse. Cardboards can be converted into penholders and made attractive with a coat of vibrant paint, CD discs can be converted into adornments, and doormats can be fashioned out of old clothes. The options are many, if you only put your heart to it.

Be a responsible citizen

Do not wait for something big to happen. Start where you are with whatever you have, said People’s President A.PJ. Abdul Kalam. He believed in the power of the young minds to bring about change. Youngsters are a dynamic force. These days they are often exposed to issues such as economic inequities, religious discrimination and environmental challenges. If young people aged below 20, who constitute over 40% of the country’s population, develop skills such as empathy, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, it will not only enable them to take responsibility for their actions but also help build a better future along with others.

Develop a mindset that will push you to question what is undesirable around you and resolve the problems efficiently and amicably. By being a responsible citizen, you can play an active part in society, be the changemaker and also inspire others to bring about change in various walks of life.

Think positive

A positive perception towards politics is essential as today’s children are going to be tomorrow’s leaders and policy makers. Many youngsters tend to get cynical about politics when they come across or read about corrupt leaders and those with criminal antecedents. But instead of losing heart, they can try to set good examples. Knowledge of and early exposure to politics lead to increased interest in politics. Try to participate in democratic processes such as elections in schools and colleges. This will eventually help evolve an avid interest in the country’s electoral process, governance, development, etc. Gaining knowledge about economy, healthcare, social justice and the Constitution is essential. When you are well informed about the situations prevalent in the country and other countries, you will be able to bring about systemic change that will benefit society.

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Ram Nath Kovind (25 July 2017- 25 July 2022 )

Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th, and the present President of India. He assumed the office of the President of India on 25th July, 2017. Kovind has worked extensively in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Ram Nath Kovind was born on 1st October 1945, in Paraukh in Uttar Pradesh. His father was a landless poor man who ran a small shop to support his family.

After graduating in law from a Kanpur college, he went to Delhi to prepare for the Indian Administrative Service. He, however, did not join the administrative service, as he was selected only for the allied services. He then started practising law. He became an Advocate-on Record of the Supreme Court of India in 1978.

Ram Nath Kovind began his political career in 1994 when he was elected as a member of Rajya Sabha, from Uttar Pradesh. He focussed on education in rural areas by helping in the construction of school buildings in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Ram Nath Kovind was appointed as the Governor of Bihar on 8th August 2015, by the then president Pranab Mukherjee. Kovind held this office till he resigned after being nominated for the office of the President of India.

He won the presidential race by receiving 65.65 per cent of the valid votes.

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Pranab Mukherjee (25 July 2012-25 July 2017)

Pranab Mukherjee assumed the office of the President of India, on 25th July 2012. He became the President of India after four decades of political life, and is the first Bengali to hold this office.

Pranab Mukherjee was often known as the walking encyclopaedia. He held many important positions. He served as the finance minister of India from 2009 to 2012, before becoming the president. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress.

Pranab Mukherjee was born on 11th December 1935 in Mirati in West Bengal. He earned an MA degree in Political Science and History. He then furthered his education, and received an LLB degree from the University of Calcutta. He later worked as a teacher and a journalist. He ventured into politics and later became a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Pranab Mukherjee held various cabinet posts in different union ministries. He also had the distinction of being the minister for various high-profile ministries including defence, finance, and external affairs in various governments. As finance minister, Mukherjee signed the letter appointing Manmohan Singh as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India, who later became the prime minister of India.

Mukherjee was nominated as a presidential candidate of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in June, 2012. He comfortably defeated PA Sangma, his opponent, by winning 70 per cent of the electoral-college votes. He was sworn in as the President of India on 25th July 2012 and held the office till 25th July 2017. After completion of his tenure as the president, Pranab Mukherjee didn’t intend to stand for a second term, owing to his failing health.

He was also a noted author, and has written many books including Off the Track, Challenges before the Nation, The coalition Years and The Presidential Years.

Pranab Mukherjee was known to be a compulsive workaholic. He worked for almost 18 hours a day, and hardly took any days off, except for his visit to Mirati, his hometown, during the Durga Puja. In 2008, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.

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