Akangjungla
Often in youth-centred conferences and Church gatherings, it is binding for one or the other speakers to proclaim the slogan that ‘young people are the hope for the future; today’s youth are tomorrow’s change makers.’ Nothing wrong in reaffirming these slogans over and over again! Every generation of young people needs to be reminded of the power vested in them by virtue of their age.
Worldwide, young people today are facing relentless crisis and growing list of new and harsh realities – be it according quality education, securing employment, fighting corruption, surviving political conflict and many more. Their frustration about the future is evident in the growing number of young people getting involved in crime, substance abuse, trafficking and other social evils. These choices do not justify their decision to disapprove the betrayal of their future and it will be impossible to take even a single step forward on the journey towards youth empowerment without young leaders.
Last week, this newspaper ran a public poll on ‘if younger politicians will make better leaders in Nagaland?’ 60 percent responded ‘yes’, 21 percent said ‘no’ and the remaining 19 percent voted for ‘others.’ Most of the respondents placed their hope on young politician, recognising that they are critical to bring development to the State. Citing reason for a ‘yes’ vote, one response read that as a society change with times, the younger generation politicians have witnessed the importance of the need of political fidelity imbibed with moral ethics to succeed the crux of visionary political leader who firmly stands against any form of corruption. ‘We all know that the major setback to the Nagas is because of those corrupted leaders from various fields. Having said this and in order to change this status quo, the younger politicians should definitely be given a chance to lead the people,’ it reasoned.
It reflected well in many responses that young politicians are best placed to lead towards a positive transformation with their new ideas, new mindset and new approach. Being educated added to their credibility to be future change makers. Attesting this, one said, ‘youth in politics is a good thing as they are well educated and they will know the needs of the people. They have the ability that to do anything for people without being corrupted. They work for the people and they mobilize the people through their educated mind.’ Certainly the ‘no’ and ‘other’ voters stated their own valid arguments.
Nonetheless, taking into account the 60 percent ‘yes’, this implies a clear suggestion that people are rallying their faith and hope on the younger politicians, despite the general lack of trust on the existing politicians and the political leadership in Nagaland. It is now in the hands of the few existing young politicians, and hopefully the many upcoming ones, to serve collectively to strengthen the people’s expectations and dreams, enable development and democracy, and become the champions of the people and community.
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