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Is politics too dirty?
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They make the right noises about upholding the country's democratic principles and make fashion statements that respectable news channels rave about. They are sometimes viewed as the only hope of Indian politics. Even as most youngsters don't find it in their schedule to vote, entering politics is written off without thought. While in Kerala, Delhi and Kolkata, politicos are born in canteens and classrooms, politics is a bad word in most campuses in our city. University elections are all low-key, minus the hype, slogan shouting, loudspeakers, campaigning, overt bribing and garlanding. Youth wings of established political parties merely serve as vote banks here. As Mani Ratnam's Yuva hits the cinemas, dealing with the theme of students in po
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Turning their back on politics?
They make the right noises about upholding the country's democratic principles and make fashion statements that respectable news channels rave about. They are sometimes viewed as the only hope of Indian politics. Even as most youngsters don't find it in their schedule to vote, entering politics is written off without thought. While in Kerala, Delhi and Kolkata, politicos are born in canteens and classrooms, politics is a bad word in most campuses in our city. University elections are all low-key, minus the hype, slogan shouting, loudspeakers, campaigning, overt bribing and garlanding. Youth wings of established political parties merely serve as vote banks here. As Mani Ratnam's Yuva hits the cinemas, dealing with the theme of students in politics, ROHINI MOHAN hands the mike over to the youthful constituency.
"Students should involve themselves in politics. We can't say they're inexperienced and keep them away. They are more familiar with the demands of the youth and will definitely contribute fresher ideas. "
Shashank
Call centre employee
"Students can become politicians, but many do it through the influence of other politicians. Students must think for themselves and not get trapped in the system by endorsing political parties. Standing for elections independently is the best option."
Laxman Prabhu
Businessman
"I wouldn't encourage my children to enter politics as there is no certainty in it. They will spoil their studies. Most youth leaders have amount to nothing."
Roopa
Homemaker
"A friend of mine is actively involved in politics. He's doing it because the juice is worth the squeeze. But I ask, if he doesn't make it in politics, what will he do in life? If you start this in college itself and keep losing elections, there is no Plan B, is there?"
Shruti
II PUC student
"The image you get about campus politics from movies is that of heroism. And many youngsters enter the field with that notion and are disappointed to see that it's nothing like they thought. That is the problem. People must know what exactly they're getting into."
Sushmita
Recruitment consultant
"We need student politicians to clean the rot in the country. Parents should give moral support to youngsters who want to enter politics otherwise only those with politicians for dads and mums will think about it."
Arjun
Medico
"Youngsters must come into the government, but not while they are still in college because full concentration should be on education, right? Even if someone gave me a chance, I would never get into politics now."
Ramya
Student
"Students are too young to decide what's right or wrong. What if they make a mistake? While taking decisions in a government, you cannot afford to be inexperienced."
Leonna
Call centre employee
"Any student enters politics with a lot of ideals. The government is a natural corrupter. India is an immature democracy. If we were like China, youngsters would have an equal chance to participate in nation-building."
Mehar Shridhar
Software engineer
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