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"Exercise your right"

Vijayalaya Cholan on the importance of voting

Vijayalaya Cholan PHOTO: M. Vedhan

Today, it's fashionable among the youth to say, "I don't know politics." As though it is beyond comprehension. They slog to make it into prestigious colleges and courses but don't take the trouble to understand the intricacies of national politics. Their patriotism is at its peak on the cricket stadium, but hardly there otherwise. Why do we need a battleground to come together as a nation? I feel, the spirit of nationalism is lacking and nowhere is it more apparent than at the polling booths. High salaries afford the youth an indifference to voting. They have their needs met and therefore, can shrug away this privilege of being part of a democracy. That too without a twinge of conscience.

They don't abstain as a mark of protest, but simply because they don't think it worth their while. If the excuse is that the options offered in terms of candidates are bad, then choose the best among the lot. Voting is a duty, not a chore. If the country gives you an opportunity to land plum jobs, give back to it. At least vote.

When you whine about how the government is not doing its job right, remember it cannot be detached from you. You are the government. It is what it is because you voted, or didn't vote.

To help the tech-savvy and youngsters who are constantly online, e-voting can be implemented. And voting must be made compulsory.

SOUND OFF! is a weekly space for you to rant, applaud or talk about anything on your mind. Write to metro@thehindu.co.in telling us a little about yourself (with address and phone number), and you may get a chance to sound off

AS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

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