‘Change’ in Indian democracy: Rahul Bose, Rakeysh Mehra

Devika Chhibber “He’s not going to win, but my vote is a vote for having more voices heard in the country”- Larry Bell ‘Janaagraha’s’ One Billion Voters (OBV) campaign launched by a Bangalore based non-profit organization took up some thought-provoking and interactive panel discussion on ‘Young India and role of youth in shaping its democracy’. The panel discussion at the ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi saw involvement of eminent personalities from film fraternity like director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Delhi 6’ fame), who is also the advisory board member of the OBV campaign and celebrated actor Rahul Bose. Excerpts: About ‘One Billion Voter’ campaign On being asked about the campaign, Rakeysh answered that sometimes in our life we are driven by an urge to do something for our country and this is the foundation, which we are planning to lay here. Change comes from within. Many of us talk about changing the whole scenario but for that we need to change ourselves first. That is what this campaign is all about. Rahul Bose said that the campaign is an initiative to bring awareness among the youth. OBV campaign seeks to improve the functioning of the Indian democracy by empowering citizens especially the youth to participate in the political process. The first leg of the campaign will enable them to make an informed choice, and ensure a huge voter turn out in the General Elections. How can technology help voters? Answering to this question Hemant Sachdev, Joint Director of Microsoft India, which is campaigning partner stated that there was a time when India had doubts about the Y generation’s technology but today’s youth is well versed in the techniques. Technology helps in providing a platform to express emotions. This is what we are trying to do - to build a bridge between technology and politics. If a youth knows updates of several candidates and their constituencies through websites, SMS facilities or search tools, he automatically starts developing an interest in the field. Is politics cool? Rahul answered this question quite politely and said that he doesn’t agree with people who say that politics is cool. Politics is everywhere whether it’s about MF Hussain’s return to India or banning rock show events after 10 pm. Hence, it’s time that we understand the value of politics rather than ignoring the situation. Any interest in Politics? Rahul said, “As an Indian yes I am interested in politics but I am not a politician. Everybody is born with a motive. I can say that Rakeysh Mehra can direct movies conveying social messages while I can enact good roles in some very good movies. But politics is certainly not our cup of tea.” Qualities of a powerful leader Rakeysh answered this question, “Leader in itself is a word that holds a powerful meaning. We don’t need politicians, we need good leaders, who are capable of taking hard stance in certain circumstances, who respect the country and are responsible and accountable towards the citizens who bring them to power. We should not forget that the one in power can only make significant changes in society.” In answer to the question, Rahul Bose quoted the lines of U2 band leader Bono, he said, “Now I can talk to the President from my platform on the issues of the black and apartheid as I have the power to do so. We must always remember that power comes with great responsibilities." Do we have good leaders today? Rakeysh answered that those who are there are not leaders but politicians. On asking whether we have a choice while selecting them. He said that we may not have a choice but what we can do is not vote for any of them and teach them that our vote is worthier and that the corrupt candidates are not acceptable. Suppose a lady goes to a sari shop and tries to select the best out of the lot. If she doesn’t find the best, what she can do is to tell the shopkeeper that his collection is not of her taste and leave without making any purchases, that’s exactly what I am trying to say here. Take on women voters Rakeysh emphasized that women are the key players in our society. They nurture a child and strengthen our character. Because of a woman, we are able to face hardships prevalent in the society, so I think that emphasis should be laid on their voting too because they are the root and without watering the root a tree cannot nourish properly. How do you see today’s youth? With a grim smile, Rahul decided to answer by citing an incident from his life. He said that in 1985, when he was 18, Rajiv Gandhi came to power. At that time India lacked self-esteem. Youth in those days just wanted to settle down in America with their MBA degrees and forget about their motherland but today’s youth is so different, so full of life, so decisive. He knows that he can lead a life of self-respect here in India. He knows that he has the power to uproot corruption. Above all, he is proud to be an Indian and now especially post 26/11 he has started demonstrating and not accepting the corruption. He comes out on the road to express that he is hurt and angry with those politicians, who do nothing but feed themselves on public money. On youth entering politics Rakeysh agreed that those youth, who are interested in politics, do not get sufficient chances or do not have appropriate funds to support their candidature. But then every profession has problems, so, if somebody is really interested he/she will definitely emerge victorious amidst problems. My example is in front of you in this case. We should never forget that change is a timeless process. What we have started may take 2-3 years time but we should not be depressed with this thought. Someone has to take the first step to give our future generation a life of peace and prosperity. One change required fervently If someday I get the opportunity to do so I would like to uproot corruption from every field. Corruption is a disease, which decomposes everything. So, let us think of the brighter side and try to vote and bring change, said Rahul. Your vision for India? Rahul said that India, which is beautiful. Where everybody gets respect, basic rights and privileges, where the youth is not suppressed. Where we don’t have to look out for options. Where law binds all and the youth gets a chance to express and fulfill their basic desires and demands.