Call of Duty – Different Tunes

I wrote an article in my blog titled ‘Call of duty. It discussed the need and relevance of political participation of more mature, educated and young people with values. After reading this post, I got a variety of responses. I felt that couple of these comments and my thoughts on these are worth sharing. And hence this.

“I have no time in my busy schedule”

Availability of time depends on what priority you ascribe to an activity in relation to all the other demands on you time.

If you think it is your responsibility to make a difference to your country, try to assign a small amount of time. One hour in a day? In a week? In a month??

You can write a meaningful article, a blog, tell a friend, forward a few emails and most importantly cast your vote. All these can make a difference

Can we be a bit less selfish when we give our time? Today we give our time only where we have to highest ROI to self/ family. But not willing to make our contribution which individually make little difference but can collectively make all the difference.

“I am not talented, capable or skilled to stand for an election and win.”

Participating in politics does not essentially mean standing for election.

Just like you participate in clubs like rotary/ lions or participate in religious activity you can participate in political process too.

You can act as a research supporter for your elected representatives or help in a variety of ways in the campaign of a person you support. At the minimum forward a few SMS endorsing your support.

You can act as a whistle blower and help publish the wrongdoing of the government or an officer.
You don’t have to be a part of a political party. But you can be a part of the political process.
May be you can put together a group that influences the local party decision of whom they are fielding.

May be you can put your money and power individually or collectively to get a good candidate elected. With the way the votes are split these days, the number needed to win may not be so big.

At the least by ensuring that each of your friends cast his/ her vote.