Got "Inked?"

Election Season is in full swing in India and today, April 30th, Maximum City Mumbai had its day out to cast its ballot. And while I personally expected a superb voter turnout, Mumbaikars totally fazzled the media, the candidates, the rest of the country and myself with only 46% of registered voters only turning up to vote. One would think that after the 26/11 attacks and all the events that followed, Mumbaikars would have taken full advantage of this voting opportunity. However that doesn't seem to be the case. Clearly, Mumbaikars have lost the spirit and anger they possessed post 26/11 and have gone back to their self-obsessed attitudes. Or perhaps they simply couldn't be bothered to get out of the house in the wretched heat- India is currently going through a heat wave reporting record high temperatures, and instead chose to sit in their a.c. fitted houses instead. Sadly, the country has taken the heat for its people numerous times, and when it came down for its citizens to do the same, come out and vote, they didn't feel the need to "take the heat." For the life of me, I cannot seem to fathom how they could NOT have wanted to even vote. It makes absolutely NO sense. Voting is not only a birth right for every Indian citizen, but also a constitutional right. This one day every four years, Indian citizens are allowed to come out and speak their minds about the manner in which their country runs. It simply saddens me, that about 60% of Mumbai decided it wasn't worth it. They complain nonstop about their leaders, of which 17% own criminal records, but yet they won't come out to oust them. Mumbaikars, if you came out and did you "thang," props to you, if not, shame on you.

The Bollywood brigade came out in full force to vote and stand behind what they all had been advertising about all over the media waves. The likes of Sonam Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Javed Akhtar, Ranbir Kapoor, the Bachchan clan, Karan Johar, John Abraham, Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Gulzar, Boman Irani, Sonali Bendre and husband Goldie Behl, Prem Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sanjay and Maanyata Dutt, Rakesh Roshan, Amrita Rao and a whole lot more all casted their ballots depite the scorching heat. Hint Hint Mumbaikars. If the stars, who are known for their personal nakhres can come out and do their thing for the country, why couldn't you? Tut-tut. As John Abraham said to those who didn't come out to vote, "If you don't vote, you can't complain for the next four years." I agree. You didn't get "inked" and hence, you ain't got no right. That said, the celebs made the middle-finger-ink a fashion statement to beckon with this year. A whole range of them stuck up their middle-fingers, figuratively and literally, as the media snapped pictures of them. Check it out!

Photo Credit: [Proud to be Indian] SantaBanta.com

Paapu CAN Vote!

The amount of sites that have been popping up that are encouraging the youth and their counterparts to vote has been phenomenal. Jaago Re, Lead India and Vote India are just a few that I personally follow but many fabulous News sites too have great coverage of the upcoming elections: Hindustan Times, India Times and India Today. The previous three have all been put together by the youth which makes them a tad more special in my opinion. Each one has an individual reason to why India should vote and how their single ballot makes a difference. Google "Vote India and over 35 million hits come up. Amazing!

It was beautiful that the "youth rose from the ashes" after the Mumbai Terror Attacks. They gathered together to stand up against how the situation was handled, their claim for safety and stood up realizing they had to make changes. Change. A simple word and idea that had they had forgotten about. This is the time to make that change and help your country move ahead.

It is every citizens innate right to vote and more important that they exercize that right. Rahul Kanwal very interestingly pointed out, "Half of India's population is under 25 and two-thirds under 35. That's 700 million people who could potentially be agents of change." That clearly is should be a wake up call to every citizen in that age bracket (and otherwise): VOTE! If you are in that age frame, you need to do it for your future, if not, vote to secure your children's tomorrow. The youth's vote is perhaps the most important because of multiple reasons. Firstly, the youth are the educated lot who will be the deciding factor for the future of India. Secondly, sadly they are being deemed as "self-obsessed." The youth should not stand for this and in fact, by voting are showing that they are just the opposite. Rising and asking for a change in administration will help the youth gain more credibility and help raise the standards of politicians in India. It is now that the politicians of India need to get younger- in age and ideals. The time of the "oldies" and more older men and women in the Indian society needs to come to its conclusion and this is the perfect time for this youthful change to occur. The biggest democratic country in the world must draw inspiration from Barack Obama and François Fillon; both young leaders of the modern world.

It is a decline in these very standards that has caused a deteriotation in the election of politicians. Murderers, thieves, prisoners, even terrorists have become politicians in the past. How has that been allowed? Corruption is a big factor that is not helping and in fact only adding to the disgrace of the country. Being the biggest democratic (and most secular) country in the world, this is a worrying thought. Afghanistan recently voted in a number of Taleban members into their government, however, this is expected from a country that is in complete political shambles and does not allow its citizens to vote freely. From India, this is rather discomforting. Ultimately, what is the point of celebrating over 50 years of Independence when the no one is utilizing their democratic right correctly, if at all.

However, only the youth can change this insane phenomena. The youth is not simply enclosed to a particular age group. It is not based on a mere number but in fact stands on the equilibrium of modern and traditional ideas. As our perceptions in life and lifestyle changes, so should the expectations of our government. The problem is clear. The involvement of the youth in politics is scarce. But can you blame them? Every time a member of the youth stands up and voices his opinion, he is shut down and told he is "too young" or are told it is their "khelne-khoodne ke din" (days to have fun and frolic). Perhaps if the government would then sit up and listen to what the future of their country wanted, they would see that the youth has views, values, morals, needs, wants and expections.

The first way for them to be recognized it to vote. The country houses over one billion people. India should, in fact, have a record number of citizens turning up to vote in comparison to any country in the world. However, because a major chunk of the educated lot have not voted in the past, the uneducated go ahead and vote for ones that promise them castles in the sky but are unable to pull through. As educated and informed people, it is your job to help the rural folk who innocently vote for politicians who either threaten them, pay them or promise them changes that never actually happen.

I wish I could- and believe me I would do anything to vote in India. However, I do not have that privilege but if you can, you must and you should. By not voting, you deprive your country and someone else casting a ballot. Make your vote count and refuse to be a silent spectator. And if you need any reason or inspiration to vote, check out the sites! They can provide some great reason to vote. Vote India (youth or otherwise) Vote!

As for the government who is calling you- the youth, a "Paapu" for not voting, here's your chance to prove that you ain't no "Paapu" and you can vote.

Photo Credit: Bollywood.com

P. Chidabaram: The Future Face of Indian Politics

He simply smiled, and told his security to lead out the him "gently" when a shoe was hurled at him as a sign of protest. A journalist was dismissed by the Home Minister as the he was unhappy with the reply to his question and thus, flung a sneaker in his direction. P. Chidabaram, however, was simply unfeathered. Such is the Home Minister of India; his simplicity shines when he speaks and smiles. His peaceful mannerism and fabulous presence is what makes him a cut above the rest. A complete liberal, Chidabaram has sat in some of the most high ranking seats in the Indian Government before reaching to his current stature of Home Minister. A Harvard Business School Graduate and owner of a Bachelor Degree in Science and Law, he played an integral part in aiding the Indian economy to grow at a rapid rate of nine percent a year. However, the ex-finance minister was not satisfied deeming the figure as "meaningless." He has a belief which involves India and all its classes. Not only would they need to come together and help better the future of India, but his ideology ultimately works to make it beneficial for rural and urban India.

As a Finance Minister, he opened up free trade amongst neighboring countries not only helping to better relations but also managing to decrease the amount of poverty in India. P. Chidabaram is exactly what India needs. The Congress Party has perhaps one of the most important factors which will help to aid its win in the upcoming elections and that is the Home Minister himself. He stands for the future of India: educated, collected and ever-ready to fight for the development of the country. Chidabaram is an inspiration to young Indians all over the world who are looking for ways to help further India but are unsure of how. The Home Minister too believes that education is key to a progressive India. If more children actually went through a complete education, not only would the literacy rate increase but so would the number of trained professionals, which is required most definitely in modern day India, he is said to have explained in an interview to a leading publication.

Along with the Congress Party, the latest agenda presented to the citizens of India was clear, if Congress was voted back into power in the 2009 elections. The focus was clear: the elimination and control of Terrorism. Not only did they provide a comprehensive list of how they would combat terror but divulged a clear line of attack when and if another strike occurred, demonstrating that 26/11 would not only be prevented but the citizens of India would be protected from further attacks.

So, why all the praise for the man? Well, it's really simple. P. Chidabaram is the epitome of current Indian politicians and the future face of India. A man of his caliber has the capacity and wisdom to move India ahead of its time. It is unfortunate that India is still being deemed as a "sleeping tiger" or a "potential superpower." For one, we are not sleeping and secondly why the adjective "potential?" All India needs is educated and informed politicians to help the country move ahead into the twenty-first century. Clearly, P. Chidabaram is the man to take it forward and lead India into the next generation. He was quick to step in and take on the burden of an angry India when Shivraj Patil stepped down after the Mumbai Terror Attacks as he was unable to take responsibility and the heat. Not only did he get to work immediately, showing great knowledge and care, but he was also determined to bring peace and retain credibility of the Indian Government to its people.

This is not a misleading opportunity to try and convince people in India to vote for the Congress Party. It is hardly that. In fact, I believe that each individual has their own choice and opinion of who and which party to vote into power. However, it is recognizing one man who shows great potential for the country. On a parting note, Chidabaram went on to "forgive" the shoe hurler understanding his emotional outburst and protest. Need I say more?

Photo Credit: The Hindu

March Mayhem

It is only three months into the new year and March is already a month reckon with. The Indian Cricket team went on to create history and win a series against New Zealand after eons. Kudos to Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag who hit amazing knocks against the Kiwis. The women's Indian Cricket team, who unfortunately do not get enough accolades or recognition, are also doing fabulously at their World Cup. Team India beat the worlds best Australia in great pomp and style. I wish the media would cover their accomplishments and give them some publicity. These ladies are such fabulous sportswomen and its such a beautiful achievement on their part. No one may recognize it or see it, but kudos to you ladies.

On the other hand, it has been a week of some serious ragging in India. Young Aman Kachroo fell victim to "Ragged to Death," by his seniors and unfortunately only lived to be nineteen. Ragging is a tradition in many colleges across India where college freshers are bullied and teased in what is supposed to be a fun few days. However, in the past, this custom had taken a serious toll when youngsters took the fun and game too far resulting in a number of deaths. The government banned ragging of any form but it obviously has no meaning for the youth. Aman Kachroo was beaten to death by a group of seniors. School officials took over a day to finally inform the police of the incident. This piece of news made headlines all over India and made audiences believe that a point had been made - this is unacceptable. However, a few days later, a young girl attempted suicide after she was asked to dance naked as a part of her rag. To me, after such instances, I can totally understand why the government has no hope for the youth of India. I can see what they see: a youth that does not understand its boundaries and has no respect for life. Kachroo was a young boy who was the future of his family. It is even more disturbing to learn that he was a medical student and the group of imbeciles that killed him, were potential doctors. Is this what our youth has become - murderers in the form of medical practitioners?

And then there are the upcoming I.P.L's. Both of them: the Indian Premiere League in the form of Cricket and the Indian Parliament eLections. Coincidentally, both leagues will be occurring simultaneously which is a major cause of concern for the national security forces. Clearly both are important in their own ways, but election season has to take precedence. If a match occurs on a voting day, it is more than likely that voter turn out will fall. This is not good considering that the government needs as many votes as they can. At the same time, in the light of potential terrorist attacks which is a universal daily issue that must be tackled, protecting national politicians, international cricketers and our own desi cricketers will prove to be too strenuous for the local police officials. Ideally, the cricket league should either be completely avoided this year or pushed back to a more practical time. The I.P.L and B.C.C.I will beat themselves on the head if anything catastrophic were to happen on any of the match days. In the meantime, VOTE INDIA VOTE!

Keeping with voting season and taking a more positive outlook on the youth of India, they too have decided that this year, the balancing scale needs to be outweighed. A great group of youngsters have gone ahead and started the Lead India Campaign which has some great ways YOU and the government should/can help their country. You must take a look : http://www.lead.timesofindia.com/. You can add to the list of oaths, sign the pledge and get involved.

Hopefully the March Madness soon calms down and all ends well. Until then, my message this month is one of hope and peace. Hope in the form of a new bright India filled with a youth who is willing to take India into the future and peace for our country, our surrounding neighbors and around the world.

Photo Credit: thewip.net