To Vote Or Not to Vote?

“I DON’T think it's necessary to vote.”

“Whats the point? Everyones corrupt annnyways!”

“How will my ONE VOTE make a difference?”

“Jaaney dey yaar, anyways nothing is going to change.”
“Lite ley – Take it easy”

“Arey main to vaise bhi US ja raha/rahi hoon!”

“I’m not interested in politics”

If any of the above applies to you… WAKE UP! Like seriously, WAKE UP!!

We may or may not be interested in politics but can we deny that corruption, greed, violence and religious divide through politics aren’t affecting our daily lives?

Switch on the television or pick up a newspaper and we see everyday, news about politicians throwing hate speeches at each other, creating a rift between religions in the name of secularism, sitting on road “Shows” (read politically – “dharnas”) just to make some noise and be in the news, lectures on “bharatiyata” and values of India and so on… While we may or may not be entertained by these events, one thing that clearly stands out is the intensity and the desperation with which the elections are being fought this time.

Political parties are leaving no stone unturned to make sure they woo the people of this country to vote in their favor. Thanks to the voluntary efforts of ‘Volunteer for a Better India (VBI)’ and other initiatives by NGOs, lakhs of new voters have been registered this year. Unlike before, political parties know that they can no longer afford to underestimate the POWER OF VOTING of each individual.

The good news is – THEY know of your power.

The question is – What are YOU going to do with that power?

People especially youth, all over India have woken up. They are taking lead in creating a better future for themselves and for their country. They are not only exercising their individual right to vote, but are also inspiring others to vote.

Okay, cut the gyan. Just tell me “What happens if I vote? What difference will my ONE VOTE make?”

Let’s see what happens if you don’t vote. Well… If you don’t vote then the Government won’t work for you. It’s as simple as that! If you don’t vote, you don’t exist for the Government, and then naturally when price rise, corruption, violence and lack of jobs affect you, you lose the right to complaint as well because well... You didn’t vote in the first place.

If you don’t vote, you’re telling the Government in loud and clear silence, that you’re okay with whatever is happening in the country, you don’t care and that they can continue to plunder us and our loved ones for as long as they wish.

But, if YOU vote, and vote wisely, then YOU open up an opportunity for change in the country. You stand up for the country, for your loved ones and for yourself. You stand up against corruption, greed, violence and religious divide. And in doing so, you inspire others to stand up for a better India.

So VOTE. Vote for a good and stable government. If you think everyone is corrupt, vote for the least corrupt national party. Vote for a leader who is experienced, has a good vision for the country and is focused on development and empowerment. Enough mockery has been made of people’s sentiments in the name of secularism.

Vote. Vote for change. Vote for a better India.

Jai Hind!

My Thoughts

Dear Reader,

I'm on my way home from work now. Sitting in a cab moving at 50 kmph, I reflect on the events that are taking place in the country. Rapes - Hate speeches - Power hungry politicians dividing the country in the name of secularism and religion only to fill up their vote banks (not to mention their own bank accounts) - MLA threatening to "show true power" to almost the entire population of India; our family, friends, loved ones, people in our country who to me are my extended family; within 15 minutes without police intervention - Power in the hands of destructive, intolerant and vindictive mindsets like these - The unjust delay in the name of providing justice - The fearless attitude with which the Government continues to shamelessly loot the country and its people...

As I reflect on this, my gaze shifts to the hundreds of people around me - in cars, buses, auto rickshaws, motor bikes, walking - moving on with their daily lives - on their way back home, to work, to coffee shops, to grocery stores, to classes, to parties, to meet their loved ones… and I notice not a smile on anyones face. Each one seems occupied with thoughts, dreams and worries about a better future. Yes, a better future for themselves and their family, but with another concern much deeper. A common concern that binds us all together. Questions that need to be answered. Are our sisters, mother, and friends safe? Are our families, neighbors and loved ones safe? Do our children have a better future? Are WE safe?

Each one of us, is now tired and has reached their saturation point. Our patience has been tested enough. Our tolerance has been misused enough. The "chalta hai" attitude has been used enough. No! We're no longer okay with being divided and ruled in the name of religion. We're no longer okay being fooled by selfish politicians - fooled in to believing in a better future while they continue to rape our present. We're no longer okay looking just after our "own" family and friends because we know that if our countrymen aren't safe, it is only a matter of time that our families won't be. 

I am an Indian, a daughter and a citizen of this country, and I'M NOT OKAY. Are You?

Jai Hind!

Jigyasa