Being a Citizen
Participation In Political And Social Life Whatever you do, you contribute positively or negatively Politics is considered bad a term that is loosely used Politics to most means voting, elections, corruption. However, it is more about changing mindsets or about trying to make a difference. Trying to improve helps Street plays, campaigns, spreading awareness
Participation In Political And Social Life Can t say anything because we are students; over time a desensitization has set in Have to work within structural constraints minority/majority; centre, left or right. (e.g. what if you don t like any of the candidates; right to dissent) The youth should have the power to create choices, not just make choices Presently might is right. In a democracy too the majority wins. Not all can be happy in a democracy To speak up, you need a safe environment and security for yourself But on a positive side Make people aware that their opinion matters; spread awareness of their rights and duties and not do something that is a societal norm. Need to question norms
Ways in which youth wish they can participate Keep trying, not get desensitized (AP farmer suicide) Speak up (but need protection of opinions) Acknowledge a problem if it exists (sexual abuse, incest) Be open to change (parental opposition to career choices); spread awareness Go beyond the conventional (development work)
What makes a person believe that he/she is a full citizen? Feeling of belonging and ownership towards the whole world concept of global citizenship Giving back to your country (remittances; country not being a barrier in your growth a symbiotic process) Participation in welfare activities (social work; peace march) Involvement in politics and taking charge
Does youth voice matter? Unanimously yes! But then again we are urban youth
Does place of living matter? Rural versus urban less awareness in rural areas Different levels even within urban slums, middle class, elite Marginalized areas/groups have their own personal problems to deal with first (Bihar have it harder, but fight it out but do they make a difference within Bihar) Mass/free media less prevalent in rural, marginalized areas But it also depends on. Peer group pressure Situation (rape case) Social conditioning and family Own safety and security Caste stratification Stereotypes
Military and National Service Experience Military unanimously respected US mandatory service implemented in India? Group divided Govt. service divided opinion Respected safety, security of tenure, if you want to make a change, start with the system Not respected too much bureaucracy, does not arouse any motivation Some neutral it depends on your personal choice and what you enjoy doing
Participation in groups 8 out of 13 are currently participating (HIV/AIDS awareness NGO, student union, sexual abuse, exchange programs, hostel heads) Everyone said it was an important part of their daily life If belonged to more than one, most liked the one with more field experience, more people centered activities; where my heart is If don t belong, want to be a part to apply knowledge to practice, cut-off from community when you leave college
Violence for political/social issues Uniformly not justifiable But sometime has to be used (selfdefense, encounters by police, threat of violence may be better than violence itself- he who has the stick ; case of posters)
Exchange of ideas Everyone talks about social/political issues with friends (some friends more than the others) and family. More so on social issues rape, dowry, career choices, girlfriends/boyfriends Family conversations more about career choices Not so much exchange with the community. Social discussions more prevalent is she married? If not, why? Why does she come back at 11 in the night? Who is dropping her back?
Thanks! Questions?