Until a few months ago, the word "politician" was often accompanied with expletives denoting utter derogation. Only the statesmen of yore and a handful of contemporary politicians derived reverence from the public. The "AAP effect" has changed that perception.
As I have hinted to before, there are significant parallels between the India of today and the US of circa late 19th century. Rapid economic growth and high levels of corruption saw the rise of new billionaires, dubbed as the robber barons. It was the push by activists to reform the polity that led the US into the progressive era of transparent and accountable governance. India too is today witnessing a similar transition.
It is in this context that the need for the young to engage in matters of policy and social issues gains importance. Now that the political baton is being relayed to the next generation, the time is ripe to think about the changes they wish to espouse in the India of the coming decades.
I have recently started organizing policy workshops in different cities across the country to provide a platform to citizens to explore ways of engaging with the system, to champion issues and make a difference. In these workshops, I have met many enthusiastic, young participants who are very eager to contribute towards a better India. If this untapped energy and potential can somehow be channelized into political engagement and action, it can significantly reform governance in India.
In many ways, 2014 is a watershed year for the country. After several decades of silence and disengagement, there is now active involvement by the public. People are making their voices heard, and their votes count. The way forward from here requires young Indians, both from urban and rural areas, to become more proactive in the political process: choose issues that they are passionate about, build awareness and actively champion these through engagement with the political process.
This can usher in a paradigm shift in the way we govern ourselves, and lead India into a progressive era of its own. The next few years are therefore going to be crucial for India.
Baijayant Jay Panda is MP (Lok Sabha), BJD.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this blog are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing on the blog do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.