'कुणाच्या खांद्यावर कुणाचे ओझे ' Kunachya khandyavar kunache Ojhe
A direct translation of this sentence means 'Who's burden on who's shoulders'. And that is exactly what is happening in politics today. My party has decided to field a candidate who has been a congress baiter and a congress hater all his political life. Not he has been given a ticket for my constiuency - Mahim - Shivaji Park where I have been working deligently for several years, addressing and solving problems of the citizens. I have been working relentlessly for improving the quality of life of this wonderful constituency.
Now that Mr. Sarvankar has been given a ticket to contest the elections, the burden of chosing the 'right' candidate to represent the people is on the shoulders of the people of this constituency. I am also surprised, disappointed and disgusted by the way some people in my party have been functioning. The injustice meted out to me by the 'party leaders' is a clear indication that the Congress in Mumbai is on a road to disaster. Mr. Sarvankar is rightfully disappointed by the treatment meted out to him by the Shiv Sena, but then he should have also thought of the injustice done by him by hijacking my right for contesting the elections in Mahim - Shivaji Park.
I refuse under protest to help Mr. Sarvankar in these elections. How can I support a right winger Hindutvavadi Shiv Sainik who is not even aware of the Congress philosophy? How can I support the very elements who I have been fighting against?
I need your comments and help in fighting this injustice. Till then, the burden is on your shoulders.
Showing posts with label ajit sawant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ajit sawant. Show all posts
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Politics and the New Media
When you say that the world is covered by a network of computers, it is also important to note that half the world's population does not have electricity. However, it would not be prudent on the part of anyone in politics to ignore the ever growing population of 'netizens'.
The National Readership Survey puts about 16% as the growth rate of internet users in our country. Add that to the 16% population which already uses the internet. These figures may not be huge in themselves, but with India's population, the figure touches crores.
Researches have pointed out that political parties in India use their websites more for informative purposes than participatory. However, I can clearly see the trend changing, with political parties becoming more and more modern and tech-savvy in their outlook. The benefits of using new media technology for political communication can be manifold.
Today, in India, it is extremely important for the politicians to reach the young, tech-savvy generation who would rather visit the internet for more information than go to a 'political sabha'. I strongly believe that contrary to what is believed by many people, the younger generation is wise, mature and are exposed to realities of life faster than the older generation. I remember that when I wanted to wear my first pair of jeans, there was opposition from my parents saying that I was wearing trousers made out of gunny bags.
The point I am making is that there is a generation gap with every generation. There are bound to be differences of opinion, but that does not mean one is right and the other is wrong. What the younger generation lack is a feeling of belonging, a chance of participation in the political process. The older generation has experienced the Independence Struggle, three wars with Pakistan, and the Emergency Rule. The younger generation has experienced ready-made independence and the electronic media boom, along with growing infrastructure, modern facilities and a growing economy. Hence there is a disconnect with the past realities.
I am trying to address and bridge this gap in these generations. And I am in the right position, because I am neither in the older generation, nor in the younger one.
The National Readership Survey puts about 16% as the growth rate of internet users in our country. Add that to the 16% population which already uses the internet. These figures may not be huge in themselves, but with India's population, the figure touches crores.
Researches have pointed out that political parties in India use their websites more for informative purposes than participatory. However, I can clearly see the trend changing, with political parties becoming more and more modern and tech-savvy in their outlook. The benefits of using new media technology for political communication can be manifold.
- New media are cheaper
- They have a possibility of tremendous reaching power.
- They are easier to create and to edit/modify.
- They provide more interactivity and hence more participation.
Today, in India, it is extremely important for the politicians to reach the young, tech-savvy generation who would rather visit the internet for more information than go to a 'political sabha'. I strongly believe that contrary to what is believed by many people, the younger generation is wise, mature and are exposed to realities of life faster than the older generation. I remember that when I wanted to wear my first pair of jeans, there was opposition from my parents saying that I was wearing trousers made out of gunny bags.
The point I am making is that there is a generation gap with every generation. There are bound to be differences of opinion, but that does not mean one is right and the other is wrong. What the younger generation lack is a feeling of belonging, a chance of participation in the political process. The older generation has experienced the Independence Struggle, three wars with Pakistan, and the Emergency Rule. The younger generation has experienced ready-made independence and the electronic media boom, along with growing infrastructure, modern facilities and a growing economy. Hence there is a disconnect with the past realities.
I am trying to address and bridge this gap in these generations. And I am in the right position, because I am neither in the older generation, nor in the younger one.
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