DO YOUR DUTY – EXERCISE YOUR VOTE!

One of the most cherished things in life is freedom. The freedom to live and lead your life the way you want, the freedom to express yourself to you’re fullest potential. Freedom is a privilege enjoyed by only on a few people in this world. The citizens of India can look upon themselves as being blessed to have this privilege. This did not come easy. Rather, it has been the result of tremendous sacrifices endured by the country’s fore fathers. Alas, it is sad to see that over the years people have taken this freedom for granted. This is especially true of the middle class and the youth who for whatever reason seem to exhibit a lot of apathy when it comes to the electoral process.

It is true that India today has taken great strides in the field of science and technology and is viewed as one of the leading emerging economies of the world. In fact, it is now officially a nuclear power and even launched a rocket to the moon. Yet, while the general standard of living has gone up the same cannot be said of the quality of life. While people may have the purchasing capacity to buy the latest electronic gadgets and trendy clothes their lives have not changed much. The infrastructure is bad and getting worse. It takes the average person hours to get anywhere. Prices of essential commodities are going up making basic essentials thus unaffordable for a lot of the people. Not to mention that people no longer feel safe as was proven by the November terrorist attacks. The solution that the youth and middle class seem to resort to is criticize the government for its inefficiency. What right do we have to criticize the government or the leaders for their inaction when we – who represent the most educated segments of the population, are doing nothing about it? We are as much to blame for this anarchy by our irresponsible behavior.

Is the middle class and the youth truly happy with the way things are? Don’t you think that change is needed to help make India one of the leading nations of the world? India is the largest democracy in the world by virtue of which the people have the ability to change all that is bad and steer the country in the right direction to make it one of the greatest nations in the world. However, this will not happen if all we do is complain about it without taking action. If you want things to change then you should effect that change. As Mahatma Gandhi said “ You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Be that change; get involved in the democratic process. Get out and vote because this is not only your privilege but also your absolute responsibility and duty. You owe that to the fore fathers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom you are enjoying today. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “ The way to mend the bad world is to create the right world.” Help create that right world by casting your vote. Make the election a great middle class and youth movement like the Americans did in electing Obama. Remember every vote counts – make your vote count as well!