No Goan party has ever declared a youth manifesto. The political narrative is linked to
castes and regions. Some aspirations like jobs are linked to the youth but they
don’t emerge from a youth perspective. Have we even heard the youth? Well,
here’s a beginning…
Many youth have protested that there are several things that need
to be taken care of when the new government is elected. Prajyot Verlekar, a
media professional from Ribandar, shares his grievances, “The issue is that the
seats are being reserved for particular fields, depending on caste and grades,
due to which many have felt left out.”
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Nivedita Naik, a junior engineer who is ready to vote, raises
affairs that need immediate attention: “The new government has to work forward
to improve educational standards, infrastructure, invest in technical and
innovative research and set up new industries/facilities for the employment of
youth.”
Another prevailing issue brought up by Zamila Pacheco from Parra
is the unnecessary construction and felling of trees in the name of
development. She also touches on the problem of unemployment, stating,
“Outsiders are given more preference than the locals.”
Highlighting other issues, Nivedita says, “Farming and
agriculture require finance and infrastructure, stringent laws are needed for
birth control, increasing bad debts in the banking sector, poor sanitation
facility and government facilities are not reaching to the grass root level.”
“Yes, of course I will be voting as voting is our right,” claims
Prajyot. He pledges that before going to vote he will be conscious of every
single vote as it can lead to consequences later.
Similarly, Zamila is eager to vote during the upcoming
elections, keeping in mind voting is a right and together all are responsible
for the government elected. She claims, “Dynamic leaders can improvise on the
current state of affairs.” Nisha Almeida, a young chef at Natti’s Naturals,
honestly admits that she doesn’t yet possess a voting card, but would love to
vote. “When I vote, I’ll ensure to vote for an educated leader.”
College student Asher Fernandes, who is getting ready for the
elections, states, “The biggest factors to be kept in mind are the way the
government functioned over the last four years, and then respectively put our
votes.”
Amandeep Kaur Garcha, a hotel management student, seems to be
excited about the elections and admits that the best part about voting is that
no one needs to know who we are voting for. “I try not to get influenced when I
go to vote. And one must be sure that the person we vote for deserves the
vote,” she states.
Contesting
elections…my cup of tea?
Prajyot agrees that joining politics would not be problem, on a
condition – “Other youngsters should be given the opportunity along with me.”
Amandeep, who is already a part of the congress committee, feels that a person
must be very resolute to join the politics. She says, “With great power comes
great responsibility; I feel if I have that much of dedication and time, then
why not.”
However, Zamila prefers not to be involved in politics at all,
as nowadays politics has become anti-people/anti-social and likewise Nivedita
agrees, “No. That’s not my cup of tea. I will try to do my best for the people
and nation by working in my own field.”
How
do I see today’s leaders?
“Politicians should focus more on leadership than dictatorship and
issues plaguing both, the state and nation, need to resolved,” says Asher.
Others are of the opinion that we need someone to protect the
environment and care for people.
Trusha Panvelkar, a young entrepreneur, adds that earlier there
were selfless rational individuals in politics and today it’s just business.
She comments, “Time for a revolution in Goa. Honest, sincere, steadfast people
who have supported Goa need to be adored and voted for. This is a big challenge
for Goa itself that from all the rotten eggs, I wonder who will be sitting in
the assembly.”
When
asked upon whether the nation needs to look beyond the tried and tested parties
or should the regular parties be given another chance, Nisha replies, “Achhe
din ayenge, since now the youth are become the driving force. The nation is
changing, and it is because of the wise and educated youth.”
