My Education blog

On hearing the word politics, what usually springs to mind are images of government and politicians and their policies, or more clearly, the idea of corruption, dirty tricks, thrust of power, narcissism and much more stroll in one’s mind. In fact the word politics a derivative of Greek word “polis”, in itself holds much for all of us which mean the state or community as a whole. Hence, the word politics originally has connotations for creating the ideal and improved society and thus implies measures that could and should, be implemented in the hope of creating a better society, than that which is already present. In present era the Politics of Faith & the scepticism seeks to identify sources of the uncertainty and ambivalence inhering in the fund of ideas inherited from modern political thought about the proper task and scope of government. At one extreme, the politics of faith affirms that the chief purpose of government is the perfection, or improvement of the material condition, of masses. This purpose can only be accomplished by the imposition of a “comprehensive pattern of activity upon the community.” In the quest to perfect mankind or to put it on the right track of improvement, the politics of faith proclaims that government and not some other agency or agents must play the decisive role.

But is it all going in the same way along in our state? Are our expectation are respected by our representatives?….…Yes……No……This is regrettable but understandable that over the past few weeks in the assembly and outside the assembly, the nation has witnessed heated and sometimes derogatory exchanges of words between politicians (our worthy MLA’s and ministers), to such an extent which has surprised almost each and every one. Some of the words used are so shocking and lend credence to the belief that politics is a dirty game and the players will not stop at nothing to disparage their opponents just for political gain. Most of the baseless issues render the speaker to adjourn the proceedings and in this way a huge amount of public money is being wasted by so called our well wishers. The lack of homogeneity, sincerity and integrity has caused division between different sections of the people based on religion, region, language, caste and race. The different political parties openly profess their focus on a particular group. This has led to the rise of resentment with agendas catering to one or a mix of these groups. At this juncture these so called leaders must think that this denunciation has not added value to them or to their political dissertation but instead has left many followers confused. Some of the signs of lack of confidence or displeasure with politics are apparent during elections when people shun voting because they feel that the players have nothing of substance to offer apart from exchanging diatribes. Ironically, to these Politicians some of  our poor citizen, who by virtue of ignorance gave them their mandate to rule over them with a hope that they will work for their betterment but are yet to pay a bitter price. I wish I am not talking in parables, just let me leave it for your judgment.

Today one is wondering to know “Why are our politicians fighting for power, instead of collaborating to fight AIDS, Poverty, the recent Swine flu (H1N1) disaster and other basic problems which we are facing.  The lack of transparency the, selfishness, the egoism, the discrimination is almost as great as ever. The narrow focus and vote bank politics has not sidelined only their voters but national issues such as national security as well as economic welfare like poverty, unemployment, development etc. are also on the same track.

Infect, these leaders have come to power and remained in power because they have kept their electorate poor and illiterate? They know it well that once the country is fully literate, future generations will wonder how these pathetic souls, not worthy of holding a ……….. job, actually led ministries and kept India poor and impoverished, serving their own selfish motives, for such a long time.It is, therefore, not surprising that you must think and express concern for it or the must change their attitude and the way they conduct politics.One doesn’t like a situation where the ruling and opposition parties exist as enemies, with perceptions that one of the parties should not exist. Infect there are many instances where the nations have flourished because of effective opposition. Thus it is necessity to engrave here that there is a need of some serious political education in our state. There is a need of promoting issue-based politics that will guarantee principles of mutual respect, as politics of hatred can only derail the development of the state. Hopefully, leaders of the opposition should heed the caution and desist from attacking to one another. It is not far-fetched to conclude that the type of behaviour exhibited by our leaders cannot build confidence in politics but will annihilate it.

        Dr. Ashiq Hussain

(Govt. Degree College Kishtwar)

E.mail: drashiqhussain@rediffmail.com