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Why Youngsters Must Ask Uncomfortable Questions At Public Gatherings

At the Jaipur Literature Festival, the air is thick with the scent of books, and the ambience resounds with the echoes of debates and dialogues. It's a gathering of the brightest minds from around the world, where discussions delve into the most crucial and pressing issues of our time. It's a platform where the exchange of ideas is free and fair, and voices that would otherwise go unheard can finally be heard.

I remember last year, as I took the stage, the lights drowning down upon me, bathing me in its hostile embrace. My heart was pounding in my chest as I mustered up the courage to utter out that which made many in the audience uncomfortable. The bombs had gone off, and wrath would follow, but I believed in the beauty of our shared dreams, and I was determined to do what I believed was right.

And so, I asked the question that was on everyone's mind but no one dared to rise. The response was explosive, with some in the audience cheering me on while others jeered. But a festival such as the one that takes place every year in Jaipur is a place where uncomfortable questions must be asked, and I have no regrets to have been a part of that tradition.

This year, I stood up once again, with the same determination and fearlessness as last year. I asked another question that was deemed "the only useful thing" to ask by somebody I hold in high regard. And once again, the response was mixed, with some applauding my bravery while others criticized my audacity. But that is the beauty of the Jaipur Literature Festival - it provides a platform for vital discussions and debates, where voices can be heard, and where the exchange of ideas is free and fair.

Before we shift all the blame onto those in positions of power, it is imperative that we take a moment to reflect on our own actions. How many of us dare to step out of line and do our bit for the greater good? The festival may provide the platform, but it is up to us to make the most of it.

It is easy to sit back and complain about the state of the world, about the injustices and inequalities that exist. But it takes a great deal of courage to actually do something about it. To stand up and ask the uncomfortable questions, to engage in vital discussions and debates, to push for change. The festival may provide the platform, but it is up to us to seize the opportunity and make a difference.

The youth of India form a significant chunk of the population, and are a curious and inquisitive lot. They have grown up in a rapidly changing socio-political environment and are eager to make a positive impact on our country. But, the older generation, often in positions of power and influence, is seldom open to our ideas and opinions. This has resulted in a staggering generation gap in Indian politics and society, with the youth being excluded from mainstream public discourse.

India’s march from Nehru to Modi, its painstaking struggle for independence and the present raging battle for secular and liberal character of our republic are not unfamiliar terrains for our youngsters. The contention is against the narrative business, which is seemingly within the control of a few elites and heavyweights. So, the youngsters of India, regardless of their individual thoughts, beliefs and opinions, are expected to take extreme political positions on a permanent basis. But I may be getting ahead of myself.

From the liberal end, one is expected to bat for human rights and secular principles. So far so good. But the moment one takes up a cause like the reinvigoration of ancient Indian temples and traditions, all eyes from the Left turn red and a blatant safforonisation follows. This pleases our masters on the so-called Right side of political spectrum but when the same youngster is appalled at the renaming and shaming of existing glories such as the erstwhile Mughal Garden, the frown follows from the other end too.

In the vitriol of this divide what both sides fail to see is that the youth of India do not really give a damn to what caricatures you paint of them. Their future is at stake, it’s a young country and a vibrant crowd that is being vehemently silenced by the boomers.

According to the Census of India 2011, the youth of India make up a whopping 64 per cent of the population. This is a huge number, and it is imperative that their voices are heard and their opinions are taken into consideration. Yet, in many public gatherings and forums, the youth are often overlooked and not given a chance to ask the difficult questions that they want answers to. It is all the more shameful that more than half of our country is simply unqualified to enter a Legislative Assembly, and when you talk of the Parliament that number is closer to 65 per cent. And all of this is according to the last census which was more than a decade ago. The numbers coming out of the ongoing Census will be more shocking.

At present what we have in front of us is 30 per cent of our population driving the entire country’s policies and narratives when they have themselves outlived their span and have far crossed the retirement age. The prevailing generation gap in India has been exacerbated by the monopoly of boomers in public discourse. They are not receptive to the perspectives and opinions of the youth. This has resulted in a lack of engagement and exchange between the two generations, which can have serious consequences for the future of India.

It is important for the youth of India to ask uncomfortable questions to the stalwarts at public gatherings. This not only shows their curiosity and engagement but also challenges the status quo. Asking difficult questions can lead to a more informed public discourse, and it can also challenge the opinions and perspectives of those in power. This can help to bridge the generation gap and bring the youth into the mainstream public discourse.

One key area we urgently need to work on is increasing youth participation in politics and policymaking. Boomers will need to get over the sanskari mindset that a youngster must always be polite and not point to the follies of the elders. That sort of outdated mentality is preventing India from marching onwards and competing with the global superpowers. The solutions to the biggest problems of this age will come from youngsters though there can be no denying the fact that we will learn a great deal from the able guidance of our elders. But, looking down upon youngsters and closing all doors for their active participation in national discourse, has gone on for far too long. 

The politicians, in particular, should stop looking at youngsters as only voters and activists who add to the crowds at their rallies. As a young nation, it is imperative that we allow independence of thought and action to our youngsters and open avenues for them that are truly in line with the proportionality of our population.

As I stand here, as this magnificent celebration of literature and art closes its 2023 edition, I am reminded of the power of words. The power of words to inspire, to challenge, to bring about change. And so, I urge each and every one of you to use your voice, to engage in vital discussions and debates, to ask the uncomfortable questions. Let us continue to push for change, to work towards a better future for all.

Don’t be scared, break the chains and do what your heart wants you to. This is a powerful thought and I hope you keep that in mind when you are audience to a gathering where something seems off and you want to ask a question but are unsure how to go about it. Just do it!

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