In this opinion piece, Supriya Paul, Co-Founder & CEO, Josh Talks underscores India's demographic potential, emphasizing the pivotal role of its youthful population in shaping governance. She advocates that youth engagement in harnessing digital tools and government initiatives is imperative for India’s vibrant democracy's future.
Supriya Paul, Co-Founder & CEO of Josh Talks, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur and author. Born in New Delhi, she pursued her education at Shri Venkateshwara College and Stanford University. With over 8 years of empowering India's youth, Supriya authored "All You Need Is Josh" and is a sought-after speaker at prestigious global events like TEDx and Forbes.
Youth at the Forefront in Active Citizenship: Transforming Democratic Processes in India
In a nation where nearly two-thirds of the population is under the age of 35, India stands at a pivotal juncture. This demographic is more than just numbers; it embodies a reservoir of potential and promise, offering an active citizen group that can shape the nation's trajectory for decades to come. For India, harnessing this untapped potential isn't just an option; it is imperative for the health and vibrancy of its democracy. The engagement of this massive segment in shaping our governance is essential, not only for ensuring representation but as a way of infusing policy-making with fresh perspectives and energy.
Historically, discussions on serious policy matters have often overlooked the voices of the younger generation considering the youth to be inexperienced to participate in policy making. However, this trend is changing. Recognizing that today's policies will have the most prolonged impact on the young, there is an increasing need for them to be recognized as essential contributors to the policy-making process. Their unique insights, shaped by growing up in a rapidly evolving world, and the internet boom has further amplified their role in shaping policy. This generation, arguably the most educated and informed in history, has information at its fingertips. With access to a wealth of information online, young Indians are more aware of global issues, technological advancements, and socio-economic challenges than any generation before. This access not only empowers them with information but also equips them with a broadened worldview, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to discussions on governance and policy.
The resilience and leadership shown by the youth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight their potential to significantly influence societal and community resilience. Young Indians were at the forefront of relief efforts, distributing supplies and providing essential services like oxygen cylinders.
Young people are increasingly becoming leaders, innovators, and change-makers and their input in democratic processes is crucial for crafting policies that are responsive, adaptive, and forward-looking, ensuring that the nation not only meets the challenges of today but is also well-prepared for the future.
Their engagement, therefore, in the democratic processes is not just beneficial but imperative for a nation charting its course in a rapidly changing world. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their country, encouraging them to shape and advocate for the future they envision.
Digital Influence on Youth Participation
The digital age has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for youth engagement in India. With the advent of social media and online platforms, young people are now more informed and connected than ever before. There has been an almost 70 percent rise in social media users in India during the pandemic, mainly the youth population. The latest data shows that India has over 290 million social media users all across the country, in all age groups, and across various digital platforms. The ease of accessing information online has also played a crucial role in enhancing the political awareness and engagement of India's youth.
Digital platforms have not only been instrumental in informing young people but also in mobilising them into action. India has witnessed a surge in youth-led movements, fueled by the power of social media and digital communication. The impact of digital platforms on youth activism in India is exemplified by the significant role young people played in the Nirbhaya protests of 2012. This leaderless movement, driven by a collective sense of injustice and a desire for change, united participants across diverse backgrounds, the movement's strength lay in its grassroots nature and the ability of social media to amplify voices and coordinate actions.
The movement not only brought attention to critical issues of gender violence and public safety but also demonstrated the youth's ability to drive policy changes. The government's response, which included the introduction of stricter laws on sexual violence, was a direct result of the sustained pressure and visibility brought about by these protests. This example highlights the evolving role of India's youth in the democratic process. No longer passive observers, they are active participants capable of leveraging digital tools to initiate societal change and influence governance.
Government's Role in Facilitating Youth Participation
The efforts of the Indian government have been proactive in facilitating youth participation in democracy, focusing on initiatives that directly engage and empower the younger generation.
Central to these efforts is the Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP), introduced by the Election Commission of India in 2023. Aimed at increasing voter turnout, particularly among young citizens, TIP encompasses strategies like voter registration, awareness, and facilitation, with a special emphasis on reaching the youth through channels they are most familiar with, such as educational institutes and social media platforms.
Additionally, platforms like MyGov have been instrumental in engaging the youth offering a unique space for young Indians to voice their opinions, engage in policy discussions, and contribute to governance. By providing a direct channel for interaction and feedback between the government and the youth, MyGov serves as a bridge, enabling a more inclusive and participatory approach to policy-making and governance.
Moreover, the collaboration between the government and various digital platforms, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and impact organisations, has been pivotal in this endeavour. As these organisations possess an expertise in digital communication which is vital in reaching a demographic that is increasingly reliant on online platforms for information and interaction.
Together, these initiatives and collaborations mark a significant shift towards valuing and harnessing the potential of young Indians in the democratic process. By actively engaging this demographic, the government is not only fostering a sense of civic responsibility among the youth but also ensuring their perspectives and ideas are integrated into the nation's governance.
The future of India's democracy and its development trajectory significantly depend on the active participation and engagement of its young population. As the nation continues to navigate through a period of substantial demographic change, the need for the youth's involvement in the democratic process becomes more pronounced. Their energy, perspectives, and innovative approaches are keys to addressing the nation's challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and progress. Encouraging and facilitating youth participation in governance is not just a matter of policy but a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic India.
