Politics: The Power That Shapes Our Lives

Politics isn’t just about elections, politicians, or heated debates on news channels. It is the driving force that shapes our society, economy, rights, and future. Whether we realize it or not, politics affects every citizen — from the price of daily essentials to the freedom we enjoy and the laws we follow.

Why Politics Matters
Many young people often believe that politics is a messy, corrupt, or distant affair that doesn’t concern them. But the truth is, political decisions decide the quality of education we get, the healthcare facilities available, the job opportunities created, and even the taxes we pay. Ignoring politics means giving others the power to decide your future without your input.

The Role of Youth in Politics
India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with over 65% of its population below the age of 35. Yet, political participation among youth remains limited mostly to voting, with very few engaging in policymaking, activism, or governance. Imagine the change we could drive if more educated, aware, and responsible young minds actively participated in the system.

Politics: Not Just About Politicians
Politics is broader than elections or political parties. It includes civic duties like voting, protesting, questioning, volunteering, or engaging in community welfare. It’s about understanding how government policies affect marginalized communities, the environment, and the nation’s growth.

Challenges in Modern Politics
Modern politics faces serious challenges — misinformation, hate speech, corruption, and polarisation. Social media, while powerful, often amplifies fake narratives, dividing people on the basis of religion, caste, or ideology. This makes it even more crucial for citizens to be informed, rational, and conscious about the sources they trust.

Towards Responsible Citizenship

Being politically aware does not mean supporting a particular party blindly. It means understanding issues, asking questions, holding leaders accountable, and voting based on policies, not propaganda. A healthy democracy thrives when its citizens are active participants, not silent observers.

Conclusion

Politics is not a dirty game unless we leave it to be played by the wrong hands. It is a tool for change, for progress, and for building a better future. When citizens, especially the youth, step forward with awareness and integrity, politics transforms from a battlefield of power to a platform of pro
gress.

 

[Simran Rai]

Politics goes far beyond elections, politicians, or televised debates; it fundamentally shapes every aspect of our society, economy, rights, and future. Even if many do not realize it, political decisions influence everything—from the cost of everyday goods to the freedoms we cherish and the laws that govern our lives. Although some young people view politics as messy, corrupt, or irrelevant, the reality is that politics determines the quality of education, healthcare access, job creation, and taxation policies. Ignoring politics means surrendering the power to shape one’s own future. India, being one of the youngest countries globally with over 65% of its population under 35, still sees limited political participation beyond voting among youth. Yet, if more young, informed, and responsible individuals actively engaged in policymaking, activism, and governance, the impact could be transformative. Importantly, politics is not confined to politicians or elections; it encompasses civic responsibilities like voting, protesting, questioning authorities, volunteering, and supporting community welfare. It also involves understanding how government policies affect marginalized groups, the environment, and national development. However, modern politics faces significant hurdles such as misinformation, hate speech, corruption, and polarization. While social media is a powerful tool, it often spreads false narratives that divide people based on religion, caste, or ideology. Therefore, it is vital for citizens to stay informed, think critically, and verify their information sources. Responsible citizenship means not blindly supporting any party but understanding issues, questioning leaders, holding them accountable, and voting based on policy rather than propaganda. A robust democracy depends on active citizen participation rather than passive observation. Ultimately, politics is not inherently corrupt or dirty—it becomes so only when left to be manipulated by the wrong hands. When citizens, especially the youth, engage with awareness and integrity, politics becomes a powerful platform for positive change, progress, and building a better future for all.​