On Politics and Change

Lately, I've been finding myself getting more and more frustrated with the political system here in Bangalore (and India in general). The sole concern with filling their pockets and haughty disregard for the people they govern touted by many government officials has been on my mind a lot in recent days. Granted, look closely at any government, and you are likely to find corruption. My home country is no less guilty of this than India. But, I fear for Bangalore and the direction she is heading - such a beautiful city with so much promise and potential, but sorely lacking just, befitting leadership to help her realize her possibilities.

I ask Aakash often what it would take - what needs to happen to thwart the rampant corruption and start heading in the right direction? Seems a start would be getting some fresh new minds in office.

Enter 5 graduates from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology).

These 20-something young men have decided to give up their tech jobs and jump ship into politics - a grassroots effort to start a new political party, Paritrana. From The Times of India:

"Giving up handsome pay packages, comfort of family and support of friends wasn’t that easy," says Tanmay Rajpurohit, the national president of the party and B Tech in aerospace from IIT Bombay followed by an MS from GeorgiaTech and double masters in arts.

"But my inner voice told me that I should invest my efforts in my country rather than making my pockets heavier," said Ajit Ashwalayan Shukla, vice president of the party.

Granted, listening to one's inner voice does not necessarily make you a good politician. Many are already labeling these young men as idealistic and foolish. I say more power to them. Maybe the fruits of their efforts end up being mere ripples. But, create enough ripples, and you've got a wave.

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground.
Author Unknown