India Needs You

In spite of a high decibel public awareness campaign about voting, it is disheartening to see lower voter turn outs in most states. Of course, there is an increase in the young voter numbers. But the larger voter turnout among this group seems to have been canceled out by the smaller number of voters from other segments.

Why can’t we realize that voting is not optional? I consider it to be the most important duty that a citizen has to discharge towards his/her country. And yet most educated people are complacent about this important duty.

The most common excuse, and it is only an excuse, is that the system is so far gone and it’s not worth the effort. Even assuming that there is merit in that thought, the logical question is – who should stem the tide and make a difference? Are we waiting for someone to come along and miraculously change the system? Can foreigners sweep away corruption and bring in change?

All this, while most of us sit comfortably in our homes on voting day enjoying some recreation or outside seeking entertainment! Of course, these same individuals will be the first to forward petition mails, post comments on networking sites and lament about the sad state of politics in India. Pure armchair activism, which does not cost them anything.

In retail, there is a concept called ‘range rationalization’ which is done to improve sales and margins. Very simply put, at periodic intervals the products are reviewed and those with poor sales and/ or margins are replaced with products giving better results. How does that help? It slowly improves the average and soon the bar is raised.

Similarly, unless we all go out and vote for the best of the worst that we have, how will the standards improve? The change we want to see happen might not happen in this election or the next or even the next. But, it will happen and we along with our children and grand children will experience the effects. Slowly the message will get through and the system will change. Rome was not built in a day. However it would have never been built if everyone had just stood around lamenting!

The other excuse frequently heard is, “I don’t have my voter identification card.” When one starts a career and the company asks for the PAN number, don’t people get it in a day?

When we want a driving license, don’t we bribe or engage a broker and get that immediately?

When we want a passport urgently for that holiday, do we lament that we don’t have it or do we somehow organize it?

What’s the difference between all these documents and the photo identification card? Simply put, we think that there is no immediate or tangible personal benefit to be gained from having one. So, why take the trouble of chasing after the governmental staff to get the card.

I agree that getting the card is nothing short of a miracle nowadays. I have personally experienced the frustration by giving in my picture FOUR times, only to be told afterwards that there is no photo on file. I have repeatedly filled out forms, got them endorsed and submitted them. Yes, it is a pain. But can’t we expend even that effort towards bettering the system?

On the other hand, if there is a new rule that the photo identification card would be the only accepted identity document accepted for transactions, starting from purchase of a vehicle, I am sure that there would be a stampede to get the same. One might even see brokers setting up shop to facilitate “the quick delivery” of these cards.

During the first few rounds of polling, I spoke to a few friends asking them if they had voted. One of them confirmed that he made time to do his civic duty, first thing in the morning before taking a flight to Delhi for work. I felt encouraged by his commitment and patriotism. Unfortunately most others had only excuses!
When will we stop giving excuses and turn up to vote? When will this apathetic attitude change?

India desperately needs your vote. When will we realize that we must be the change we want to see? And one vote – your vote – can actually make a difference.

Reread these preceding three lines and let them sink into your mind.

See you at the polls. Okay?