Youth in government: Maybe easier said than done

KATHMANDU, Sept 15: And so we think, if only people with energy, namely the youth, would reach the government, it would be so much different and that our country would suddenly come out of the never-ending political mess. But how sure are we that this is going to happen if the youth reach the right posts?[break]



At a time when rumors abound that ex-king may come back taking advantage of the current political instability and the failure to elect a new prime minister has encouraged us to come out with a better idea. Why don´t the youth come into politics and do something?



According to the youth policy, 16 to 40 year-olds are considered youth. And especially in a scenario like the current one, can we handle the situation? Being optimistic is great but can the youth work for a country which has been lagging behind for such a long time? Even if the youth come in action, wouldn´t the so-called “external forces”, which our leaders frequently blame, come interfere and make it even more difficult? This question popped in my head.



In an interview with Republica´s The Week (Aug 13), a poet and columnist Bimal Nibha, 57, said, “I´m sure that we are ready to give up the leadership. Youth must be ready to take it. They should create an environment of trust for the helm to be transferred. We don´t have any alternatives other than relying on young people.”



However, 24-year-old Rukh Gurung, co-founder and president, YUWA, said, “They should have the guts to leave their occupied space first, and then see if the Nepali youth can perform well or not. The demonstration of mutual trust is necessary.”



If we are confident to this extent, are we ready to form a government, all comprising of youth? Or are we just bluffing trying to get hold of power, like our octogenarian leaders? Will we actually be able to function?



Nibha also said, “Youth must not forget that they will always require our mentorship. Only a harmony between the ´old´ generation and the young people will move the society

forward.”



It´s true that only going hand in hand will we be able to move forward; mentorship is equally important.But are youth ready to receive mentorship?



Youth who are interested in politics these days have a set of ambition-´I will do this and I will do that´, but will they be able to fulfill their dreams amidst the pressure?



Nepal being a diverse country, rich in culture and religion, we all come from different backgrounds and where we grew up actually matters. It´s obvious that the youth coming from the capital city or urban areas, when compared to not-so-developed areas, will vastly differ and so will their ideas. Everybody wants change but who will define change?



Lastly, who will turn over their fancy paying job for a career in politics? We talk of the inflation rate going up and our salaries never being raised accordingly but are we ready to join politics and bring this change? Or may be we are too petrified to join and turn out to be one of them? And the saying ´You cannot change the system but the system will change you´ might prove to

be true.



Youth today are more educated and, definitely, have a broader point of view with their desire to do something for the country. We all love Nepal, but are willing to bring change and get into the system? It´s easier said than done.

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