Apolitically Political

When our professor told us that politics encompassed all aspects of our lives we were sceptical. Four decades later I accept it as a truism. Politics seen as struggle for power is all pervasive. However, power craving is not equivalent to being politically knowledgeable.

I have never been into politics though I understood it’s existence and interplay. Perhaps I suffered in my career because my peers and colleagues indulged in it. But I did not. However, I have refused to believe in and be influenced by it. Till very recently I have maintained that politics is not for me and my journey in life can still follow a route of its own being neutral, apolitical and non-controversial.

Over a period of time, I have realized the importance of good governance and it’s all encompassing contribution to the welfare of the society at large. I have become more conscious of the fact that the subaltern occupy a major cross section of the populace. Their development needs to be channelized through organized modes. But there are vested interests who may not be in favour of focussing the flood light on the voiceless because the deaf and dumb are weak opponents or no opponent at all. So, it may be appealing to include an attractive mandate for their well being without any compulsion to fullfil it in all earnestness..

When I refer to the voiceless, I do not mean a particular class who are less aware, have less or no means to stand tall in society or those who are ignorable because they are not adequately organised to pose a challenge. But I call all those voiceless who by choice opt to be so. The choice may be out of fear, apathy, dejection, comfort in status quo or just blissful ignorance.

I am apolitical because being part of an ism is the beginning of choicelessness. I am free to vocalise my thoughts because I do not subscribe to ideological bondages. I may not have an overall vision which may or may not be politically correct but I now believe in certain tenets which are for the betterment of people.

I conclude I have matured as a political being. I now weigh situations and events from the standpoint of justice if not equity. I also agree that bringing in systemic improvements is the toughest job. But I have come to believe in the compelling impact of protest. If we witness a wrongful act and/or seen to be propagated, at least we should raise our voice against it. Whether it will initiate any concrete action or overnight reform is inconsequential. More significant is the just use of our fundamental rights which allows us freedom of speech and expression. Speaking out is the first act which makes the wrong doers aware that they are not free to coerce.

Exercising our rights means we are motivated to rectify a condition which is not beneficial or not good for the greater number. Again greater number does not preclude any section of society who may feel left out. When I say greater number I refer to the overall impact and outreach of a deed.

Yes, from indifference I have graduated to being vocal. I do not know whether that implies a greater political sense or understanding. I distinctly feel that in our lifetime we must devote and orient ourselves to contributing to society without any selfish motive. Just to do good to others who are in need of it should be the motto.

It may seem impractical because altruism does not come easy.

Have my political views changed over a period of time? From a novice without any definite political agenda I have become rather self opinionated and a staunch believer of social reform and welfare. If that can be called political awareness or maturity.