The young crowd of Jammu and Kashmir has emerged to become a powerful force in bringing about change in the democratic process, especially when electorates have just voted to elect new members for their respective assemblies across the region. The outcome of this election appears to make people hopeful with a message of empowerment and has accorded an importance to young voters, eager to have these political influences upon the sleeves of ruling politicians. As young people start to take part in the political process through running of campaigns, debating issues, and even as standing as a candidate, they contribute to a democratic change that promises a brighter future for the region.
The youth of Jammu and Kashmir today is more informed and motivated than at any other time in history. A generation ago, young people would only look on as the older population participated in the democratic process with which the latter was familiar. They are, however, apprised of issues that plague the region today, from unemployment and infrastructure needs to matters of social justice and economic growth. There has been an alteration of young people's mindset as they look for information regarding candidates, policies, and party platforms to ensure they make more informed choices at the polls.
This is evident in the good turn-out of the youths in elections over the past few years. The young voters have been a force to be reckoned with in most constituencies. For instance, in Srinagar, a long queue of young voters was seen waiting at the polling stations to cast their ballots. Many of them were first-timers and appeared to show eagerness as well as a sense of responsibility. As 22-year-old Shabir Ahmed from Sopore puts it, "I have seen my parents cast their votes, but could never understand its implications until now.". This time, I was well-informed about the candidates, and I wanted to vote for somebody who would work for our future," says a feeling commonly found in thousands of young voters across the state, who are-and will increasingly be-aware that the active participation in such elections was crucial for building a strong democracy.
Besides voting, the youth also play a crucial role in disseminating the message and mobilizing your friends to vote. The supremacy of social media today, and the youth on the same networks, has seen the youth employ microblogging platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, among others, in advocating for polls messages across your wall as well as reminding your friends and family to go out and vote. These mediums have been adopted by social media influencers, college students, and young professionals to discuss critical issues of concern while sharing word about voting information and reminding people to vote. The campaigns of young activists emphasized particular issues such as unemployment, quality healthcare, and enhanced education – these issues appeal to the youth and are very essential for the development of the region.
A significant example of a young person taking the lead in political participation is that of Aisha Bhat, a 24-year-old law graduate of the district Anantnag. She voted and conducted campaigns in her area to give other youths an encouragement to engage themselves in the election. She visited colleges, addressed community gatherings, and narrated her experiences through social media. This effort made her better known and highlighted her power of advocacy, making many more take a front seat in politics. "We cannot sit back and complain about the situation," she said. "If we want change, we have to be the ones to make it happen." A passion and commitment that characterizes the new generation that is aware of their rights as well as willing to fight for them.
Young candidates have also appeared this election season contesting to represent the communities. These young candidates, armed with fresh ideas and an excellent grasp of the pertinent issues at the local level, are leading the charge against the status quo and demanding change. Consider this example: 29-year-old Tariq Mir from Baramulla, who campaigned on a plank of job creation, development, and improvement in infrastructure. Tariq Mir's campaign did not take too long to get a host of young supporters drawn to his promise to address the issue faced by the youth at large in the region. His activities have proved that youth candidates can interact and connect with other voters on issues important to them, thereby having a legitimate mandate from the communities.
Besides the more visible roles in campaigns and candidacies, young people in Jammu and Kashmir are supporting democracy through grassroots programs, people's movements, and discussions on making policies. They are realizing that democracy is not just something they do when it is election time, but a continuous engagement with the political process. Taking on activities through NGOs, community groups, and volunteers, young people are having an impact on the vital social causes for the betterment of society-like women's empowerment, the environment, and education reform. These efforts are important because they help to shape an informed citizenry, critical for a healthy democracy.
The youth have been involved in the process of strengthening democracy not only at the urban level but also in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir by working on the issues of connectivity through roads, health facilities, and education. They have initiated local governance meetings, village councils, and panchayat elections so that their communities can be heard. These young people will be change makers in many ways. They will bring about new ideas, innovative solutions that keep sustainable development alive and also advocate policies which would be of benefit to everyone dwelling there. Success in rural areas proves that the involvement of youths should be the corner stone for balanced and truly inclusive democratic growth.
The enthusiasm of the youth about democratic engagement from Jammu and Kashmir is also desire to bridge past and future for that region. Many young people have grown in a political instability environment, but they feel passionate about moving ahead and helping stabilize a prosperous society. They see democracy as the way to obtain it and proclaim as central to their vision peace, stability, and development. That's the vision that speaks to young hearts around the world, who look towards an actual future based upon progress and unity.
In the assembly elections so far, it has been shown that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are not just passive receivers of democracy but rather robust agents of change. Through voting, endorsing candidates going out to canvass support, and raising their concerns, they shape the future course of governance for their state. These stakeholders bring hope for a more inclusive and representative government that listens to their needs and aspirations as a whole. As more and more young people engage in this process, the prospects for a stronger and more resilient democracy continue to grow in Jammu and Kashmir.
Thus, in short, the youths of Jammu and Kashmir have shown a sign to move forward for making democracy stronger. Passionate, committed to leadership, as well as a sense of responsibility in taking charge of their future, they inspire the youth by their active participation in the democratic process that, in turn, strongly strengthens their communities and en route to the pathway of next generations. Their efforts will have an effect beyond this election season, into the future of constant advocacy for change and growth in a more democratic and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir.
Email:----------------vadaiekashmir@gmail.com
