Journalism of Courage
There are reasons galore not to vote from disillusionment with the system to pure apathy. However,in a bid to find out some ‘right’ reasons to vote,we spoke to a cross-section of society senior citizens,students and women and here’s what they had to say
Young ‘uns A sense of responsibility motivates them
For Dipti Tambe,a third year arts student,rather than cribbing,the youth must vote and feel responsible. The number of youngsters in the city is considerably high. So,to highlight their needs,its important that we vote. We are all sensible enough to choose between right and wrong. The city right now needs better infrastructure and elimination of corruption. Through voting,we can hope that the money we pay as tax is rightly used, adds Tambe.
Shriram Tarawade,a biotechnology student from D Y Patil College is voting for the first time. Although conventionally,people have been voting for political parties,I will prefer the individual over the party,since he will pay more attention to regional issues. I have been reading newspapers and watching television to know the candidates better and then decide my vote. Youngsters who avoid voting should also forsake the right of criticising a particular party and politics, says he.
Silver souls Hope and satisfaction keeps them voting ?
Ramesh Eknath Phadnis,a retired office superintendent in the police commissioners office refuses to give up his voting rights,while he accepts that no political party is trustworthy. I would vote and also urge my friends to not give up this one right. Though there are reasons to think that elections will not make any positive difference to our lives,but hope is a strong thing. For the last 50 years,at least some good things have happened,if not many. And hoping for the same,I would cast my vote, says he.
Vijaya Kavi,a 60-year-old housewife,holds on to the theory of healthy competition. She says,I hope that if I cast my vote,it can make a difference and force that particular party to do good work for people. In fact,everybody should vote,if for nothing else,than to at least make political parties work.
Lata Chopde,a housewife,says,Political parties are no different,but that doesnt mean we give up voting. We can still vote and bring other parties to power,so that they would at least keep a part of their promises. We can vote to bring novelty in public life.
Mangilal H Nagori is 74 years old and firmly believes in democracy. Believes Nagori,We tend to neglect our rights but neglecting our duties might cost us dear. Times have changed and it is true that we dont have any leaders worthy of looking up to. Still I keep track of the partys work through various media and then cast my vote accordingly.
Francic Dantus,an inmate at Sandhya Oldage Home,did all that he could do from running to the council house and submitting all papers to talking to officers. All this just to cast his vote,but he was informed by the officers that his application form is lost. I am 69 years old and I was running from pillar to post to get my name registered because I want to vote. I might not change anything,but I will feel satisfied that I made my attempt to change things and choose the right person.
Women power Promise of a better future makes them queue up
Aporajita Pal Mukerji,an entrepreneur says its the right of each and every citizen to vote. “I always make it a point to vote and will be doing so today as well. Its crucial to exercise your franchise because the decision to elect the right kind of representatives rests with the citizens. If we dont vote,we have no right to criticise those who come to power. Its imperative that youngsters go out and vote and elect a leader whos fair and ready to lead the nation forward. Ensuring the safety of all citizens and taking care of their basic needs is a must,” she adds.
Anupama Tikku Dhar,a stay-at-home mother feels,”Casting your vote is of course important,because after that you are part of the selection process and have a say in the state of affairs. Even one vote can make a difference and swing the balance. Ive made it a point to exercise my franchise in the past and although this time,I could not get myself registered in time for this election,I never miss out on voting. My expectations from the new government will obviously be to improve the infrastructure and provide for better security measures. We definitely need better roads and lesser load shedding. All these problems can be looked into and resolved only if people go out and vote.”
Sujata Tambe,an advocate is of the opinion “Its definitely important to vote as thats the only way we can make a difference. Ive still not decided who I will vote for in todays election. I think there are no deserving candidates in the elections this time. The youth of the city must go out and cast their vote as thats what will make the difference in the coming days to the status quo. The government must ensure that it makes pro-youth policies and implements them in such a manner that the results are quick,positive and long-term.”
