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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Demography of an Indian mass movement:Anna Hazare and the divisions in Indian society

Well ...he is the most talked about person in India,today.The ruling party is having nightmares due to his movement.At this ripe old age he is the "Icon" for Indian youth.Bollywood superstars and "young faces" of political parties are way behind in terms of popularity.He is the man who has created "mass histeria" among Indian population.Apparently people from all sections of the society are joining his crusade against corruption.But if we carefully follow the demographic profile of the people who are attending his movement we observe few interesting facts.You have seen this movement covered by visual media extensively.Did you notice the people who were interviewed by media persons were all well dressed,english speaking,upper class people.Please do not think that I am trying to undermine this movement anyway!As a matter of fact I am a great fan of Anna and wholeheartedly supports enactment of Janlokpal.But probably my obsevation is correct.isnt it?Now we have to analyze why today's english speaking upper class youth is shouting so voilently for an act which will keep vigil on its lagislature.
The reason is today's young population is disillusioned with the democratic framework of the country.The lagislature is primarily current ,executive is inept and judiciary is not accountable. The political class has failed to fulfiill the aspiration of India youth.Did you also notice the uncanny similarities between this movement and the anti reservation protests in recent past?The same english speaking upper class indian youths was also in the streets protesting against reservation.Though  their presence is felt every media we follow today,be it internet,tv or newspapers but as a matter of fact they are a "minority".There are millions of people who elect people who belong to their caste or promise to favour them.The are millions who  vote as a religious community not  merely as citizens.The polical parties have never bothered to eradicate corruption among its members simply because "corruption" may be a social issue but not a political issue.A corrupt people can get elccted repeatedly if he creates an image that he or she champions the cause of a particular caste or creed.Look at Lalu prasad or Mayavati or Jayalalitha.Probably it is the insecurity among dalits and other social groups which vote on the basis of caste or creed.These are the reasons why today's Upper caste Indian youth is disillusioned with the democratic institutions of the country.They are raising voice againt corruptions in the corridors of power but unknowingly they are also undermining the democratic frame work of the country which is formed considering the opinion of all sections of  the society.