Sunil Shastri, Cabinet Minister, on Indian Youth and Politics
Written on June 21st , 2017 by {"login"=>"jcbitshyd", "email"=>"journal@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in", "display_name"=>"Journal Club, BPHC", "first_name"=>"", "last_name"=>""}How did you like BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus? I think BITS Pilani is one of the fantastic institutes of our country. I never imagined that BITS Pilani would have such a huge campus in Hyderabad . This is my second visit to BITS Hyderabad. I think I’ll get to see the whole campus only on my third visit.
"Jai Jawan Jai Kisan". This slogan was given by your father, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastry to enthuse the soldiers and to simultaneously cheer the farmers when the support of both these groups was primary for the nation. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear this? I hear and read this on each and every tractor that farmers use for ploughing the field and on the trucks that carry agricultural products. I was very young when he gave this slogan on 21st Oct,1965. He said that the Jawans should be hailed because they protect the nation from enemies. On the other hand, farmers are those who protect us from another big enemy, hunger. He gave this to raise the morale of farmers during the beginning of the green revolution. Ultimately, it was this green revolution that brought our country on the self-reliant path.
We came across a video of yours in which you were speaking about your religious beliefs and you seem to be a spiritual person. So, how would you link religion and politics? I wouldn’t link religion with politics. Religion is one of the most important aspect of everyone’s life and everyone should have faith in religion. It teaches us that everyone is equal. I do respect and love all religions. I think there shouldn’t be any discrimination. We are all bound by God’s grace.
Did you face any situations in which you had to take decisions against your own ideals and principles? Yes, I did. Everyone who is in politics has to, at some point or another. For instance, lot of people keep questioning my opinion on migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Say a news headline pops out saying, ’’Does Islam teach Jihad?”. People keep asking about my opinion on it. We must concentrate on peaceful harmony and should try to talk to everyone. Only then can the crisis be met.
In an interview of yours in 2009, you said that you need to enter mainstream politics in order to make changes in the lives of poor and needy. How do you think a common man having no political background can do the that? It is a very important question. I don’t think I will be able to answer in a single sentence. I would like to tell you that when it comes down to poor and needy people, everyone should realize his responsibility towards the nation and society. Needy and poor people are one among us and they can’t be separated. Samanatha(equality) should be maintained.
What are your views on the demonetisation ordinance passed by the government? How far do you think the government’s stated objective can be reached? I think that demonetisation was a good move although there were some complications faced by the people all over the country. But the Prime minister made it very clear that by 31st December 2016, he will solve it and the problem was solved to a great extent. Also, by 31st March, I think everything has become normal.The purpose was to bring out the black money which was not in circulation. I think the government has succeeded to a great extent in bringing that out. It has certainly improved the economy. This a very positive and bold step towards development.
Unemployment is one of the burning issues in India today. A person holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science might well end up in a low salary job. What do you think is the prime cause and how do you think we can overcome it? I think we have to concentrate on improving the educational system of India. Also, the selection of courses should be done judiciously. Otherwise , if we go on having a lot of graduates in computers, management, MCA and accounts, the issue cannot be solved. Lots of people study and get trained. But ultimately, if you don’t have proper job opportunities, the frustration among the youth will be tremendous. We have to increase those courses that render a helping hand to the youth in earning good salary jobs. In due course of time, I believe that we will definitely fight unemployment out.
Is young India taking politics seriously as a career path? I wouldn’t say that all the youth should enter politics. They have to realize that their responsibility lies in building the nation. They must build the nation in whatever way they can. For that, I think politics is one of the ways. But remember, that is not the only way. Be it a doctor or engineer, one’s primary aim is to build a better India.
Finally, what is your message for the youth of India? I think the best message for the youth is what the Prime Minister said yesterday, ”Na baithunga, na baithne dunga”. You should realize your responsibilities. You should work as a team and move forward. Accordingly, the country moves forward.
</p>
Interviewed by Neha Tabassum, Parasuram Ivln and Koushal Devabhaktuni. Originally published on 21-June-2017 on SWD BITS Chronicles.