BANGALORE, March 18 : ‘Politics may be a tough topic of conversation in the work place, but encouraging people to vote should not be.’ This is the modern mantra of most Indian Incs.A fear loomed large in India’s public life after the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which created a sense of cynicism about democracy and elections. People all over the country are now more curious about electing a government.
The message of enough is enough is now loud and clear even among the corporates, which were earlier not bothered about the election process. An NGO called India Movement has already begun its campaign among young techies and BPO employees across the nation.
The corporates who had a lot to say after the Mumbai attack seem to be mum on the issue at least for now.
When Wipro, IBM, HP and TCS were contacted, they said no comment. However, a HR executive at IBM said: “Nothing has been communicated from the management side and many NGOs are approaching us, but we are not able to entertain them as approval from the top management is yet to come.” Bhaskar Bakthavatsalu, Country Manager, India & SAARC, Check Point Software Technologies said: “The major problem with most of us in the IT industry work outside our homes where we are originally registered as eligible voters.
Much of our votes go waste as we do not exercise our franchise in elections of any kind. Part of that is because most of us are not aware of alternate voting methods that keeps us from contributing with our decision.” Speaking to the Express, Daya Nayak, Co-ordinater of India Movement said: “At least now Indian youths should wake up and play a vital role in the electoral process.
The recent developments have provided a favourable atmosphere to boost this campaign among the youth.” Robert, an employee of TCS said: “This time we are enthused and will encourage our colleagues to vote. Mere anger cannot be productive.
To ensure that this rage gives rise to a civil society movement that ensures better governance and an answerable class, the right choices have to be made. Choices that have the power to change. Change in the way we fight our war against terror, corruption and communal equations in the country.” Jaagore.com has already driven the campaign to educate youth about the importance of voting.
The anger is at ineffective governance, at the political class for being insensitive and callous and at the bureaucracy for being laggard. According to Jaagore.com, introspection by the youth may compel every political party to look within and provide answers, besides reforming our elected representatives.
