It's my belief that the entry of politics into certain activities or politicising issues has led to numerous festering problems where decisions cannot be taken, just because of the unreasonable stands taken by the contesting sides. And usually, the ridiculous lengths to which the disputes are stretched are found wanting in genuine ideological reasoning - the hard positions are taken by one side just to spite the other. Three such areas are being taken as examples to show the utter waste of time, energy and precious resources in that they have defied concrete results/outcome over the years and will continue to do so.
And here I go,
1. Sports.
It's a pity that even after 67 years on attaining independence, India is not a force to reckon with at any international sports arena. Our performances have been pathetic and we go berserk and ecstatic when any of our sportsmen brings in a medal. Definitely not acceptable for a country with a population of over 100 crores! Sadly, there's talent but it has not been tapped because of the politicisation of sports - with politicians and administrators, sitting as heads of sports organisations, not indate with the latest trends of the disciplines that they lead!
And the latest ignominy is the ban on the Indian Olympic Association by the International Olympic Committee for non adherence to its charter on the election process of the office bearers!
2. River water sharing between states.
The Cauvery river water dispute, between Tamilnadu and Karnataka, has been a vexed issue over the years made complicated by the political parties ever in search of of short term political gains. Many hundreds of common people have died in connected agitations over the years. Sharing of waters by riparian states has to be bilaterally and amicably settled, without fear or favour!
The rivalry between the two states reminds me that each of them considers the other to be their biggest enemy! When will we learn? Or will we, ever?
3. The 'young Turks'.
Politics, in educational campuses, is another area where every political party has their vested interest. Political parties are fully aware of the adage that in a democracy, a government cannot survive if they do not have the support of the students. While attracting the youth into mainstream politics is a must, it has to be in keeping with the best of traditions and for the promotion of ethical practices in politics. More often than not, it's rampant use of rhetoric for short term gains, coupled with a tendency to adopt violence in achieving their ends that have come to stay.
In Kerala, the one unrealistic fact is the enforcement of absurdly low bus fares in the name of student's concession! No student organisation has had the guts to validate the rates with maturity to meet the contemporary economic situation and trends.
And here I go,
1. Sports.
It's a pity that even after 67 years on attaining independence, India is not a force to reckon with at any international sports arena. Our performances have been pathetic and we go berserk and ecstatic when any of our sportsmen brings in a medal. Definitely not acceptable for a country with a population of over 100 crores! Sadly, there's talent but it has not been tapped because of the politicisation of sports - with politicians and administrators, sitting as heads of sports organisations, not indate with the latest trends of the disciplines that they lead!
And the latest ignominy is the ban on the Indian Olympic Association by the International Olympic Committee for non adherence to its charter on the election process of the office bearers!
2. River water sharing between states.
The Cauvery river water dispute, between Tamilnadu and Karnataka, has been a vexed issue over the years made complicated by the political parties ever in search of of short term political gains. Many hundreds of common people have died in connected agitations over the years. Sharing of waters by riparian states has to be bilaterally and amicably settled, without fear or favour!
The rivalry between the two states reminds me that each of them considers the other to be their biggest enemy! When will we learn? Or will we, ever?
3. The 'young Turks'.
Politics, in educational campuses, is another area where every political party has their vested interest. Political parties are fully aware of the adage that in a democracy, a government cannot survive if they do not have the support of the students. While attracting the youth into mainstream politics is a must, it has to be in keeping with the best of traditions and for the promotion of ethical practices in politics. More often than not, it's rampant use of rhetoric for short term gains, coupled with a tendency to adopt violence in achieving their ends that have come to stay.
In Kerala, the one unrealistic fact is the enforcement of absurdly low bus fares in the name of student's concession! No student organisation has had the guts to validate the rates with maturity to meet the contemporary economic situation and trends.
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