the age of ‘can - do’ karma Idealism is dead. Long live idealism. In the age of MMS, the Indian youth displays an astounding agility in sides stepping political and moral minefields. The can – do generation is intrinsically blesses with the ability to shift body beautiful from coyness to correctness with the aplomb of an athlete and the coolness of a rap artist. For sheet pragmatism this generation would outscore every ge neration living and dead. In fact those born before 1970 may almost find this generation cynically pragmatic. Those born in a bipolar, cold war – congested didactics and monarchical democrats when per capita political freedom had a greater baring than per capita income and gross national contentment reigned over gross national product. However, those born after 1970 have witnessed the fall of the Berlin wall. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of per capita income as the ruling mantra. Because the battle for a liberal democracy had already been won. Because by the 80's Indian had overcome the phantom of famines. Because by the 90's the archaic licence raj had been lifted and entrepreneurial sprits had been unleashed. By the mid – 90's satellite TV brought what – can – be to the living rooms of the how – will – we section. They know that the difference between success and failure rests in bridging the gap between ability and potential. Of course, in the absence of precedents it is difficult to chart the evolution of the kinetics of correctness. It could be argued that this trend of stated political pragmatism can be read in the Mahabharata. But this generation exhibits a remarkable ability to articulate obligatory correctness even as it cohabits with contradicting reality. For those who were in college or even at work in the 70's the most significant event would be the fight for fundamental rights during the emergency. The most tragic events were the secessionist upsurge in Punjab and Kashmir that almost ripped apart the idea of India. But for the nearly 300 million youngsters across the country it is India's victory for the battle of heights in Cargill that in the most significant event. For it is the first and the only tie that India
- Pravin Nikam
was at war or almost at war since they were born close or its heels comes the Gujarat riots which tore apart the theology of a secular India, leaving the youth questioning the very “ism”. In a sense, both struck at the idea of nationalism. Also causing concern were the fall of the Babri Masjid, elections in Kashmir and the pouring up of the country's economy. As with the previous generations this one too is concerned with a burgeoning billion – plus population. While economists the world over may be thrilled over the demographic opportunity for growth, the youth are concerned about the bulge. You could say they are concerned about the density of population and corruption or about the increasing competitiveness for every toehold. Both the previous and Gen Next are concerned with the idea of India and views its vulnerabilities with seriousness. Contradictions though are more glaring, even intriguing. Nearly two of the three young Indians believe that dynastic politics is not acceptable. You could almost visualise a rebellion against family affairs in politics brewing here. Yet they didn't quite vote with their opinion. The 2004 elections saw over 240 political families in the fray and in some families more than one member who stood and got elected. Another instance of contradictory cohabitation s their stand on those with criminal records fighting the polls. Where the youth do think people with criminal records should not be allowed to contest elections. Another area of delicate ambivalence is corruption. Indeed, this generation has seen more corruption that the previous ones. Since 1987, when the Bofors scandal rocked the country, India has seen over a dozen major scandals involving over Rs.11,000 core with only one conviction by the courts. But there is a delicate dithering on the root cause as some feel it is the individual Perhaps this is a signal for more reforms, for a more effective judicial system or a reflection on the resource scare country. Normally, exercising the franchise is a thrilling event when one comes of political age. Perhaps it is this inability to make the change,
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