Normally in my social group people are always scathing about the unqualified department head of

government sectors. Whatever is the topic that we start our conversation with, we always find ourselves
talking about the present political context of our country. A few years back we could care less about
politics but it has changed so much. This peculiar behavioral change got me contemplating about our
attitude towards politics. At least for me, I got a lot more invested in the politics and our leaders during
the previous election. Prior to that I had a very superficial knowledge about everything related to
politics.

During the previous local level election, 21 years old girl named Ranju Darshana gave her candidacy for
mayor of Kathmandu municipality. First of all, whatever political party she may have been affiliated
with, a youth as young as her, standing against other candidates appointed by giant parties like UML,
MAOIST, CONGRESS and others, was the most surprising and in hindsight revolutionary moment. Her
stand and candidacy received skeptical views and mockery of many but it was the same thing that
attracted attention of my politically illiterate generation. Much to our disappointment she didn’t win but
was able to amass a large number of votes in her favor which placed her in the third position. She gave
hope to all the youth that they are capable and their effort matters.

The spark she ignited has kindled a big fire today. It can be seen clearly in today’s political scene. People
are more aware and youth is politically more involved in voicing their support and also their concern.
The biggest political movement right now Balen Shah’s candidacy for the same position in upcoming
election. Not only Balen but many other youths are currently getting involved in mainstream politics and
registering their candidacy for various post either via party or independently. Not only youth but many
social activist and people with genuine concern are getting inspired and getting involved. In the
forefront of this hysteria is Balen.

The candidacy of Balen has done the same thing that Ranju Darshana’s candidacy did but in bigger
magnitude. The scanty skepticism and mockery directed towards him is overshadowed by overwhelming
support and adulation. Ranju Darshana did not enjoy as much popularity as Balen does prior to her
election and people were skeptical about a youth leading but her stand was an eye opener and she
showed that age does not matter but conviction and work ethics does.

It is high time that we value our vote and give it to the one that truly deserves irrespective of the party
they belong to. We youth have the responsibility towards our country to not waste our vote. We youth
must become bridge between the responsible candidates that needs attention and our parents or elders
(who have been stuck upon their outdated ideology and their unreasonable predilection to certain
party). We must aware them. In case of the one’s who say they won’t cast their vote because “जुन जोगी
आएनी कानै िचरे को”. It is our responsibility to point out the good ones and persuade them to vote for
those good ones.

As far as we know our leaders have always been old. We commensurate age with wisdom and
experience which is true and reasonable but old equals to tired and outdated too. People have put their
trust in the same people again and again for very long time but we have not been able to praise them.
All we do is point out their shortcomings and criticize them. Choosing them again and again could be
justified as we did not have choice but now youth are coming forward with fresh mind, innovative ideas
and sky-high enthusiasm. It is up to us, to either choose the promising alternative or stick with tried,
tested and failed leaders.
If we want the future of our country to be bright and safe youth are the obvious choice but if they don’t
win and same leaders are appointed to lead the country then it will be damning evidence that the main
problem of our country are the people themselves and they have no right to blame the government but
themselves.