The day long event went through series of interactive sessions with ministers, political leaders and societal changemakers. Politicians, former minister Dinesh Gundurao, Ashwath Narayan, Pawan Khera answered questions curated by Genz students. Youths participate in the The Gen Z Reckoning, a youth centric civic event held at Palace grounds on Thursday in Bengaluru.
As a student leader, I get phone calls 24 hours a day. Bengaluru: “We write NEET to become doctors. What exam do you take to become a politician? That was among the questions Gen Z posed to political leaders during a free-wheeling conversation at an event organised in Jayamahal Thursday. Called Gen Z Reckoning, the programme was organised by Salmaan Ahmed, vice president, Presidency University, to create a platform for the youth to interact with politicians. Functionaries ranged from NSUI state president Kirthi Ganesh to AICC chairman for media and publicity Pawan Khera. Excerpts: Q: For someone who wants to enter politics, is there a formula? Dinesh Gundu Rao, MLA, Gandhinagar: There is no sure-shot formula for becoming successful in politics. It’s an insecure profession. Not everyone who enters it becomes successful. It is highly competitive and polarised. It needs courage and conviction. So, it is a great time for youngsters to come in. A: Ashwath narayan, MLA, Malleshwaram: Along with that, build your career. You need to have your own livelihood and sufficient resources for your sustenance. All of you must participate actively in democracy. ————————————– Q: I am from Kolar, and we still do not have clean drinking water. To meet you politicians itself is hard. You walk around with such high security. I have tried several times to meet the authorities, but have failed each time. Kirthi Ganesh, state president, NSUI: Even I come from a very ordinary family. Contact me after the event; whomever you want to meet, I will take you to them. ————————————– Q: Many politicians are on social media. Have you also thought you should be part of it. A: Pawan Khera: Everyone wants to be popular on social media, but I can’t be cringy for that. I have to be myself, and people will connect. If I raise the right issues, that will appeal to you more than reels at 11pm. Some things feel very artificial. ———————————– Q: If something is not trendy, no political parties will take it. How do we make political parties take up real issues that is not trending? A: Pawan Khera: There are two ways of engaging with people. One is Mann ki bath. And the other is to keep ear to ground, not necessarily through social media, but through smaller groups and direct interaction. —————————————– Q: Will you give a ticket to Gen Z?
Earlier, AAP and now TVK, it looks like there are people looking at change.
In the next election, whichever come,s you’ll see good representation of them. ————————————————— Q: Do you know what 6-7 is? Student: It is a term which does not mean anything, but coined just for us to sit and laugh at. (demonstrates with hand action as crowd pitches in) Pawan: This country created a govt called 6-7. ———————————————————————— Q: Do you think MPLAD is enough? The government has changed the rules in such a manner that they cannot spend more than 50-60% of it. A: NA Haris, BDA chairman: If other offices can function 24 hours, why not this? If not 24 hours, at least extend it by 3-4 hours.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news. A: Pawan Khera:: There is a national hunt going on for posts in our communication department. We will also have good representation of gen Z for MLA and MP posts. A: Pawan Khera: No. A: Pawan Khera: I realised it wasn’t enough when I started using it. There are so many valid needs. It has become very technical, with extensive paperwork around it. ———————————————————– Q: Political parties use influencers and content creators, memes to woo young generation. Is it a good way of communication? A: Pawan Khera: In old times, campaigners used to get film stars. Influencers also have a reach, so why not borrow from it? But personally, I feel the Zohran Mamdani school of campaigning is more effective, with human interaction and engagement. ——————————————————- Q: We write NEET to become doctors. What exam do you take to become a politician? A: They give exams every day. Anyone can walk into our office, and give gaalis. Exam is of a different nature. And it continues till last day of our lives. It is not an easy profession at all. ——————————————————- Q: Would you extend night-life hours? The chief minister also has an idea, and we are pursuing it. It depends on the party you are talking about. If it is a safe, happy party, what’s wrong with it? ————————————————————————————- Q: There is a growing concern on mental health of students. How can we create a culture where we think failure is not the end of the road. A: Ramya, Congress functionary: It depends on the environment you are in. Sometimes, parents or students put too much pressure on themselves. I used to do that as a student, but I turned out to be an actress. Now I wonder why I put so much pressure on myself. Life will figure itself out. You go through phases in life. This too shall pass. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Download the TOI App.
What you face today will change.