In the cacophonous din of contemporary Indian politics, a hushed quandary persists: to discuss or not discuss? For many, the prospect of breaching the fragile boundaries between personal and political lives seems foolhardy at best, ruinous at worst. “Never discuss politics at the dinner table,” we are wisely counseled. And yet, in an era where political spectacles play out on the front page daily, can one truly feign ignorance?
The Divide:
The urge to avoid political conversations is understandable. In a climate where party lines fuel societal fissures, many prefer sidestepping conflict altogether. The Bharatiya Janata Party rides a wave of nationalism under the commanding leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promising glory and global prestige. Meanwhile, the floundering Indian National Congress clutches its pearls, casting itself as the moral high ground amidst waves of controversy. Disagreements run deep, with seemingly no middle ground in sight.
And so silence prevails, in hopes of maintaining hard-won relationships in both personal and professional spheres. But perhaps such neutrality conceals darker motivations. Does turning a blind eye stem more from apathy than discretion? Philosopher Georg Hegel famously proclaimed that “nothing great in this world has ever been accomplished without passion.” And yet most Indians watch political events unfold with barely a flinch of eyebrow, much less displays of passion.
Is ignorance an option?
This indifference would be more benign if politics existed in a vacuum, sealing neatly within the halls of power. But decisions made in distant corridors of government have an unnerving way of filtering into daily life. Policies determine access to education, health care, economic mobility. They shape realities for women, minorities, farmers. While many citizens slumber in ignorance, the machinery of politics operates in plain sight.
Of course, indulging in political dialectics also carries a cost. Relationships can sour quickly when worldviews clash. Longtime friends may find themselves at an impasse when conversations turn partisan. But severing ties may not present the easy way out. True relationships are fortified during moments of friction and discord, not just during times of smooth sailing over calm seas. Nothing worth building was ever created without weathering a storm or two.
The ‘Middle’ Path: The ‘Right’ Way: Which ‘Left’ Remained
Perhaps there is a middle path between reckless provocation and total avoidance. What if we approached political discourse as an act of communion instead of division? Amidst the cacophony of partisan bickering, quiet voices of reason remain. Those willing to listen, empathize, and reason together. The true purpose of politics is not to serve parties but citizens. We alone bear the power to hold leaders accountable and guide the national conscience. But first, we must be informed.
The choice is ours. We can remain silent and uninformed as tides of controversy swirl around us. Or we can dive headlong into the fray, engaging passionately while keeping relationships intact. Either option carries both risk and reward. But change never arises from the tranquil middle ground. For India to achieve her destiny as a leader among nations, her people must first become leaders among themselves.
Next: Politics & Religion.
