Sunil Lohan
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said that challenges and obstacles are an inevitable part of a leader’s journey and called upon young people to come forward and take up leadership responsibilities.
“A leader faces obstacles at every step.From my school days to becoming a legislator and eventually the Chief Minister, I have faced several challenges.
Young people must come forward to become leaders. More importantly,a leader must create new leaders,” Shivakumar said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the International Day of Democracy celebrations at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
Recalling his own experiences with student elections, Shivakumar said his journey in public life had begun with setbacks during his school and college days.
“I contested a school election in Class 7.My symbol was a star and I received around 80 per cent of the votes.
Yet,another student who secured about 20 per cent of the votes was appointed school secretary.A separate post of sports secretary was created for me,”he recalled.
He said he was later denied an opportunity to contest a college election.
“I then helped another student, Deshpande, contest the election.I campaigned for him, delivered speeches and helped him win.
These experiences taught me that those who possess leadership qualities often have to overcome several obstacles,”he said.
Colleges Must Give Young People an Opportunity to Lead
The Chief Minister said the government has decided to encourage disciplined elections in colleges to give young people practical exposure to democratic processes.
“Everyone has a spark within them.We do not know who among them may emerge as a future leader.
Therefore,every young person must get an opportunity to participate,express themselves and develop leadership qualities,”he said.
He said schools and colleges would also be encouraged to conduct Model Parliament programmes to help students understand democratic institutions and public life.
“This initiative carries the spirit of Basavanna’s Anubhava Mantapa,which represents the idea of collective discussion and participation.
Young people should learn how democratic institutions function and understand the value of dialogue and participation,”Shivakumar said.
A True Leader Creates New Leaders:
Shivakumar said democracy can remain strong only when the younger generation understands and actively participates in the democratic system.
“I have been recognised as a public servant. In the same way, new leadership must continuously emerge within the system.Young people must understand democracy and their responsibilities towards society,” he said.
He recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in strengthening grassroots democracy by empowering local bodies through constitutional amendments.
“Our party has a history of sacrifice. Jawaharlal Nehru spent years in prison.Mahatma Gandhi,Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made great sacrifices for the country. Sonia Gandhi also made the sacrifice of giving up the Prime Minister’s post,” he said.
Democracy Is the Soul of India:
Calling democracy the soul of India, Shivakumar said its meaning extends far beyond elections and voting.
“People are the real masters in a democracy.Democracy is not limited to voting or electing representatives from the panchayat to Parliament.It is also about ensuring dignity, respect, equality and the right to live,”he said.
He recalled visiting Anubhava Mantapa shortly after assuming office as Chief Minister.
“Three days after becoming Chief Minister, I visited Anubhava Mantapa.I consider that visit the beginning of my journey as Chief Minister.
The history of Anubhava Mantapa teaches us that opportunities were provided without discrimination based on caste or gender,”he said.
He said the values of democracy must remain permanent and relevant for future generations.
When People Fear the Government, It Is Authoritarianism:
Shivakumar said the way a government treats its citizens is a key measure of the strength of democracy.
“If people are afraid of the government, it is authoritarianism.When the government respects its people, that is democracy.Our elders have shown us the path of equal dignity and equal participation for all,” he said.
He added that only those with a firm commitment to democratic values could speak fearlessly.
Protecting the Right to Vote Is Essential:
Shivakumar said safeguarding the voting rights of citizens was central to protecting democracy.
“Dr B.R.Ambedkar emphasised the importance of the right to vote. We must ensure that no citizen loses this fundamental democratic right,”he said.
Referring to the ongoing debate over electoral roll revision, notes he said efforts were being made to ensure that eligible citizens were not left out of the electoral process.
He said arrangements were being made to help around 47 lakh people obtain permanent residence and income certificates required for their inclusion in electoral rolls.
“Every eligible citizen must have the opportunity to exercise the right to vote,”he said.
Political Commitment Is Necessary for Social Justice
The Chief Minister said political ideology must be reflected through concrete programmes and policies.
“We have provided five guarantees to strengthen the social and economic position of the people.
Around ₹52,000 crore is being spent every year on these programmes.This is the result of our political commitment,”he said.
He also referred to the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan, recalling that the initiative was introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“If such programmes are necessary for social and economic empowerment, similar commitment must also be shown at the national level. Implementation requires political will,” he said.
Congress Has Protected Reservation,Says CM;
Shivakumar said protecting social justice and reservation has been an important part of the Congress party’s political legacy.
“We must protect the voting rights of citizens and retain their trust. We were do not want to hurt any section of society. Our ideology is based on equality, humanity and compassion,”he said.
Referring to the government’s land-related welfare initiatives,he said the government had planned to provide house sites to poor families.
“We have planned to distribute 10 to 15 lakh sites to the poor.Land reforms and programmes that gave land to cultivators brought major social change.
Such programmes were introduced by the party that led the country’s freedom struggle,”he said.
371(J) Has Brought Change to Kalyana Karnataka
Shivakumar credited Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with playing an important role in securing Article 371(J) for the Kalyana Karnataka region.
“Mallikarjun Kharge brought Article 371(J), which has brought significant change to Kalyana Karnataka.That level of commitment has not been shown by others,” he said.
He said the government was also working to provide further greater opportunities for young people in sports, culture and the arts.
“As part of this effort,10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas are being established. We need everyone’s cooperation for this initiative,” he said.
“This government will always stand with you,”the Chief Minister said.
