I am Professor R. Karthick, Department of
English Literature, Sankarankovil, (Mobile Number- 9786610384) writing to
humbly draw your attention to an important yet often overlooked concern in our
educational ecosystem — the diminishing culture of student elections in
Indian colleges and universities.
Student Elections: A Missing Lesson
in the World's Largest Democracy
India rightfully takes pride in being the world’s
largest democracy, engaging over a billion citizens in the electoral
process. Yet, within our colleges and universities — the very spaces meant to
cultivate leadership, awareness, and critical thinking — political
participation remains alarmingly limited.
While the nation debates governance and policies,
many young citizens remain detached, unaware of the democratic processes that
define their future. This disconnect threatens the democratic fabric of our
society at its roots.
Student Politics: The Training
Ground of Indian Democracy
Student politics has historically played a crucial
role in shaping Indian democracy. Many of our national leaders, activists,
and reformers first found their voice through student movements.
Prominent organizations such as:
- Students’
Federation of India (SFI) – affiliated with the CPI (M)
- Akhil
Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) – the student wing of RSS and
BJP
- National
Students’ Union of India (NSUI) – aligned with the Indian
National Congress
have long nurtured political consciousness and leadership among youth.
In addition, several regional political parties have
vibrant student wings that channel local and cultural identities into
democratic engagement:
|
Political Party |
Student Wing |
|
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) |
DMK Students’ Wing (Tamil Nadu) |
|
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) |
AIADMK Students’ Wing (Tamil Nadu) |
|
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) |
TDP Students’ Wing (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) |
|
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) |
YSRCP Students’ Wing |
|
Trinamool Congress (TMC) |
Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (West Bengal) |
|
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) |
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (Odisha) |
|
Shiv Sena (UBT) |
Yuva Sena (Maharashtra) |
|
Samajwadi Party (SP) |
Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha (Uttar Pradesh) |
|
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) |
BSP Student Wing |
|
Communist Party of India (CPI) |
All India Students Federation (AISF) |
These student bodies act as nurseries for
democratic values, where young minds experience elections, debates, and
governance first-hand.
The Shrinking Space for Campus
Democracy
Unfortunately, many institutions today avoid
student elections, citing reasons such as potential unrest or
administrative burden. While these concerns are valid, the complete absence of
electoral exposure risks creating graduates who are academically accomplished
but politically unaware — a dangerous imbalance for a democracy as large
and diverse as ours.
Why Student Elections Matter
Student elections:
✔ Promote political literacy among youth
✔ Provide leadership and teamwork opportunities
✔ Cultivate respect for democratic processes
✔ Empower students to influence campus governance
✔ Reduce political apathy among first-time voters
Model Institutions and the Way
Forward
Universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
University (DU), and some state universities continue to conduct elections
that encourage healthy debate and civic responsibility. While these contests
sometimes attract controversy, they undeniably produce socially aware and
politically mature graduates.
It is time that other institutions — particularly in non-metropolitan
and rural regions — also adopt structured, transparent, and peaceful
student election models. This can be facilitated through clear guidelines,
neutral oversight committees, and code-of-conduct regulations,
ensuring fairness and safety.
Conclusion: Nurturing the Next
Generation of Leaders
India’s progress rests not only on its scientists, engineers, and
professionals but also on citizens who understand and cherish democracy.
Allowing student elections is not an act of politicization — it is an act of nation-building.
By empowering students to elect, debate, and lead, we are shaping responsible
citizens and future legislators who will carry forward the
democratic spirit that defines our nation.
“A democracy thrives not in silence, but in the passionate, informed voices
of its young citizens. Let that voice rise from every campus.”
With due respect, I request your kind consideration in initiating
discussions or policy directions to encourage the revival of student
elections in colleges and universities under regulated and peaceful frameworks.
Your leadership and support can inspire educational institutions to become
active nurseries of democratic practice once again.
With sincere regards and utmost respect,
Yours faithfully,
(Prof.) R. Karthick
Department of English Literature,
Sankarankovil
Mobile: +91 97866 10384
Email: srk.karthick.r@gmail.com
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