Tue Oct 28 15:21:26 UTC 2025: Summary:
Writer Banjagere Jayaprakash, speaking at a seminar on B.R. Ambedkar’s thoughts and the youth in Shivamogga, lamented the lack of youth participation in electoral politics and their focus on superficial matters. He argued that this inactivity weakens democracy and hinders social equality. He emphasized Ambedkar’s focus on the individual and the importance of treating each other as equals, transcending casteist views. He urged the youth to actively participate in strengthening democracy and achieving social equality.
News Article:
Youth Apathy Weakening Democracy, Says Writer at Ambedkar Seminar
Shivamogga, October 28, 2025 – At a seminar on B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy and its relevance to young people, writer Banjagere Jayaprakash expressed concern over the dwindling involvement of youth in electoral politics, stating it contributes to the weakening of democracy.
Speaking at Sahyadri Science College in Shivamogga, Mr. Jayaprakash criticized the youth’s focus on celebrity culture and trivial matters, highlighting their disinterest in crucial political decisions like choosing leaders who uphold human dignity. “Questions like who should be the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister have become topics out of the prescribed syllabus,” he remarked.
He emphasized that this lack of political engagement undermines the principle of political equality enshrined in the Constitution. He urged young people to actively participate in elections and strive for social equality, arguing that societal transformation requires individual effort in addition to government action.
“With the country’s freedom, the government changed, but the society remained the same. To change this, every individual should treat the other as a fellow traveller, giving up the age-old sectarian or casteist views towards each other,” he stated.
Mr. Jayaprakash further elaborated on Ambedkar’s focus on the individual, stressing the importance of viewing each person as a unique entity, independent of societal hierarchies. He argued that the Constitution prioritizes the individual’s rights to choose their religion, political ideology, and life partner.
The seminar, jointly organized by Kuvempu University’s B.R. Ambedkar Study Centre, the B.R. Ambedkar Research and Training Centre in Bengaluru, and Sahyadri Science College, was attended by Kuvempu University Registrar A.L. Manjunath and other dignitaries.
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