Thiruvananthapuram, November 24: The youth leaders who took charge of grama panchayats across Kerala five years ago have not only proven skeptics wrong but also left behind commendable achievements. As Kerala gears up for another local body election, the stories of these young leaders offer a revealing glimpse into both the possibilities and the limitations of youth politics at the grassroots level.
One such success story is that of Padinjare Vayala, a 27-year-old who led the Malayalapuzha grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta district. Under his leadership, the grama panchayat witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure development, sanitation, and education facilities.
However, despite these successes, a significant number of young leaders like Padinjare Vayala are stepping down due to the issue of low remuneration, which persists as a challenge for youth involvement in politics at the local level.
The article also raises concerns about the sustainability and long-term impact of these young leaders on grassroots governance in Kerala. While they have brought freshness, visibility, and vibrancy to the system, there are questions about whether their contributions will last beyond their tenure.
For instance, Elival, another youth leader who served in a grama panchayat in Kollam district, expressed his concerns about the lack of a structured mentorship program for young leaders. He fears that without such support, many potential leaders might not continue in politics after their tenure ends.
The article also delves into the challenges faced by Adivasi youth leaders who took charge of grama panchayats in Kerala’s tribal areas. They face unique difficulties due to the cultural and political complexities of these regions, making their role even more critical yet more challenging.
As the election season approaches, these stories serve as a reminder that while young leaders can bring about positive change at the grassroots level, they also face significant challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable growth and development.
