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ShareAcclaim India and Indians for certain things; but then, for the veryreasons you acclaim them, you also have to reproach them, says Kanimozhi.
For this Member of Parliament and daughter of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, the Indian Constitution is filled with paradoxes: its advantages are also its drawbacks.
Let's start with tolerance, she says. "Although it's a great virtue, our levels of endurance are so high that they hinder our development as well as the nation's."
"Next is democracy. The good thing about [democracy] is that it gives all members of society equal access to power. But the hard reality is that those who are selfish and criminal-minded use loopholes to gain political power. Those in the lower rungs are outcasts."
"Freedom is another factor. The level of freedom of expression we enjoy is far more than in many countries across the world. But the sad part is that a few self-interested politicians misuse this right to create communal tension and gain popularity."
A politician, she says, should be above all this. "He or she should think beyond party lines while dealing with issues that could affect the nation." This is one good quality she sees in Rahul Gandhi.
"One of the reasons why dynastic politics thrives is a dearth of young politicians," says Kanimozhi. "And the result? Less-efficient leaders and veterans who have lost steam are being recycled into assemblies and parliament."
Of course, politics is a dicey job. No wonder youth prefer not to take the plunge. But their views need a turn-about, she says. "People want the transition to take place on its own, which is not likely to happen."
"You have to play an active role. All you that need to become a politician is an urge to serve, and not any special skill." The present state of indigence is because most politicians don't have service on their agenda and see politics as a lucrative profession to mint money.
In the political arena of Tamil Nadu, Kanimozhi stands like a bridge between two generations of politics, the present and the future. Yet she seems self-effacing.
A charismatic leader who had hogged the national limelight at a relatively young age of 41, Kanimozhi dares to differ from the customary politico, the one with sham and show.
The poet-cum-activist-cum-politician is a blend of old and new ideas. "India needs a blend of experienced politicians and young and innovative minds to rule," she says. For experience, she feels, is as valuable as fresh ideas. She also believes that youth is not all about age. There are old people who think young and young people who have conservative ideas, she points out.
Today's politicians should have a passion for change and should be open to fresh ideas.
"One malady which both the politicians and the voters of India suffer from is short-sightedness," she quips. While politicians, in most cases, fail to draw up plans that will be beneficial in the long run, voters fall prey to short-term benefits. The worst case is people trading their votes for money and liquor. "The kind of butter depends on the kind of curd you churn it out from. Don't just blame the political community for all the ills," she says.
"I will work for greater awareness, among the masses, about their rights and national issues. I also wish to revive the electoral system to make the citizens more aware of their responsibilities," she says, listing her priorities.
Currently, her mission is to give voice to the voiceless, and work for them. That includes communities like fisherfolk and transgenders, who are denied due rights in society. "Such minorities are ignored and not many fight for their issues," she notes.
Turning to the recent scramble for cabinet berths, she says: "It was entirely my decision to opt out of the cabinet fight. It is not that you can only serve being in the cabinet. I just paved the way for other important people in the party."
Her stepbrother, MK Stalin, has been made the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu, while her other brother, Azhagiri, has been given a high profile representation at the Centre. Being the chief's favourite daughter, party sources say she is likely to be "rewarded" in some manner soon, with a better role.
"But I am content with what I am now. In fact, now I have lots of tasks in hand. But if the party gives me a bigger role in the future, I will play that too," she says.
About the DMK lacking a strong woman leader to counter Opposition leader J Jayalalithaa, she says: "I amready to take up that job too, if need be."
When asked how she manages her family and work, pat comes the reply: "Will you ask the same question to any male politician? But a woman politician faces more challenges, politics being a man's world. Time is a major concern: decision-making mostly starts after 9pm. It still remains an arduous task for a woman to climb the political ladder independently. But many have accomplished that too. I salute them."
"I am not a fine example. My political background saved me from many hurdles. Even now, women from the middle-class lack the freedom to express their thoughts freely."
What would she have become had she not entered politics? "A journalist, most probably," she says. For, she believes that the press can bring societal changes for the good. She uses the media to keep track of news developments, and newspapers remain her favourite
medium.
Kanimozhi was among the first to condemn the Mangalore pub attacks. She questioned the morals of the perpetrators. "They have no right to tamper with the personal choices of women. When men can do certain things, why can't women?"
"Why don't men share the burden of carrying forward the culture and tradition? My tradition is secularism. Does anyone bother to hear it?" she asks. And that's why social reformer Periyar continues to be her idol.
There is, however, reason for hope. There is a political shift at the Centre and this is a crucial period of Indian political history. The young and women are being given more representation. "Let's hope for the best. I have immense trust and faith in Manmohan and his new team," she signs off.
Standpoint:
Obama is a ray of hope
Kanimozhi sees the victory of Obama as a positive sign that the US has sent to the world. She has high hopes from him and believes he will undo the inhuman treatment the country has meted out to racial minorities.
Rahul, man beyond politics
A good thing about Rahul Gandhi is that he is able to take an independent stand on issues without toeing the party line, says Kanimozhi. She appreciates his ability to reach out to regional parties cutting across party lines.
Eelam is not a dead issue
The Eelam issue is much older and bigger than the LTTE or Prabhakaran. It's not dead with Prabhakaran's death. Now, India has a larger-than-ever role to play to ensure that the Tamils in Sri Lanka get their due rights. The entire world has to put more pressure for a political solution to the Lankan issue and see that the Tamils are rehabilitated and they live there with dignity as free citizens.
