Why You Should Follow Politics and Stay Informed

Why You Should Follow Politics and Stay Informed Many people in my circle, especially in Chennai, tend to stay away from politics. But here's why you shouldn't, and how to stay informed without falling for propaganda. --- TL;DR: If you think you’re staying out of politics, you’re mistaken. By doing so, you risk becoming a victim of propaganda by the right wing—particularly from those in power who control resources, media, and marketing to push their agenda. Key Tip: Follow credible journals, not sensationalized media. Difference: Journals aim to report facts, while media often prioritize catchy headlines for views. Example: Take the issue of GST compensation pending for Tamil Nadu. A reliable journal would provide exact figures, while media outlets produce conflicting headlines like "Stalin says X amount pending" or "Nirmala says X amount given," leaving the truth buried. If this makes sense to you, skip the rest. If not, keep reading. --- Why It Matters 1. Privileges We Enjoy Came From Political Decisions The freedoms we have today—speech, travel, education, and opportunities—are the result of past generations engaging in politics and implementing ideologies shaped by leaders. Examples: Lack of caste-based surnames. Better education, infrastructure, and a relatively peaceful environment in the South compared to other parts of India. 2. The North-South Divide While South India has made significant progress, the North lags behind in many areas. For instance: In Bihar, I saw temples in every village during a recent trip, but finding a bus to travel even 100 kilometers was nearly impossible. The roads were there, but basic transport infrastructure was missing. The focus in many parts of the North remains on religious divides—Hindu vs. Muslim—while basic needs like healthcare, transport, and education are neglected. 3. Southern India is Ahead but Falling Behind in Awareness By most metrics—education, infrastructure, and social equality—South India outperforms. However, we're failing our future generations by staying out of politics while enjoying privileges that were hard-earned by previous generations. 4. Propaganda is Everywhere Many of my peers fall for blatant lies and misinformation. With just five minutes of research, the truth is often clear, but people don't bother. It’s akin to falling for a scam—except this one impacts millions. --- What You Should Do 1. Discuss, Don’t Debate Talk about politics openly. If someone says something questionable, ask for data and sources. 2. Identify Credible Journalism Avoid media that chases ratings or sensationalism. Look for neutral journalism that prioritizes facts over headlines. In South India, journalism is still relatively alive. I personally recommend Vikatan, which produces a daily show called Imperfect Show at 7 PM on YouTube. 3. Do Your Research If Vikatan doesn’t work for you, find a trustworthy journal or source that aligns with journalistic integrity. --- Final Thought Don’t let the efforts of past generations go to waste. Stay informed, involve yourself in politics, and don’t let propaganda mislead you. Our future generations depend on it. South India’s progress shouldn’t give us the privilege to disengage while parts of the North remain trapped in divisive issues. We owe it to ourselves—and our future—to stay informed and act responsibly.