Sonipat, Oct 8 (NationPress) “Very few young individuals, if any, in the country exhibit a genuine interest in pursuing public life. However, when you venture beyond metropolitan areas, in Tier-II, Tier-III cities, and rural India, there's an unwavering enthusiasm for participating in the democratic process. Young people are eager to run for elections, and their motivations extend beyond governance and leadership. Particularly in semi-urban and rural settings, the youth exhibit a greater tendency to engage in public life,” stated Sachin Pilot, a member of the Rajasthan Assembly, during the Jindal Leadership Series Lecture themed ‘Gen Z, Politics Click, Share & Lead’.

“On a global scale, there is a noticeable retreat from traditional politics. When compared to countries like the United States, the differences in democratic engagement are evident, where entering public life, even for accomplished professionals, is a common aspiration,” Pilot remarked.

Sachin Pilot holds the position of General Secretary of the Congress Party, is a Member of the Congress Working Committee, a Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, and has served as the Former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, as well as a Former Union Minister of India. At just 26, he became the youngest Member of Parliament after winning his first election in 2004 from the Dausa constituency in Rajasthan.

He elaborated on leadership dynamics, particularly for India's youth. “Gen Z has an inherent connection with technology, social media, and the internet. This is not merely learned; it is embedded in their identity. Our responsibility is to ensure that young minds can explore varied perspectives. Engaging in environments like O.P. Jindal Global University, where individuals differ in appearance, speech, or behavior, enhances learning opportunities.”

Discussing the significance of diversity, Pilot emphasized, “It is crucial to mature into adults who embrace tolerance and acceptance of diverse opinions. In your formative years, broadening your horizons in tolerance, acceptance, and active listening will transform you into a better individual with age. True leadership is recognized by opponents as well. To be seen as a leader, it is vital that people trust you once you attain power. Connecting with societal sentiments is key to making a substantial impact. You must possess integrity and honesty.”

Addressing the challenges ahead as we approach 2047, he noted, “There are numerous hurdles, with the primary being how to ensure not just your employment but that of future generations. Transitioning from an agrarian society to a high-tech landscape involving chipmaking, data science, and STEM fields is a formidable task. We have largely missed the manufacturing cycle and must now carefully navigate our next steps to facilitate a shift from agriculture to manufacturing, especially in the era of AI, which is set to revolutionize everything.”

During the Welcome Address, Professor (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, remarked, “Our university is proud to be a platform for diverse opinions, fostering dialogues across political ideologies, and allowing free interactions among individuals. With Sachin Pilot, there is an immediate sense of optimism for democracy. His dedication to governance and development is palpable. With distinguished academic credentials from institutions like the Wharton School, he serves as a beacon of inspiration for JGU students, demonstrating the potential for youth to engage in public life. He represents a generation of passionate, dedicated young Indian leaders.”

In her Introductory Remarks, Professor Ambreen Khan, Adjunct Professor of Practice at O.P. Jindal Global University, expressed, “It is my great privilege to introduce Sachin Pilot, a leader whose journey showcases the impact of education, public service, and steadfast dedication to India's progress. His peers describe him as a dynamic visionary and an ambitious politician focused on enhancing the nation's economic and social policies. At a young age, he chose to engage in governance and public policy through various leadership roles.”

The Concluding Remarks were presented by Professor (Dr) Alok Pandey, Dean of the Office of Career Services, who stated, “Sachin Pilot, General Secretary of the Congress Party, is a leader for Gen Z. While the space for debate is diminishing, hope remains. The inquiries raised by JGU’s Gen Z students are compelling. They seek not only economic opportunities but also address issues ranging from corruption to calls for change, as evidenced by recent global events.”

The Presenter was Professor (Dr) Meenakshi Tomar, Vice Dean of the Office of Career Services, O.P. Jindal Global University.