Participation of youth in politics essential: Cong MP

The youth should come forward to take part in politics as this was vital for the reformation of society, Congress MP Meenakshi Natarajan said.
More than 50 per cent of the country's population is in the age group of 25-40 years, still their representation in politics is miniscule, the first time MP from Madhya Pradesh said.
"Their participation is important not just for mere statistics but also for increasing efficiency of the work for underprivileged and needy," she said at a panel discussion during the launch of 'The Ocean In a Drop' book yesterday.
"The inequality and discrimination is still so deep-rooted that lots of work needs to be done and only an active participation by our youth who, unlike their predecessors, are breaking the caste couldrons and other traditional evils, can do the needful," she said.

On the book, which deals with the issue of youth empowerment, Natarajan said it reminded her of the time when she started a monthly newspaper (Prayaas) during her university years with her friends.
"We need to expand the word 'self' to society if we really intend to go ahead with a mission to contribute selflessly to the society and the country instead of being too self-indulged in our day-to-day problems," she said.

Natarajan, who is known to prefer a simple life, also said her involvement in politics is relevant only as long as it makes her happy.
"I'm the most selfish person in this world. I do a particular work only till it makes me happy, be it politics, or any other activity," she said.

The book which was launched in February this year has four co-authors. They are Ashraf Patel, co-founder of NGO Pravah which is working in the field of youth leadership for social change, Meenu Venkateswaran, Kamini Prakash and Arjun Shekhar.