However, there was a paradigm shift in the pathways of people like Uma and Menakshi after “She Represents” – a seven day immersive programme hosted by a Delhi based political leadership development organization Indian School of Democracy (ISD).
A very recent report by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) finds that 24% of Rajya sabha members face criminal cases. The analysis also found that 203 of the 229 MPs or 89% of those analysed had declared assets over ₹1crore. The nexus of corruption and politics is also a pressing concern. Does it mean that politics is only for corrupted, criminals and affluent people ?
Would it be a hindrance to attract people with integrity and commitment to be a part of the political process in this country ? Answers to this question remains elusive. Nevertheless, we have sprouts of hope. Indian School of Democracy (ISD) a budding organization founded by two young visionaries is one in such direction. Aiming high to build a community of principled public leaders, working to make India a global inspiration for inclusive democracy; Hemakshi Meghani graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School in public policy and Prakahr Bhartiya completed his masters in public administration from Columbia University are in a daring pursuit.
After successfully organizing Democracy Express and She Represents- a week long programme introducing youth to different pathways to politics and building a community of future principled leaders, Indian School of Democracy is venturing into an year long programme. After seven decades of independence, we are not at a stage to say that our democracy is working for all. As we reflect, one of the many reasons is the dearth of principled leadership in public service.
“Today, India needs its best hearts and heads to serve, and nurture them as a cadre of enterprising and moral public servants”, says Prakhar Bhartiya, one of the founders. Hemakshi, co-founder of ISD believes that every generation needs its own leaders and our generation is struggling to find principled leaders in the public and political landscape. Today, a lot of motivated and talented young leaders often do not choose the path of public service. We need to bring a change.