Young politicians in the making

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Campaign strategies, election codes of conduct and candidates canvassing for votes. College elections have become pretty serious these days.
Student unions in colleges are bodies vested with great authority. Once out of school, many youngsters anxiously wait for an opportunity to be part of such youth-driven teams.
Shrushti Pandya, a student at an Ahmedabad college is standing for elections for a post in her college students’ union this year. “Being a part of a students’ body not only develops our skills, but gives us a first-hand experience of team work. I plan on being a part of the student body so that I can interact more with the students,” she says.
While some are new to the leadership scene, many students have prior experience in holding such posts from their school days. Shaira Paul, union member of a college in Chennai says, “Being the school captain gave me a sense of responsibility in my early years. I was inspired by my seniors in college to stand for the council elections.”
The election process to a student body is no easy task and a range of screening processes are held before the team is finally elected. “We are interviewed by previous council members, the college faculty, after which we have to present our agenda to the Principal,” explains Shaira.
S.Esaivanan, the General Secretary of a students’ union in Mumbai, explains, “We follow the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and it is a weeklong process. We have to follow a code of conduct and have a systematic way of campaigning. Students are required to present plans they wish to initiate and they can campaign in the college.”
These student bodies are great ways of interacting with the students. “Being a student leader has given me the chance to interact with students from diverse backgrounds. It has been an enriching experience and it has honed my skills,” adds Esaivanan.
Archanaa Ramesh recollects memories of being the Council President and says, “I had an extraordinary team and it was a great honour heading it. I campaigned by briefing students on my plans as that's the best way to interact with the students.”