The Drama I Didn’t Sign Up For

Politics, they say, is the art of the possible, but for me, it has always been the art of avoiding awkward dinner table debates. Growing up, I viewed politics as a distant drama, something adults whispered about when the kids were busy ruining the furniture. Today, I still find myself on the sidelines, sipping tea and watching the action unfold like a cricket match where I don’t know the rules but can spot a wide ball.

Despite my indifference, I must admit Indian politics has seen some remarkable changes over the years. We’ve moved from the clunky voting machines to sleek, tamper-proof EVMs. Women politicians are no longer confined to “decorative” roles, proving that patriarchy doesn’t always have the last word. Social media, once a platform for dog videos, has turned into a political battleground where memes hold as much weight as manifestos.

Another applaudable shift is the focus on environmental policies. India, once criticized for its pollution levels, has taken ambitious steps like phasing out single-use plastics and pushing for renewable energy. I still chuckle imagining politicians planting saplings for photo ops, hoping the tree grows faster than their term ends.

While my political interest remains lukewarm, I do respect the strides India has made. Who knows? Maybe one day, a politician will win me over not with promises but with action. Until then, I’ll stay happily clueless, cheering for reforms the way I cheer for an underdog in cricket – with hopeful indifference.