‘Let’s not discuss politics, ‘no political posts please, are the frequently seen messages in WhatsApp groups to end heated conversations. The argument in favor of a blanket ban on political posts is that they divide groups. I want to discuss whether politics is too big an evil to discuss. Or is it that our perception or understanding of politics is too bad to discuss? Or is it that we do not know how to manage personal equations despite differing views?

Sex, money, religion, and politics have one thing in common. Everyone understands that each of them is important in their lives, but no one wants to discuss it. The problem with this situation is that no one is sure whether their understanding is right. The second issue is that there is no easy way to progress in our understanding of these issues. A first step to solving this would be to talk more about it. One should stop seeing them as taboo. A strong, rational public opinion may be constructed only by relentless open debate in all informal forums.

Indifference, political or otherwise, will not help us. For example, violence against healthcare professionals (doctors) attracts enough responses in medical groups. However, the same issue may be of no concern on a general housing society platform. A similar discussion on this issue in artists' groups may not be a pleasant one either. However, the medical fraternity has experienced the negative impact that workplace violence may have on healthcare delivery. Each individual will gradually experience this negative impact in due course of the time. Similarly, gut-wrenching political, ideological, or religious violence in ‘remote’ parts of the country may not elicit responses in highly qualified ‘open’ professional forums. This is similar to the indifference to violence against doctors in other groups! It is a collective failure of society if we do not disown and condemn violence in any form. Silence, in the name of apoliticism, will only embolden the wrongdoers. Taking a rational political position may be less dangerous than taking a seemingly apolitical stance.

I can also recall coordinated efforts to build opinion against the implementation of AADHAR. However, many of us had foreseen the positive impact AADHAR could have on our lives. Valid concerns about privacy and data security, though relevant, were leveraged to cause impediments to quicker implementation and adaptations of AADHAR. Having and building opinions on political and policy matters has assumed more importance in the era of social media. Assertion and propagation of well-constructed opinions have become extended social responsibilities for citizens.

A similar experience I can also relate to is with money matters. Generally, we are not encouraged to talk about money, either as children or adults. We also see far more aggressive positions, such as ‘Money is the mother of all evil'. Initial ignorance, progressing to repulsion towards money, pushes us to financial illiteracy. The result is a mess of personal finances, which we see commonly. The notion that ‘ politics is bad’ will only drive us to be politically naive and cornered in politicized systems.

National security, the Citizenship Amendment Act, and the Uniform Civil Code are vital issues that can impact every common citizen. Religious, socio-economic, and political instability in the neighborhood makes these issues all the more relevant. Informed opinions on these Issues of national interest with local impact will build a strong society.

Politics represents the socio-economic and power structures of a group of humans. Involves communication and emotions. Political decisions and systems affect the lives of everyone, be it a streetside vegetable vendor or a top-notch economic adviser. Continuous debate on contentious issues as a part of our lifestyle will build a politically responsible society. Informal discussion may be a major tool to propagate a true narrative. They combat the forced opinions of a false fourth pillar and pseudo intelligentsia. More public awareness means less control by self-declared custodians. ‘Educate, organize, and agitate’ will always remain a relevant line. Let's educate ourselves on politics and religion by all possible means. On the other hand, surprisingly, we appreciate the new genre of stand-up comedians selling politics and religious bias in the guise of humor and laughter. The deep-rooted indoctrination makes one uncomfortable about the exchange of notes on politics. We need to discuss things that matter to us. Politics, religion, and money are integral parts of life, and the more we talk about them, the better it is for us. One who politics most champions for  ‘no politics'! This breed is seen in all spheres, whether it be core politics, residential societies, or professional societies. This is also visible in an informal group of ‘friends’ when Some of them try to lead the thoughts. A too-narrow focus is as good as being indifferent to your surroundings. Groups must be heterogeneous, open, and inclusive, particularly concerning political views.

We need to stop living in silos or emotional or intellectual ghettos. We need to break these barriers and get into the flux of life. Express and exchange political views in a friendly, joyful, respectful way in all possible informal open forums and progress! It does not matter if we do not talk about sex. But we must talk politics! Opinion matters; individual opinion matters; and the number of individuals with political opinions matters. They are called votes! They are the currency of democracy! We need to be politically conscious and need to educate ourselves continuously on that. Positive political activism (not necessarily on the streets) can fast-track progress.