Youth are the driving force of life and the future of the humanity. Mr Rasik Bhat is a dynamic young leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, one of the prominent Mainstream party of Jammu & Kashmir. Rasik believes staunchly in the active role of youth in politics.
In an exclusive interview with the Kashmir Media Watch, Rasik Bhat talks to Syed Tajamul (BM Imran) and Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about yourself, especially your early life?
I hail from Sheeri (Baramulla) where facilities for schooling were not good. Accordingly I had my education in Srinagar.
How was your academic life like?
I was an industrious student, and being from a modest family, knew the value of good education. Therefore I have always studied hard because I believe hard work is the key to success.
What is your take on the likelihood of the results in the assembly elections keeping in view the bad performance of NC in Same?
The Lok Sabha elections reflected the anger of people with their favourite party of 70 years. Such things occur when people have expectations and those are not fulfilled. It did not mean a tilt to the some other side. People’s grievances are genuine and it was their method to show that the ultimate power lies with people. We can’t say that the same will happen in the assembly poles. People can change their opinion at any time.
How strong will NC emerge after assembly elections according to your view point?
We hope that NC would appear stronger in the Assembly elections since it is a grass root party, and has a wide people’s base unlike other parties. I have firm faith that National Conference will bounce back in superb manner.
Who is your role model?
My role model is and will be Sher e Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. He was the person who rose against the tyrannical regime of the Dogras, took the land from the self-proclaimed owners and distributed them to the tillers, abolished begaar, and stressed on modern education.
How far has NC taken youth in its fold ?
NC has been taking the youth in its folds since its early days. In fact the revolution that overthrew the Dogra regime was led by a young Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. They have a youth wing, and are attracting the youth in their party with a new vigour from all corners of the state .
How active is the students participation with reference to NC?
The party has already a students’ wing whose members are necessarily students from colleges and university. I represent myself its Jammu and Kashmir National Conference student’s wing as the General Secretary.
Do you believe in that Kashmir is lagging behind in Student politics?
I believe that, in comparison to other States, the student participation in politics is not high in J&K. The students need to understand that politics is not necessarily a dirty field. Politics is also like any other field; if you are good the field is good, if you are bad the field is bad. It is as simple as that . The participation of honest people will make it honest, as the participation of dishonest persons makes it dishonest. Unless people with integrity don’t join politics actively no positive change is possible in the state of politics.
What is your message to the people of J&K on the eve of Eid?
My message to the people of J&K on this Eid is to hope for a happy, prosperous and peaceful J&K. No bloodshed, no disturbance, no turmoil. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the Muslims of the State on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Fitr.
