is a day to think seriously about the stability of our country’s governance and government. A day that really decides who is given the power to fulfil the dreams of millions. Who will provide the solutions and guide the future of our nation? I can’t sleep lazily at home that day and later criticise an elected govt. I have to be a part of the electoral process.
I see my old fashioned body which bewilders me at times. My belly fat and double chin are reminders of past indulgences, especially when I see young people trying to build muscular bodies and young girls rushing to beauty parlours. They carry their glamorous, glowing faces with confidence.
I watch as people eagerly build their bank balance, buy new cars and worship movie stars and cricket heroes. As I endure the heat of the summer, I map how far I have walked and how far I have left to go.
I feel guilty as if /I have committed a when I think about my friends and their achievements. Why can’t I think as my friends do? They are good writers and poets working on mature write-ups and they have books to their credit, they have certificates, awards, and achievements. They have buildings, luxury cars, holiday packages. Their black eyes and ivory skin shines with pride and I’m busy with my personal diary where I scribble about the struggle of my countrymen who work hard to make both their ends meet.
I see our leaders playing cheap political games, I see a race for power and greediness and my uneasiness grows. I work on my accents which I can use to talk with tribal brothers and sisters who are living their lives under the shadow of our country reciting a national anthem without even knowing its real meaning.
As often as possible, I try to be a lady who rambles around a supermarket with a branded bag, attire, watch and matching accessories. I want to go to the gym to get my shaped body. High breasts, a thin waist, a chiseled nose, lipstick locked lips, a striking face.
Alas! I’m afflicted with the chronic disease of smoking. Day in and day out I find myself busy with my cigarettes and try to put them in an ashtray as almost half of my countryside people do. I’m unable to get a blazing gaze and sheepish attention which I used to get years back. Everything is steady in my life, Yes, almost everything.
Precisely, I’m able to order Italian pizza and a Thai massage too. I can maintain my body and face with ease. But I don’t want to lose the moments of compassion, the ability to sympathize towards my people and the girls in my country who still stand in line to get a mid-day meal.
I’m a conscious citizen and a netizen too. Election season is going on and I have to think about the reality, the development of our country. Now is the time to discuss the topic of inclusive growth and sectoral development.
I will vote for the leader who is a dedicated worker of my area. An elected representative should be a person who can truly represent the citizens. Election day is not a holiday for me but a day which will build my country’s future for a long five years, so I won’t run after crazy lies or false promises but certainly will behave like a responsible citizen. I have to think about those poor people who can’t think properly. Don’t I have to provide a voice to those who don’t know how to voice out their opinions?
I’m not a politician but a common woman and I know my vote matters. Every single vote matters. This time, not for money, power or glamorous campaigning but for the self-respect of my country. As I’m thinking about my body, my wealth, my development and my family, simultaneously I have to think about the growth and prosperity of my nation and its people. True democracy depends on my thought process too.
What about you?
Think about the independent countries of the world, their development, and 72 years of independence of our own country. The cat and mouse race of politics is ruining our country’s physical and mental health. By the way, who will decide? You, me and them. Isn’t it? Now it’s time to show our maturity. Your vote is valuable and it matters. Think and cast it judiciously.
Thank you.