New Delhi, 2025— As India’s political landscape continues to evolve, a critical question is emerging:Are our political aspirations too focused on power rather than purpose?In a country that has long grappled with the complexities of governance, identity-based politics, and shifting allegiances, the idea ofpolitical purposehas often been overshadowed by thepursuit of power. However, as India faces unprecedented challenges in areas likeunemployment,education,healthcare, andclimate change, the need for leaders who are driven bylong-term societal goodrather than personal or party gains has never been more pressing.
The shift frompower-driven politicsto apurpose-driven political agendais not just a theoretical concept but a pressing need for the country’s democratic future. As the nation prepares for theupcoming national and state elections, political leaders and parties are under increasing pressure to redefine their aspirations and focus on policies that will address thereal needsof the electorate, rather than relying on populist measures or divisive tactics.
The Power of Purpose in Political Leadership
- Power: The Traditional Motivator in Indian Politics
- Historically, power has been the cornerstone of political leadership in India. From Nehru to Indira Gandhi, to more contemporary figures like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, political leadership in India has often been about consolidating power, forming alliances, and ensuring electoral victories. Political campaigns are traditionally designed to appeal to voters’ immediate concerns, often resulting in short-term promises that fail to address long-term governance issues.
- Purpose: The Need for a New Vision
- While power has always been a crucial element in Indian politics, the rising disillusionment among voters, particularly the youth, with the current political system indicates a growing desire for purpose-driven leadership. A leader driven by purpose focuses on the greater good—promoting socio-economic equity, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
- Purpose-driven politics aims to shift focus from personal gain or party interests to the broader welfare of the nation, emphasizing justice, equality, and long-term prosperity. In this model, the leader’s role is not just about winning elections but about creating meaningful change that transcends political cycles.
The Role of Purpose in Addressing India’s Challenges
- Economic Development and Employment
- India faces a growing unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth. As of 2024, the unemployment rate stands at around 7.5%, with millions of young people entering the workforce each year. A purpose-driven political agenda would focus on job creation through sustainable industries, skills development, and fostering entrepreneurship, rather than resorting to short-term solutions like subsidies or loan waivers.
- Political leaders who prioritize purpose will focus on policies that create an inclusive economy, where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive—whether in the formal sector or through informal work opportunities.
- Education and Healthcare
- Education and healthcare are two key pillars of India’s development. However, despite significant improvements in these sectors, millions still lack access to quality education and healthcare services. A purpose-driven approach would prioritize universal healthcare access, with a focus on preventive care, education reform to bridge regional disparities, and the promotion of lifelong learning for skills development in the face of a rapidly changing job market.
- Policies like Ayushman Bharat and the National Education Policy 2020 are steps in the right direction, but the real question is whether political leaders are committed to sustaining these initiatives or whether they will be diluted in favor of electoral victories.
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- With the increasing impact of climate change, India’s future depends on the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture, energy, and urban development. Purpose-driven leadership will focus on long-term goals like reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural resources, and transitioning to renewable energy. A clear vision for climate resilience would ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
- Leaders with a purpose will not just announce green policies but will back them up with action, aiming for a sustainable India that balances economic progress with environmental stewardship.
Shifting Political Aspirations: A Call for Accountability
- The Role of Voters in Holding Leaders Accountable
- As India gears up for elections, voters must demand more from their political leaders. It is no longer enough to rely on populist promises or identity politics to determine who gets elected. The public must hold leaders accountable for their actions, policies, and long-term vision, prioritizing the welfare of the nation over party allegiances.
- Voter awareness campaigns and citizen engagement platforms like MyGov are instrumental in creating an informed electorate that can push for policies based on sustainability, justice, and public welfare, rather than political expediency.
- Electoral Reforms and Accountability
- For a true shift from power to purpose, India also needs electoral reforms that promote transparency and accountability. Ensuring free and fair elections, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and curbing the influence of money in politics will help ensure that leaders are chosen based on their vision for the long-term well-being of the nation.
- Additionally, reforms that prioritize policy over personality can ensure that elections are centered around ideas and solutions, rather than being reduced to personality cults and narrow political battles.
Conclusion: Moving Towards Purpose-Driven Politics
India is at a crossroads. WithOne Nation, One Electionand variouspolitical reformsbeing discussed, the time has come to reimagine thepolitical aspirationsof the nation. The focus must shift frompower-driven politicstopurpose-driven leadership. Only by embracing a model of leadership that valueslong-term governance,justice, andequityover short-term political gain can India ensure that its leaders not onlywin electionsbut alsoserve the greater goodof the people.
For India to realize its true potential as a global leader, thepurposebehind political ambitions must be redefined—moving away frompower for the sake of powerand towardprogress for the sake of all.
