Former BJP president and former Union HRD Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi unveiled his website and blog for what he called a tool to engage in serious and meaningful discourse with masses on January 31 in New Delhi. The website and blog are www.drmurlimanoharjoshi.in and drmurlimjoshi.blogspot.com.
Dr Joshi also reiterated that it was not a political tool for propaganda and personal glorification. Highlighting the need and significance of serious discourses confronting the country and globe, he said for a variety of reasons the mainstream media today is devoting less space to serious issues for a variety of reasons and thanks to technology we have tools such as blogs and internet which provides seamless connectivity.
Today, Indian politicos are impressed by this ?communicate and campaign through electronic medium?. With reports revealing that majority of internet users are urbanites, connecting with voters through e-medium is going to be a smooth and cost-effective affair. This is to say that more than two-third of India'sone billion plus people are under the age of 35 and a good portion of the youth is urbanised. Any Indian politico, who has gauged the importance of technology will appreciate and adopt web-based campaigning, he said.
He said the President of US Barack Obama, who is hailed a passionate techno-savvy, successfully tapped the youth voters through e-networking. This is the recent example of a politician entering the digital space to woo the voters. ?Considering India in this perspective, it will not be out of the way to presume that an Indian politician can well nurture the habit. Given many of India'spoliticos having appreciation for technology, choosing an e-platform rather than a traditional one, to connect and communicate with voters will be a celebrated option,? he added.
Dr Joshi wished that in addition to the conventional media tools and other forms of political articulation including rallies and marches, the web space is not left out. He has chosen the mediums of a website and more importantly, a blogsite to keep himself connected with the citizens. This effort of Dr Joshi not only speaks of his passion for technology but also reveals his broad outlook and will to have personal interface with every citizen.
Dr Joshi'sblog and website is an endeavour to listen to the views and voices of Indians, especially young Indians who are using the internet not only to receive information but also to express themselves. This is to demonstrate to them that Dr Joshi is in tune with their aspirations and expectations.
(FOC)
