While the pandemic-induced lockdown left many graduates in a rough patch with lack of employment opportunities, a 21-year-old woman in Himachal’s Bilaspur district has made it to the limelight by becoming one of the youngest candidates to get elected to a Zila Parishad Chairperson’s post.
A law student, who aims to venture into the civil services, Muskan says she has her task cut out for her. ‘Besides having to complete my law degree now, I also have to shoulder a public responsibility. I am conscious of my age but I am determined to not let that come in my way. No one is born knowledgeable, we all learn as we grow and so will I, says Muskan exuding confidence.
While Muskan won the district development polls independently, she has recently joined the BJP. ‘My father, who is a social worker, leans towards the Congress’ ideology but I think the BJP will be a good option for me. And since BJP chief JP Nadda also hails from Bilaspur, I think I will be good fit in the party. I joined the party in the presence of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur,’ Muskan said.
While she never wished to enter politics, Muskan says her goals in life have seen a major shift, now. ‘I never thought of entering politics or taking up such a massive responsibility. Until recently I only focussed on completing my bachelors degree. However, when the Panchayat elections were announced, a lot of friends and acquaintances motivated me to contest and that’s why I decided to enter the fray,’ says Muskan.
Meanwhile, Prajwal Busta, the youngest person to get elected to the BDC chairperson’s post, feels that the change in Himachal, ‘indicates a change in the mindset of the younger generation who are eager to rid the country of corruption and work towards development.’