Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, who was the Guest of Honour at the Fortune India 40 Under 40 Awards in Mumbai yesterday ( Aug 26), spoke about the importance of engaging Gen Z in politics and governance, urging politicians to move beyond conventional approaches and involve young people as active partners in decision-making.
Sharing his approach to engaging with the younger generation, Lokesh said the biggest lesson was simple: “Don’t talk down to them. Make them part of the entire growth story and journey together.”
He said his engagement with Gen Z and young people had begun well before the current movement around youth participation and political engagement.
“Our Hon’ble Chief Minister or even as a Minister, I have met them. When we go to a particular constituency, we meet all the influencers there, and we ask them, ‘How do you think we can do better? In this particular constituency, what do you think we can do different?’” he said.
Lokesh further said such interactions often produce valuable ideas and, importantly, there is a mechanism to follow up on those suggestions.
“You get such amazing ideas, and there’s a mechanism that we follow up. So, make them part of the conversation, and I believe that’s what they’re looking for, number one,” he said.
Emphasising the need for politicians to adapt to the expectations of a new generation, Lokesh said it was equally important for political leaders to shed their inhibitions and embrace authenticity.
“Number two, I think it’s important that as politicians, we shed all our inhibitions. I think we’re looking at youngsters who are willing to engage with you at a very emotional level, and they’re looking for authenticity to come out from you,” he said.
He added that authenticity and openness would be defining qualities for the next generation of political leaders.
“I believe that’s what they’re looking forward to from the next generation politicians of India,” Lokesh added.