Seven decades have passed since independence, but our Indian society is dominated by a system where ‘connections’ or, as we often call it, ‘recommendations’ often become more important than talent. Whether you’re talking about politics, sports administration, or any social institution, recommendations have become so deeply ingrained in our system that today’s talented youth are becoming trapped in a quagmire of despair, where they begin to doubt their own talent. Isn’t this a major threat to the country’s progress? My purpose in writing this article is not to target any particular individual or party; instead, I will try to present my point based on data and facts.
1. The Suppression of Merit and the Culture of Servitude
I recently reviewed data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) website, which clearly states that there are 5,203 sitting MPs, MLAs, and MLCs across state assemblies, the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha, and state legislative councils. Of these, 1,106 (21%) current members have a dynastic background. Dynastic politics remains the foundation of Indian democracy, affecting nearly 1 in 5 current members.
I believe that when selection in any institution is based on family connections rather than talent, meritocracy is harmed.
There’s no doubt that when positions are reserved only for members of influential families, opportunities for talent are closed or limited to compromise.
Talented individuals are often faced with a choice: either leave their field or submit to the control of influential families. This creates a mental state of servitude, which I do not believe belongs in a free country like India.
2. Institutional Control and the Lack of Transparency
Institutions exist to serve the public interest impartially. However, dynastic influence often turns them into private domains.
Sports Administration: When influential political figures appoint relatives to key positions in bodies like the BCCI without relevant experience, it undermines the integrity of the sport.
Religious and Social Trusts: Let’s discuss the potential side effects of this and consider the recent Ram Temple donation theft case. Of the eight arrested, Manish Yadav was hired as a cashier—and he was the nephew of Ramshankar “Tinnu” Yadav, who controlled the donation boxes. Another accused, Luv-Kush Mishra, was hired on the recommendation of his father-in-law. You see, when recommendations in such sensitive positions are made through family connections, the consequences are self-evident—lakhs of rupees were allegedly stolen, and now public trust in a major religious institution has been shattered.nd accountability.
3. Intellectual Stagnation: The End of Innovation
The biggest disadvantage of dynastic control is the repetition of old ideas.
Rigidity in thinking: Leaders who inherit power have often carried forward the outdated thinking of their ancestors.
Take Rahul Gandhi—the fifth generation of the Nehru-Gandhi family to lead Indian politics. Critics have long argued that his political messages have been repeating the same themes for years, without much improvement. However, his supporters believe that initiatives like the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022 represent a genuine attempt to overcome the dynastic tag.
Lack of reform: The biggest issue is that inherited leaders are unable to understand the struggles of the common man—the environment in which they live and raise their families. This results in them failing to address the fundamental problems of society. The result is that society remains trapped in a cycle of stagnation.
This is a social “cancer” that won’t disappear overnight. We need fundamental changes:
Support meritocracy: We must demand transparency in every selection process. We must stop supporting those who gain power solely through their family ties.
Institutional accountability: We need social and legal pressure to free our institutions from political interference.
Raise awareness: We must abandon the “culture of Servitude” and start respecting talent over inheritance.
A truly progressive country determines a citizen’s future based on their hard work and skills, not their birthright. This fight is for every young person. And you must all step forward and unite against it; only then will you be able to give your children a better future.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only, intended to foster discussion on institutional ethics and meritocracy in India. References to specific individuals, institutions, or ongoing legal cases (such as the Ram Mandir donation case) are based on publicly available, verifiably reported information and do not represent unproven allegations by the author. Criticisms of political figures reflect existing public debate and differing viewpoints, not the personal opinion of this platform as fact. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources for complete context
