Students of MIT School of Government (MITSOG) aspiring to enter the political sphere received a pep talk, on making timely entry to politics, from experts from USA. The seven-member delegation from the US drew parallels between Indian and American voter turnout, voting patters and so on.

The delegation visited MITSOG as part of the 11-day political study tour of India under the exchange programme conducted by a voluntary organisation — American Council of Young Political Leaders. The delegation included three representatives of the democratic party — Amy Dacey, director of government relations, service employees international union (Washington DC), Zachary Hudgins, member, Washington house of representatives, Jamilah Nasheed, member, Missouri House of Representatives; three representatives of Republican Party — Brian Calle, vice president and senior fellow, Keith Grover, member, Utah House of Representatives and Valerie Knol, Mayor, City of Farmington escorted by Paul Scapicchio, senior vice president, government relations strategies.

“Political aspirants from India must join a social organisation and be known in the community for good work before starting a full-fledged career in politics. That is how their counterparts in US make it big in politics, even without a political background,” said Nasheed, addressing the 30-odd students of MITSOG.

Asked about the awareness of American youth about Indian politics, Calle said, “American youth are more aware of Israel’s politics and issues than about India because Israelis have been lobbying and creating awareness about the same. The Indian lobby is not strong in this respect,” he said.

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