'Youths are willing to enter politics to serve, not to rule'

In a time when politics often feels distant from the concerns of common people, a group of young individuals in Sikkim is stepping forward with a different message; politics is not about power, it is about purpose. Leading this shift in thought are Nikheal Chettri and Pragyandeep Gurung, who believe that the youth of today are not only ready for leadership but are already proving themselves through action.

Nikheal Chettri, who has been working actively at the grassroots level, says that their journey did not begin with dreams of power or position. “We didn’t rise because we wanted titles. We rose because someone had to,” he says.

Over the past few years, these young changemakers have been involved in a wide range of community service activities. From organizing awareness drives and blood donation camps to installing sanitary vending machines for girls and donating cultural dresses for students who couldn’t afford them, their work speaks volumes. They’ve also focused on upgrading school environments by digitizing classrooms and distributing basic school materials like stationery and sports jerseys.

They even organized the YUVAAN Festival an event aimed at bringing young voices together and creating a platform for cultural expression and talent. “We didn’t do this for photo opportunities. We did it because we believe service is not something you do once. It’s a way of life,” added Pragyandeep Gurung.

Nikheal shares that through their direct interaction with the people in schools, villages, orphanages, and old age homes they’ve learned what the real problems are. Many students in Sikkim still face classrooms without proper facilities. Girls often lack basic hygiene care. Some even have to borrow cultural dresses to take part in school functions.

“We have seen these issues closely. And now, we feel it’s time to go beyond service and step into active politics; not to rule, but to represent and reform,” says Nikheal.

He believes that politics should not be limited to the older generation or to those who hold big family names. “We, the youth, are ready. We have ideas, commitment, and most importantly, we care. Politics belongs in the hands of those who want to build, not just govern,” he said.

According to the young changemakers, politics is not something that should only happen in legislative buildings. It happens in classrooms, villages, and in every act of kindness or improvement that a person brings to their community.

Nikheal further says that entering politics for him is not about power. It is about creating a larger platform for serving more people. He wants to be part of a political culture that is transparent, people-centered, and truly committed to progress. He aims to stand for values that will Empower, Advocate, Mobilize, Amplify, Represent, and Reform; a vision he summarizes as “E.A.M.A.R.R.”

“We don’t need to be from big political families. We need to have big hearts,” he says. “We are not waiting for someone to give us a chance. We are creating it ourselves for the people, and with the people.”

In a time when many youth often feel disconnected from politics or hesitant to speak up, the efforts of Nikheal and his peers are inspiring others across Sikkim. Their message is clear — you don’t need a position to lead. You need purpose.

As more young people begin to realize the importance of being active citizens, this fresh wave of socially conscious youth may just be what Sikkim and India needs.

“Let us not rise above the people,” Nikheal says in closing. “Let us rise with them.”