What is Nepotism?

Nepotism is nothing but a misuse of powers. When a person uses his position or power to set up a system to create a favourable consideration for his family and relatives is called Nepotism. In such cases most of the time the person does not have the basic knowledge of his work. Ever the person is not capable for the position also. On the other hand, the most deserving candidate might not get the post.

In India, we are practicing the same for ages now. In old Indian civilization, we have seen the ‘Varna System’, which is itself a part of nepotism. Where your varna is going to decide based on your family background, not by your work. Even the king’s son is going to be the next King is something we expect. Even today itself we are used to this practice. In the modern era, we are more powerful to protest against the misuse of power and corruption. But still, we are not united enough to fight against this corporation. We are easily accepting a leader’s son to be our next leader or son/daughter of a famous actor to be actor. That is why it becomes easy for a Star Kid to get into the limelight over any other talented kids.

Nepotism in Film Industry

There is a famous dialogue in Bollywood “ Ab Raja Ka Beta Raja Nahi Banega”, which means no nepotism will happen while choosing the next candidate and everyone is going to get the same chance. Back in 2020, when Sushant Singh Rajput died due to depression, nepotism comes out to be the hot topic. But still, the exact reason for his suicide is not found till today. We debated a lot about how famous parents influences to get their child a debut film and all. Even, if we see the recent industry pattern, there are a lot of actor/actresses from a lot of famous acting schools like the National School of Drama, who are getting only a few side roles in the movie where most of the important characters are given to the specific class of actors.

But, one must not forget, if you have the talent and working hard you will definitely get success under your bag. This is the reason, in the ear of Kapoors and Chopras Bollywood has given us the actors like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachhan. Even, in this modern time, you will get actors like Shushat Sigh Rajput, Ashumann Khurrana, and actresses like Priyanka Chopra to create their own identity.

Nepotism in Indian Politics

This is the best industry to get examples of nepotism. In politics is it very common for any child of a famous leader to join the party. And these examples are just limitless. Family members of a leader joining the party are the least someone can expect, whether they are capable or not.

If we see at the Gandhi and Nehru family, almost every member of their family is in politics. Right now, Sonia Gandhi (Wife of Rajiv Gandhi), Rahul Gandhi (Son of Sonia Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi), Priyanka Gandhi (Daughter of Sonia Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi), Maneka Gandhi (Wife of Sanjay Gandhi), Varun Gandhi (Son of Sanjay Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi) are in active politics. Mulayam Singh Jadav and his brothers Shivpal Jadav and Ramgopal Jadav are also in politics before his Son Akhilesh Jadav and daughter-in-law Dimple Jadav joins them. Lalu Prasad Jadav is also one such example. He has his wife, both sons, and his daughter are also in politics. Even the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackery is also the son of iconic leader Balasahed Thackery. Amit Shaw and Joy Shaw both are in politics now. These never ending examples continues. We are just highlighted a few of them only.

Nepotism making deserving people depressed.

Nepotism in Sports Association and Cricket

Now a Days, nepotism becomes a household name in sports associations. A lot of people controlled the sports association to give favourable support to his family members and close person. In most of the sports associations in India, you will find the family members of office barrier either in the committee or in that sports field. That is the reason for Tejaswi Jadav to be in the Bihar State Cricket team over many other players. Few more examples such as Abhishek Dalmia the son the Jagmohan Dalmia( Ex BCCI President) is the secretary of the Bengal Cricket Association. The son of Niranjan Shaw(Ex BCCI Secretary), Mr. Jaydev is the president of the Saurashtra Cricket Association. President of the Tamilnadu Cricket Association Rupa Gurunath is the daughter of the famous N Srinivasan( Ex-president of BCCI). And this saga continues…

Now even if we look at sports, Cricket is considered to be the most important and wealthy sport in India. So the examples in cricket are very clear and easy to find out. Rohan Gavaskar, son of Sunil Gavaskar has used his father’s name and fame to get selected in Blue Jersey. He played 11 ODI and 10 T20 international matches for India. But he is not even capable of holding his position further. One more such example is Stuart Binny son of famous Roger Binny. Stuart got selected for the Indian cricket team, but after lots of failed attempts, he was dropped from the side. On the other hand, you have Mohindar Amarnath son of Lala Amarnath who is a part of the 1983 world cup victory. That means it clearly shows that in sports especially in cricket nepotism can give you an edge over deserving players but without talent, you can not sustain that position.

Nepotism in Business Industry

In the case of the business industry, it is very common to see that the person taking the next charge is also from the same family. After the death of Dhirubhai Ambani, Anil Ambani and Mukesh Ambani takes the charge of Reliance. And this happens not only in India. You will find such examples in the whole world. This Reliance example also shows that what can happen with an incapable person at the top. Where Anil Ambani got bankrupt, Mukesh Ambani becomes the biggest Businessman in Asia. In recent time you will see Roshni Nadar took the charge of Shiv Nadar who is the founder of HCL. Even in Wipro, Rashid Premji already the chairman replacing Azim Premji who is the founder of Wipro. So, still today new age generation is not able to look beyond their family members. And the general people are very much ok to accept this nepotism.

Based on all the examples discussed above, it can clearly be said that nepotism could give you the boom at the beginning of your career, but if you don’t have talent then you can not sustain at that position. On the other hand, if you have the talent and you are working hard, despite all the difficulties you will shine one day. After that day, you do not have to look back again.