Who must lead our country? The ‘am aadmi’ of the world’s biggest democracy faces this fascinating question at the time of every election. Do we have genuine alternatives in our country to choose from? The answer is an incredible "No”.
India as a country is abundant with politicians. We, the Indian citizens, must take pride in the fact that ours will be the only country in the world where a very large number of people are taking up politics as a profession for a living. We can call this group ‘political consultants’. They are thorough professionals who perform a wide range of activities from assisting a layman in getting help from police stations to broker deals in defense purchases, from settling local disputes to negotiating for ministerial berths in the dark rooms of various coalition boardrooms, from controlling and manipulating the funds of local co-operative banks to causing mayhem in the securities market, from doing petty politics at the Panchayat level to toppling the Governments in New- Delhi. Some such consultants are so universal as to mortgage our nation to various multilateral financial institutions. They work from anywhere and from any part of the Earth. Now these consultants have diversified their business portfolio to include tour programmes for various legislators who are interested in bringing down the incumbent governments as was witnessed a few months back in Karnataka. In addition to such tour programmes these dissident legislators will be adequately rewarded. If such incidents continue to occur one can say with surety that the future is bright for the Indian Tourism industry-Incredible India!!!
As of late the Raj Bhavans are the favorite place for these consultants to plan and execute their job. Our Raj Bhavan gives shelter to aged socialist era politicians. Pathetic is the condition, where in this era of globalization, two generations come together and implement scientific ways to ouster opposition Chief Ministers. In some states, fractional politics has reached such a stage that leaders of the ruling party abet with the Governors and try toppling the Government.
The integrity of persons holding key constitutional positions like the Governor and the Speaker is questionable. Instead of safeguarding the constitution, they are more concerned with pleasing the political masters in Delhi. The Supreme Court is helpless in this regard. The President is in an even worse spot. Instead of keeping quiet and silently agreeing to what the Union cabinet is proposing, as is being done presently, he must assess the crisis precisely and approve it with prudence. The Electorate is ready to follow the crowd. Lack of definite ideology and vision restricts a commoner from thinking out of the box. Infact, they are indifferent towards politics.
Who is secular in this country? The answer to this question is that every political party in India has played communal politics at different stages depending upon the mood of the electorate. Politics is an emotional issue in India and over the years all the elections have been fought with communal sentiments. India will be the only country in the world where the issue of constructing a Ram Temple at Ayodhya gets more significance than any other developmental activity. Even now there is a political party that is making it an issue to pacify its cadres.
A good political leader must be an Ideologist, a visionary, a technocrat, and above all, must have a clear and strong mass support. Twenty first century Indian politicians do not show any promise in this regard. In fact, there is a clear dearth of leaders who can actually steer our motherland towards growth and prosperity.
Why does India fail to magnetize youth towards the mainstream polity? Which force restricts the youth from entering into politics? Is it the fear about future, total disdain towards politics and governance, lack of clarity in thought or is it sheer irresponsibility and a trouble-free outlook of the modern day ‘dudes’?
How well India channelises the hidden power of the youth will decide its future. Educated altruists must contribute to the social order by accepting responsibilities at their own Panchayats, Municipalities or Corporations. Apart from giving training in a wide range of subjects from dawn to dusk, spiritual institutions, schools and universities must include lessons in their core course curriculum to inculcate values and discipline in their scholars. Citizens must be encouraged to take up various societal responsibilities at an early age.
The moment has come for India to come out from the shackles of indolence to the glory of hard work. To quote George Bernard Shaw “Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” The Indian youth must appreciate the true meaning and value behind this great man’s words and should make life in India indeed an incredible one.
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