I STILL HAVE HOPE
A leader at the helm of an organization (be it an army platoon, a start up, a sports team or a nation) is expected to bind the team under him together and achieve the assigned mission with the available resources to the best of his abilities. He/she is responsible for the failures and when it is time to bask in the accolades, the team is celebrated together. The Kargil War, one of the toughest battles to be ever fought, couldn’t have been won if our junior soldiers, (with half the experience of our politicians but at least double the heart) hadn’t led from the front. They set an example for future generations by making the highest sacrifices for the country. They were sons of the working class; brother to a sister whose wedding was his responsibility; father to children who could
barely mouth MAMA and BABA. They were from villages, from the deserts, were of all the castes and religion. They were Indians. The heroes of Galwan who fought in the cold rocky desert battlefield far away from the fertile plains of their home state, emulate this the best. Their Commanding Officer, Col Santosh Babu, from the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh set standards of a very high level of leadership by his personal example. His subordinate Capt Soiba M Rangnamei, whose fearless face will send shivers down our enemy’s spine for a very long time, belongs to the pristine state of Manipur.
The pandemic has ravaged lives, homes and entire societies in various forms that cannot be forgotten and shouldn’t be also. From the heart wrenching march back by the migrants alongwith their frail families
to their distant homes, massive unemployment which has led to entire households sleeping empty stomach and their dreams of tarakki being wiped clean and to the ongoing distressing visuals of families and patients begging for the very basics of medical treatment; an oxygen cylinder.
Yet I say there is hope. Our frontline workers have today demonstrated that the heart of a leader shall never surrender, whatever may be the odds. Our medical fraternity still stands, although without any arms and ammunition, they are holding on. Our scientists, have innovated in unbelievable ways to assist in every possible manner. The Aam Aadmi, (not the party) both young and old, and of every corner and belief, has risen to the occasion and has provided assistance of every
possible nature. We have volunteer groups who are refilling and delivering oxygen cylinders to strangers, providing food and water to the displaced populace and contributing from their pay to various agencies. The old, although recently vaccinated, despite being the high risk group were with the young guns all throughout and are still supporting the unvaccinated youth. People are supporting their employees, their tenants, the quaratined neighbours, the local kiranawallah or the sabjiwala. The young startup whizkids, the social media savvy generation is rallying information and are mustering resources that we oldies were totally unaware of. We have reports of political rivals pooling in resources at the grassroot level to provide succor to the effected. Hell, the winner of awards for various negative roles, Mr Sonu Sood has
turned out to be the best real time hero for millions including me. All I’m saying is that selfless help is there, in bits and pieces and unorganized but it exists and our janta is digging in for the long haul. May our Ram, Allah, Nanakji, Christ, Buddha, Fire Lord and many others that are a part of this nation that firmly believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam give us strength.
Yet I, being a diligent tax payer, a civil member of the society, who always believed that the pillars of the constitution (including the media, our fourth pillar of democracy), our political leaders and the Indian System are there for the well being, prosperity and safety of every being (living and non living) of India, have been distraught. I’m sure my anguish is shared by countless others Indians. I was taught in school that every arm of the constitution
exists for the sole purpose of assisting in the smooth functioning of the country with sufficient checks and balances being put in place to prevent corruption of authority. We have and are still suffering from corruption. What worries me is the recent threat, absenteeism. Of responsibility, of planning, of resources, of guidance, of accountability, of integrity, of professionalism and scientific temper. Of Leadership as a whole. While news and debates on TV and outbursts on social media has become more of a shirking of responsibility and pointing fingers and issuing of directives that came a tad bit late; we are missing what was expected out of you, Leadership. While the common man (like the respected RK Laxman’s cartoon) is at the forefront, both surviving and fighting at the same time, he is demanding leadership. I am not in a
position to even comprehend the simple arrogance and selfishness of the actions of our leaders, I’m just a common man. I shall humbly accept being lathi charged for trying to get on to the only bus to my far away home, fined for sitting alone maskless in my car, slapped and humiliated by the police and district authorities for seeking assistance and permissions, shall again and again go to the court to seek redressal of grievances and protest against laws till eternity which are not favourable for me. Although you should be the servant or the sevak of the janta but I shall humbly submit to you. I shall do all this besides taking care of my family and live by your rules. What I don’t want to do also is to do your job of providing me with opportunities to live my life in accordance with my encapsulated fundamental, constitutional and human
rights. I along with all my countrymen vow to live in accordance with my fundamental, constitutional and human duties.
A leader of a nation by virtue of the post and power held by him is expected to be worthy of emulation by his citizenry. You are holding that position, by virtue of our vote or by your experience and hardwork. I respect that. Your citizens (or subjects) are doing their bit(a lot more than they should, a part of what you should). And they are hard pressed. This situation will get over one day. And after observing the spirit of my fellow brothers and sisters in arms at the frontline, I believe that we’ll be victorious too. What worries me is at what cost and suffering? It increases with every passing moment of your selfish, incompetent and irresponsible approach towards the common man.
