WHEN LEADERSHIP FAILS, EACH ONE OF US LEADS .. 1

WHEN LEADERSHIP FAILS, EACH ONE OF US LEADS ... 1

We need a string of strong, highly educated, enlightened leaders who have character enough to address real existential issues and who do not resort to deflecting public attention elsewhere by means of architectural achievements or declaration of memorial days in the calendar. Building statues and temple complexes at enormous expense may rectify historical heresies but the failure to address the core issues underlying such happenings leaves the deeds half-done. Neither unity nor integration of the nation can come through such monumental revolution.

Failed promises (refer, Swiss Bank black money return within the promised period or thereafter), disinclination to address the Kashmiri Pandits' rehabilitation issue, sudden initiation of demonitisation without adequate preparation, with its terrible impact on the economy, introduction of farm laws and its meek withdrawal after a year of terrible ordeal to agitating farmers, promoting yes-men to positions of power and removing meritorious men therefrom to suit uniformity of command, resorting to glib talk more than delivering on promises made, funding madrassas that will foment future trouble, hobnobbing with tycoons unduly, giving lavish gifts and grants to states to win the electorate over, not equipping the armed forces enough to help them combat adversarial neighbours better and secure our defence, spending lavishly out of coffers well-nigh depleted and drained such that periodic disinvestment becomes the dire necessity -- all these and so much more do not augur well for the country. The economy failing and the electorate supporting still on the basis of propaganda dupes may not be the success formula for long.

There is no proper population policy aboard neither any such for environment that will enhance future prospects. We are increasing at 20 million a year. Where will jobs come from, wither employment?

Mediocrity is mustering strength as demographic transition takes to the lower end of the socioeconomic strata. Mere reservation for the backward classes cannot resolve the greater national socioeconomic crisis. Men of merit must be promoted to positions of power even if they be critics of the leadership on contentious issues. Yes-men will run in line and ruin the nation. 

Democracy thrives on divergence of opinion but where can opinion be passed when the Opposition holds Parliament hostage and reduces deliberation to schoolboys' brawl?

Conversion of Hindus to Islam and Christianity on a regular basis yet creates more internal threats even as crony capitalism by reducing the masses to poverty promotes potential Maoist threats.

China looms large with its ever-advancing technology and warfare thereof, using Pakistan as its proxy to conduct the dirty job of destabilising India.

The academic culture of the country is declining and the graduates being churned out by the tens of millions hardly of any merit. The intellectual culture overall is on the decline as universities continue to remain the battleground for political recruitment and influence among the youth towards this or that ideology.

There is no sense of direction that the country has beyond Prime Ministerial glib talk meaning nothing. Such verbal froth can only remain insubstantial and productive of the celebrated cipher.

What is needed is that the polity itself should wake up and take to doing its fundamental duties as enshrined in the Constitution instead of waiting for the leadership to deliver. After all the leadership derives its existence, sustenance and strength from the polity. How this may be achieved is everybody's creative guess and the way forward towards national security and strength.

Written by Sugata Bose