So, my teacher was wrong

Source: www.theage.com.au

The chaos is like it has never been before. In its sixty seven year old post independence history, never has this nation seen the kind of disorder as is prevalent today. A country that has been witness to years of humiliation and bloodshed is today being subject to a fate much worse – callous behaviour, orthodox mindsets, selfish motives, idiosyncratic acts and above all a blatant disregard for the betterment of the land and its people. Branded to be the largest democracy, the nation today belies its very definition with nothing but conflict and a sense of anarchy invading its political system.

Be it the television, the newspaper or the social media, anywhere you look, you will come across something that makes you roll your eyes or hang your head in shame. Ninety percent of the time, a politician will be the reason behind it. A vague outlook coupled with an ambiguous approach seems to be the way ahead as far as their vision for the nation is concerned. Yes you might laugh momentarily at the buffoon like behaviour they exhibit but deep down you cringe, at the thought of these “leaders” leading our country and representing us.

Years ago, I was taught to believe that Leaders were those individuals who had a clear vision and the ability to inspire and guide people. They knew what it took to direct their people in the right direction, towards what would be beneficial and progressive in the long run.

Rather than focus on solving the problem, political leaders today prefer playing the blame game. Solutions don’t matter, what does is how much mud I am able to splash all over that crispy white Kurta that you wear every day. Or maybe that’s how they define progress, through mudslinging.

So today I wonder if my teacher was wrong; because everywhere I look, I see an entirely contradictory definition; that of power and greed laced with ambiguity and tied together by immaturity.

“Modi belongs to Gujarat but not once has he referred to Gandhi” screams a Congressman. It matters a lot as far as national security is concerned. Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader. 

It’s all about empowerment, RTI and women safety, urges the Gandhi scion for every question thrown at him by the uncommonly subdued Arnab Goswami. That takes care of all the issues the world’s second largest population faces. Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader. 

BJP politician’s party at a Zoo potentially causing the death of 21 Cheetals- probably a new way to ensure public safety. Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader. 

An AAP minister goes on a midnight raid, making a woman urinate in public. The intentions were good; but the method of execution? … Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader. 

“Blame women for getting raped” says an NCP woman leader. What could be a better way to deal with the monstrous issue of women safety if not this? Men need not change, the fault lies with women. Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader. 

Duel over the 1984 and 2002 riots; demand an apology. Because crying over the past and attacking each other over history is the right way ahead. Yes, that is definitely the sign of a leader.

I can go on, till the cows come home. But that’s not necessary. You see, I get the picture. My teachers were wrong with their definition of leadership. Yes, their description flickers in now and then, usually when Kejriwal is not sitting on his Dharna. But this definition overshadows that hands down. If I had any doubts till now, they have been cleared by Mamata Banerjee announcing TMC as the “real”alternative at the national elections. 

I rest my case. My teacher was wrong.