Leadership: power or service

Exemplary Former President

Former President of India is a humble gentleman, scholar, broad minded humanitarian and a great scientist. In the month of April 2009, he travelled to US in Continental Airlines. While boarding the aircraft he was frisked like any other passenger. The person who did this was just following the law of the US that expects all American owned airlines frisk passengers before boarding. The great gentleman did not complain or make it a public tamasha. The Civil Airlines ministry got a wind of this and gave notice to the Continental Airlines in July 2009.

Parliamentarians unable to understand the issue

In the Parliament some Honourble Members of Parliament made it an issue. This is a typical reaction of Indian politicians. They have an inflated ego and always fly in the clouds. As scientist Kalam knew the importance of Law, which should not be broken. He was willingly subject to a procedure of law. He did not consider himself above law. But, Indian politicians generally consider themselves above law (may be as they are law makers in Parliament and many of them are law breakers outside Parliament.) They worship power and not bothered about law or rule of law. While Kalam was silent, the Members of Parliament were yelling for action against the Airlines Company. And as knee jerk reaction, First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the staff of Continental Airlines.

Scape Goat: Simple Airline staff

But none perceived from the perspective of the staff of Continental Airlines. The young bold staff did what was commanded without any compromise. He should be commended and appreciated for his commitment to his duty. But, Indian political establishment and media instead of saluting his sense of duty, made him a 'scape goat'. The politicians want to bend the laws and all citizens to bend their knees before them. The Continental Airlines may come under pressure to dismiss this person, which is unfair and grave injustice.

Mindset of politicians

What gives the politician a mindset that they are above law and above ordinary people? On 23 July the Lok Sabha was disrupted by self serving politicians. The proposal was to reduce the number of security officials for several individual political leaders. A huge number of police force spend all their time protecting politicians instead of focusing on solving people problems. This measure would free the police to invest their time and energy in positive and proactive ways to serve the public. These politicians were elected to represent their people who voted for them and bring welfare schemes for their progress. But, these politicians unconcerned about the plight of millions of Indians disrupt the Parliament on a non-issue, scaling down the security cover of individual politicians. In the garb of service to people, they bray for power. The Members of Parliament are unable to understand or prioritize their duty to the Nation.

Creating problems is hobby

Hobby of several politicians is to create problems. Slapping bank officials, security staff, bureaucrats etc are some of their feats in recent past. A classical example is Varun Gandhi. It is alleged he delivered fiery hate speeches during election rally; police cases are pending against him; now he demands security for him. Is it not ridiculous? These self serving politicians create problems and expect the Central Government to solve those very problems with tax payers' money. There are many MPs against whom criminal and civil cases are pending against them.

Status symbol

A large number of security personnel accompanying a politician are a status symbol. Politicians perceive that: The number of vehicles with red light accompanying the entourage enhances the status of politicians. The very symbols that are expressions of power keep people from the politicians. People are rather intimidated by this periphery of power.

Aspire to be superpower

India aspires for superpower but do not have the mindset to be superpower. American politicians go through such drills without making any fuss. Only Indian politicians want to break all social or legal procedures to prove they are in control. In democracy, the rule of law is very important. If politicians relish in breaking this, masses would follow the same, India could not aspire to be superpower.

Home Minister should act

The Home Minister Chidambaram has to act with strong hand. He should not cow down to this unfair demands. He should make logical decision. If Members of Parliament want to show their power by ring of security, many of them are crorepatis should employ their own security. They should not misuse taxpayers' money.