Why we desperately need a good leader?

A 'leader' as the very term suggests is supposed to lead his followers/ supporters or those who look for his guidance and help. He is supposed to set an example. Given the very nature of the term, we would think that we would be able to decide who is worthy enough to be accorded that mighty responsibility. But, one look around us and we wonder where we went wrong. Do we keep making the wrong decisions for lack of a better choice? Or do we not care enough for our own society that we elect an incompetent fellow merely because he might be belonging to the same community as us, or he might be the off-spring/sibling/spouse of someone who once lead us, or even worse, he bribed us with some material (or immaterial) short-term gains? I might sound judgmental in assuming that there are no good leaders right now. I'd say, prove me wrong.

What qualities do we look for in a leader? Well, I'd like to start with decent education but in our country where education isn't freely available to everyone, I would not hold it against a good leader with a lot of experience in governance and public affairs, if he doesn't have a college degree. But, nevertheless, he must still be educated enough to read and more importantly understand the current issues around the world, especially those that may concern us, directly and indirectly. For, no matter how experienced our leader might be with issues concerning people in his jurisdiction, he should still be able to grasp the consequences of a nuclear bill and act in the 'best interests' of the people. Isn't it shameful when our elected representatives openly let themselves be bribed by political parties? Isn't the whole issue, of whether the proposed bill is in our best interests, lost amidst all the scampering for power (and money).

More recently, the brother of a prominent leader behaved like a raging bull abusing senior officials of the government using such profanities that the media itself considered whether or not to bring it in public light. The reason, the assaulted officer dared to cease couple of buses being run illegally by the mighty brother. The law is clear on the point. If you cannot run it because its illegal, you cannot run it. What makes me want to pity the mighty brother is that he doesn't even understand that his act is illegal and that merely because he is a sincere tax payer, he does not get the right to do what is considered illegal. If he has a problem with the law, he can move the court arguing that the law may be struck down as being unconstitutional. But no, what he does instead is assault the official concerned. That he also insulted the official on the basis of the caste he belongs to is another matter altogether. He himself had agreed that his ways are uncouth and that he isn't capable of decent public behaviour. That is expected of his ways and we just have to forgive him for his incapabilities. What is shocking however is that this uncouth bull is being considered as a representative for a political party. What fails my common sense is why would anyone want to elect him as their leader? His brother, the prominent minister made a statement to the media that shocked me out of my senses. The essence of his statement is that- being a minister, he is unable to help his brother in his predicament- the predicament of being fined for his illegal activity. Shocking!!! What is more shocking is he doesn't realize what he said and neither the public nor the media seem to have a problem with that statement. So its understood then, that if you are in a position of power, you are above the law. Is that where our society is right now? Is that a given that people and the press stop reacting to it? On the other hand, people react, politicians react, the numerous organisations supporting the cause and welfare of backward classes react- not to the assault in general but to the specific caste-related comments. They want the bullish brother to apologise to those communities for insulting them. On one hand, I feel happy that at least people are reacting but at the same time, it makes me wonder if they would react so much had there not been any caste related insults. For, the bullish brother only seems to retract his caste-related insults and not his other assaults/ insults cast by him on that fateful day. It is very saddening to see an official who has dared to do his duty being victimised this way. Victimised he has been, not just by uncouth politicians but also by fellow officers who given a single opportunity, would assume their upper caste arrogance and behave worse than the politicians. At least the latter can be excused of lack of proper education.

When I think of what can be done to make this society a better place to live, the only answer that comes to my mind is a 'good leader' and there starts my grievance. I recently met an elderly gentleman who sincerely believed that a new political party being led by a popular film star will make a difference. I, however, have my doubts. It takes honesty, commitment, responsibility and the willingness to take a bold step if required, for public good and much more, to make a good leader. I wish our current and future leaders ask their conscience these questions and take the responsibility of leading us only if it permits them. I wish, us, citizens, can question ourselves if we are making the right choice, if the person we are electing really deserves to be conferred upon the power to lead us. Yes, it is true, with great power comes great responsibility and we need someone responsible.