One reason for rabble rousing by leaders of opposition parties over Rahul Gandhi’s rural India discovery tours and his recent visit to Mumbai is the way in which he has been challenging the ways of stereotypes. There is simplicity in his mannerism, instant appeal to masses in his attitude and complete absence of arrogant aura and ‘Ji hajuri’ tribes we are used to see around our leaders. Let me make it clear that I am an apolitical person and my views have nothing to do with my liking or not liking Rahul Gandhi or his party. I am simply trying to express a point of view taking cue from what seems to me a refreshing demeanor of Rahul Gandhi hitherto unknown coming from a political leader. Despite being mindful of the fact that he could be the country’s prime minister if he so wished to be, in the humble manner in which he is carrying himself, I see a glimmer of hope to finally see our polity being rid of the malaise of sycophancy. It is sycophancy which is at the root of corruption, criminalization of our political system and lack of transparency and accountability. Because sycophants are individuals with weak characters and those who encourage them are mediocre leaders. Both are self-serving people. It is in this context that Rahul Gandhi’s humble approach rekindles hope.
Firstly, he has embarked on a mission to revamping and remodeling the 124-year-old party by taking up the task of building it up from the ‘grassroots.’ Second, he has been serious in implementing his professed aim of bringing inner democracy in the party by holding elections for various posts in the youth wing. Third, he weighs merits more over recommendations and patronage and personally involves himself in nominations of the leaders of the Congress-affiliated NSUI, the student union body. Ask about this to Pune-based law graduate Manoj Kamble, who was selected from among 200 candidates as the leader of NSUI, and he would vouch for this. Fourth, look at the inner circle of his advisors; Kanishka Singh (Rahul’s closest political aide), Jitin Prasad, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, Meenakshi Natrajan, Priya Dutt. The list has energetic, new-age highly educated young women and men who are unlikely to indulge in obsequious behaviour. Rahul together with this young team is attempting to redefining politics and so far his efforts appear genuine. That is where I see hope. Much of the ill that infects our polity stems from sycophants and their masters who expect and encourage such indulgence. The corporate world has long shunned “Yes Sir” culture. The Next-Gen entrepreneurs, CEOs depend on true professionals for growth and insist on equal terms with their employees. I am not saying not to respect your managers or employers or leaders. Yes, you do but only to an extent it looks decent. Your true respect will be your performance, dedication and loyalty. That will make you more effective and help you and the organization you with grow. Those who want their employees to get up when they pass by or encourage colonial attitude where saying ‘yes sir’ after every sentence is considered as loyalty are those stereotypes who are not only damaging their organizations but will stunt your growth if you continue to work for them. It is time to shun such stereotypes from society if we want our political system to attract real talents who are committed to national interests. If we do that, it is good for democracy, it is good for our economy, it is good for our future generation and it is good for India.
Firstly, he has embarked on a mission to revamping and remodeling the 124-year-old party by taking up the task of building it up from the ‘grassroots.’ Second, he has been serious in implementing his professed aim of bringing inner democracy in the party by holding elections for various posts in the youth wing. Third, he weighs merits more over recommendations and patronage and personally involves himself in nominations of the leaders of the Congress-affiliated NSUI, the student union body. Ask about this to Pune-based law graduate Manoj Kamble, who was selected from among 200 candidates as the leader of NSUI, and he would vouch for this. Fourth, look at the inner circle of his advisors; Kanishka Singh (Rahul’s closest political aide), Jitin Prasad, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot, Meenakshi Natrajan, Priya Dutt. The list has energetic, new-age highly educated young women and men who are unlikely to indulge in obsequious behaviour. Rahul together with this young team is attempting to redefining politics and so far his efforts appear genuine. That is where I see hope. Much of the ill that infects our polity stems from sycophants and their masters who expect and encourage such indulgence. The corporate world has long shunned “Yes Sir” culture. The Next-Gen entrepreneurs, CEOs depend on true professionals for growth and insist on equal terms with their employees. I am not saying not to respect your managers or employers or leaders. Yes, you do but only to an extent it looks decent. Your true respect will be your performance, dedication and loyalty. That will make you more effective and help you and the organization you with grow. Those who want their employees to get up when they pass by or encourage colonial attitude where saying ‘yes sir’ after every sentence is considered as loyalty are those stereotypes who are not only damaging their organizations but will stunt your growth if you continue to work for them. It is time to shun such stereotypes from society if we want our political system to attract real talents who are committed to national interests. If we do that, it is good for democracy, it is good for our economy, it is good for our future generation and it is good for India.
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