With
Narendra Modi ascending to highest echelons of power officially, a new realm of
hope and optimism pervades the nation. This is not the first time that a man
from a humble beginning has made to the highest office of power. But for the
younger generation, he has become a new icon of hope and inspiration as
well. India’s second prime minister Late
Lal Bahadur Sastri, was another such figure who assumed reins of power in
independent India. Due to his very short stint at the highest office, his
contributions to nation remained obscure and uncelebrated. Thanks to the
aggressive political marketing strategy to reach masses, early life of Modi and
his steady rise to power is now popular among people who wish to emulate him.
After
scripting scintillating victory, Modi’s moves have been closely followed by
media and people with keen interest. To begin with his novel diplomatic move of
extending an invitation to heads of SAARC nations for swearing in ceremony,
first ever by any Indian prime minister has taken acclaimed political pundits
and common man by surprise. Slowly he began to win hearts of people who have
voted him to power out of desperation by his modest acts. His reverential bow
to the steps of the Parliament has swept away people emotionally. Indeed it was
a pleasant relief for millions of young Indians who were dismayed and anguished
by unceremonious desecration of the temple of democracy in the last Parliament
session. His opening emotional, passionate and patriotic acceptance speech in
the parliament central hall reiterating his commitment of taking India to newer
heights has made a mark on people’s heart.
Modi has
been voted to power at a time, when people lost their hope in leaders and
started abhorring the current breed of politicians. His clarion call of Ek
Bharat, Shresht Bharat during election campaigning and promise of good
governance offered a glimmer of hope to the young. He convinced people of being
an Oasis in the political desert. With
the result he could romp home the most convincing victory and a majority for
his party. Having reassuring the youth of total overhaul of the government,
people’s expectations are sky high now. The fever of optimism has been so high
that national Sensex has been bullish ever since exit poll results predicted a
victory for Modi. Even gold prices have slumped to a new low. Business is
riding high on this new wave of optimism and on prospect of a dynamic economic
policy. This new wave of positivity is
expected to work wonders for a country like India where things have been
bearish following successive eruptions of various scams from 2011. The poor
governance and in adept leadership has taken a huge toll on nation.
Consequently, mood nation has been off beat and economy began to perform badly
followed by political commotion of disconcerted voices within government.
In
constituting his team for India, Modi has yet again set an example by rewarding
merit and hard work by accommodating new and young leaders in his cabinet. He
allayed fears of feminists by inducting 25% of women into his cabinet. People
and especially women folk had premonitions that Modi with his strong right wing
affiliations would undermine women power. Indeed he lived up to the promise of
empowering women by having 6 women as cabinet ministers and one minister of state with
independent charge. With a compact and accomplished team of 45 members assisting
the prime ministers in governance, India is set for a new journey. Again giving
shape to his poll promise of minimum government maximum governance, he set a
new precedent by clubbing relevant ministries. Interestingly, his cabinet
doesn’t feature individuals with big names. There is no trace of buckling down
under pressure in awarding the key portfolio’s as the legendary names didn’t
make it to the team. Even individuals with high political back ground were also
not cleared. Roles were clearly defined and talent has been richly rewarded.
Leaders who were not even members of both houses of parliament were part of the
lean team of ministers. With this he
triumphantly put an end to the dynastic rule and opened up new vistas for the
young, aspiring, energetic and committed individuals to play an active role in
nation building.
Modi’s style
of working is very different and averse to existing manipulations of power
politics. Smitten by his infectious commitment, Kiran Bedi, expressed her
willingness to jump into political fray and openly acknowledged her inclination
to work under his leadership. This new change would definitely change people’s
perception towards politics. Consequently many who were defiant to be part of
government earlier would push themselves and make contributions for nation
building.
India is an
emerging nation with majority of people hailing from middle class. The images of
Modi meeting his mother and brothers of modest living touched the hearts of
millions who began to find greater resemblances with their own lives. The
persona of Modi had invigorated Indian youth who are in search of an iconic
figure to lead the nation. They are truly impressed by the rise of a self-made
man and began reposing tremendous faith in him. Intriguingly, on the other
hand, he is hugely shunned by a cross section of people who condemn him for the
Gujarat riots 2002. His allegiance to RSS and an open proclamation of Hindu
national has been another reason for his exclusion by the self-proclaimed
progressive and elitist people. Political parties too have also singularly
targeted Modi for his Hindutva ideology and carried out massive smear campaigns
to tarnish his image. The election results have in a way given a befitting
reply to these parties but still people are sceptical and brand him of
indulging in partisan politics.
As he began
his innings as prime minister of India with bilateral friendly talks with heads
of SAARC nations, there are speculations that he would walk the talk. In India,
majority are middle class and they are able to connect up emotionally to Modi. Well begun, is half done, perhaps holds true
for the novel initiative taken by him. Let’s hope India would usher into a new
era with Modi at the helm of affairs. May the young India with high aspirations
and hopes for future realise their dream in shining and vibrant India. There
are still miles to go....but let’s hope for the best....
Everything that is done in this World is done by hope –Martin Luther King
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