Politicians and their Education

I was watching a movie recently and there was this dialogue –

“Unlike to become a MLA of a state, at least a little Education is required to become a MP at the center. So let him go to School.” - A father who is a politician comments about his son.

Like it or not, that’s the reality in today’s political scene of India. We may be producing world’s top most scientists, doctors, software professionals, etc. But, why aren’t we able to produce great politicians who can really be “service” minded.

One can very well argue – To perform a public service, Education is not really a qualification, and can provide some examples of leaders and politicians who did not even attend school to get basic education or even dropped out of the schools. Those are just exceptions like any other field! But, I do not want that to be the majority of the case.

The point I am trying to make – As any other profession, we should also look at minimum Educational qualification on someone who wants to be a politician.

We are world’s largest democracy, and India is being currently watched by the world as an emerging power!

We are hoping to be world’s super power in 2020!

We have a vibrant and knowledgeable younger generation than any other country in the world!

So, why can’t we produce some literate politicians at the least, if not great scholars!!!??

Dr. Kalam, the “President”

Yes, I would whole heartedly say – he is the “President” that India ever had. A man with ‘simplicity’ and carries a wealth of knowledge.

He is the one who is asking Indian youth to dream about their future!

He is the one who gives Indians the hope of India becoming a ‘super power’ in 2020!

He is the one who always makes it a point to meet youngsters and children whenever get a chance, which I rarely witness in any Indian Leader or Politician.

These are the few qualities of Dr. Abdul Kalam, former Indian President that immensely amazed me. But, unfortunately it is surprising how this great leader is being treated by our politicians. Based on my reading from media, Dr. Kalam was not honored in the “World Tamil Conference 2010” that was hosted by Government of Tamilnadu recently in Coimbatore.  From my point of view, Tamilnadu had missed a great opportunity to honor a living legend. It is too embarrassing to me as a ‘Tamilian’. I can’t think of any other suitable occasion that can honor Dr. Kalam who is not just a missile scientist, not just a former president of India, but also a Tamil scholar in his own right as he had written hundreds of Tamil poems and essays.

But, what again amazed me about this great scholar is - he continues his duties as a true Indian citizen by meeting the younger generation, and serving the country in his own style.

A living legend! A “True” Leader!

Sibling Relationships

What a perfect timing! It is “Thanksgiving” weekend in the United States, which is also an occasion of family re-union.

It triggered my thoughts and emotions when I listened to this short perspective on “Sibling Relationships” on the radio this morning while driving to work.

Though it used to be so much of joy and fun-filled childhood days with our siblings, there is a point when it becomes a bit complex mostly when we become adults. That’s when we are actually put into a real test on how we would manage and preserve that so called “sibling relationship”.

Not sure how many people have experienced this – If you are the eldest in the family, of course you get that special recognition in terms of respect, admiration, etc. But, the younger ones always get more love and affection which I have witnessed in many families. Usually, the sacrifices that the eldest son or daughter has done will go unnoticed which in my opinion is very painful. On top of everything it becomes vital and more importantly, it is the responsibility of the eldest to preserve the ‘sibling relationships’, no matter what happens.

On this special day, being the eldest I wish and pray that I continue to be a responsible son to my parents, a caring ‘Big’ brother to my sibling, an affectionate dad to my children and finally a loving husband to my wife!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!