In a country like ours, diverse cultures, religions, ethnic groups and races co-exist together. That in itself is incredible. It would be a daunting task for our leaders to rule over such a vast land. The ruling party are under the scrutiny of each and every single decision that they frame. Every word and utterances by them are evaluated and judged. Hence, making insensitive remarks and pouring fuel to the flame will never solve burning issues.Leaders are chosen for that task for which a common citizen does not have the authority to do so. Almost 2500 years ago the ancient writer Herodotus wrote, “The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing” Through all the complications of intolerance debate and religious bigotry, the government seem to be tight-lipped on pertinent issues that need to be strongly and wisely addressed.In an unruly world where powers are mostly controlled by unwise and uncontrolled rulers, killings and wars have become inevitable. Communal tensions and fights are quite evident. The fears within and without seem to control the decisions of even the largest democracy state in the world. Our present government desires to please people but are unwilling to make a bold statement so far. Their voices are so weak and powerless to calm down the sentiments of the people. The recent sparkle of tension in our country regarding the suicide of a dalit research scholar in Hyderabad has created a lot of noise in the political arena as well as the media. The mere sugar-coated speeches of thumping authority on the podium are not bringing about the desired affect that it needs. What is really missing is power over people! Politically, Power is the ability to influence or control the behaviour of people. Karl Deutsch says that power means the ability to be involved in conflict, to resolve it and to remove the obstacles. Yes, knowledge is prerequisite for any task in hand but without the power to execute those responsibilities, it’s not even worth a coin. Taking right actions in the right situation and standing on a firm stance will have critics throwing stones but in the process, find numerous followers following a determined leader. What we are asking today is of leaders to have the knowledge but most important of all, to have power over the people that he/she governs.
(Note: This short-piece is purely an individualistic opinion and does not representthe idea of the institution which the writer associates with).
Vebu Khamo
Kohima Bible College.
