India's leader in 2019 and beyond
Namaste,
Every five years we get an opportunity to elect our leaders who will serve us for five more years. A leader of a nation as big and diverse as India needs to demonstrate certain qualities that will endear him or her to all the citizens. In olden days, our ancestors used to pray to the Sun and Nature. Today we may say that this is a very arcane and trivial thing to do, but our ancients were very evolved socially, scientifically and spiritually. There is so much knowledge that they have passed on to the present generations. Just like the sun, which appears very small in the sky but in reality is 108 times the size of the earth; the knowledge that is passed on to us may appear insignificant; but when we study it in depth, we realize the immense potential. Similarly, our present Prime Minister may seem like an insignificant disturbance to some factions of society. But if we keep aside superficial prejudices and study the initiatives put forth for the benefit of the nation, we realize the value of his contributions.
Clouds may cover the sun now and then, but it cannot diminish its intensity. Although the sun has the power to burn away clouds, it allows clouds to form knowing that soon they will be swept away by the wind. Similarly, those who criticize are like clouds. We should allow them to speak and express their opinion freely. If their criticism is constructive and genuine it will stand if not it will be swept away by the winds of change. The benefits of change that are happening in India may not be immediately apparent but it will bear out in the long run. The children and grandchildren of India will enjoy the benefits. Much of what we do we do is for our children and family’s benefit. A leader cannot think only of his family. The whole world is like an extended family. Every decision that is taken should consider the welfare of the majority.
The sun is of immense value to us. Our lives, directly and indirectly, depend on the sun’s energy. There are so many uses for the sun’s energy. It is our fault if we do not utilize it to the fullest. It can be used for heating, cooking, generating electricity, growing forests, etc. The millions of stars we see in the night sky may make the sky look pretty but they are not of any direct help to us, unlike our sun. A leader who wishes to work and serve is like the sun. It is up to us to enjoy and benefit from our leader’s contributions. There may be many people saying negative things about the leader of the nation. But do they work tirelessly for the benefit of the people of this country?
Many kinds of birds can fly high into the sky. But only an eagle has the capacity to see a small rabbit from over a kilometer away. Sparrows and crows cannot do that. Similarly, a capable leader has a broad vision for the country and can spot trouble from outside forces easily. This depends on innate talent and not every person is blessed with that talent. No one can be underestimated. A small device like a smartphone can do so much. We may think that another person is small and insignificant but they may have great talent. We now have a leader who has demonstrated great talent. For 70 years, no other leader has shown such talent and boldness. Yet he is underestimated. Just like the sun does not use its energy for itself, our leader has not used his position and power for enriching himself.
There is another opportunity for our current leader to win in the upcoming elections. The country will greatly improve in the next few years under his able leadership. Let’s choose wisely as the leader of today will impact the lives of generations to come.
Blessings to all,
Swami Ponnurangam.
March 28, 2019
Every five years we get an opportunity to elect our leaders who will serve us for five more years. A leader of a nation as big and diverse as India needs to demonstrate certain qualities that will endear him or her to all the citizens. In olden days, our ancestors used to pray to the Sun and Nature. Today we may say that this is a very arcane and trivial thing to do, but our ancients were very evolved socially, scientifically and spiritually. There is so much knowledge that they have passed on to the present generations. Just like the sun, which appears very small in the sky but in reality is 108 times the size of the earth; the knowledge that is passed on to us may appear insignificant; but when we study it in depth, we realize the immense potential. Similarly, our present Prime Minister may seem like an insignificant disturbance to some factions of society. But if we keep aside superficial prejudices and study the initiatives put forth for the benefit of the nation, we realize the value of his contributions.
Clouds may cover the sun now and then, but it cannot diminish its intensity. Although the sun has the power to burn away clouds, it allows clouds to form knowing that soon they will be swept away by the wind. Similarly, those who criticize are like clouds. We should allow them to speak and express their opinion freely. If their criticism is constructive and genuine it will stand if not it will be swept away by the winds of change. The benefits of change that are happening in India may not be immediately apparent but it will bear out in the long run. The children and grandchildren of India will enjoy the benefits. Much of what we do we do is for our children and family’s benefit. A leader cannot think only of his family. The whole world is like an extended family. Every decision that is taken should consider the welfare of the majority.
The sun is of immense value to us. Our lives, directly and indirectly, depend on the sun’s energy. There are so many uses for the sun’s energy. It is our fault if we do not utilize it to the fullest. It can be used for heating, cooking, generating electricity, growing forests, etc. The millions of stars we see in the night sky may make the sky look pretty but they are not of any direct help to us, unlike our sun. A leader who wishes to work and serve is like the sun. It is up to us to enjoy and benefit from our leader’s contributions. There may be many people saying negative things about the leader of the nation. But do they work tirelessly for the benefit of the people of this country?
Many kinds of birds can fly high into the sky. But only an eagle has the capacity to see a small rabbit from over a kilometer away. Sparrows and crows cannot do that. Similarly, a capable leader has a broad vision for the country and can spot trouble from outside forces easily. This depends on innate talent and not every person is blessed with that talent. No one can be underestimated. A small device like a smartphone can do so much. We may think that another person is small and insignificant but they may have great talent. We now have a leader who has demonstrated great talent. For 70 years, no other leader has shown such talent and boldness. Yet he is underestimated. Just like the sun does not use its energy for itself, our leader has not used his position and power for enriching himself.
There is another opportunity for our current leader to win in the upcoming elections. The country will greatly improve in the next few years under his able leadership. Let’s choose wisely as the leader of today will impact the lives of generations to come.
Blessings to all,
Swami Ponnurangam.
March 28, 2019
