On Akbar

Recently I saw the movie, Jodha Akbar, and I was struck by the character of Akbar. Well, of course, Hrithik has done a good job, but even without it, I think Akbar must have been a magnificent personality. The way he thought, the way he felt, the way he decided, the way he implemented; he must have been one great ruler. I was watching this movie, and suddenly I was struck- this is the kind of leader I want for my people. I want an Akbar to lead my people, my country to the greatness they deserve.

Why Akbar? No specific reason, except that I was watching a movie about his life and love. But then, even after I thought about it, I didn't want to substitute him for anyone else. True, India has always produced great rulers, but still I think Akbar is the most relevant for the modern world( I am not considering our freedom fighters, Gandhi and Co. I think I'll let them enjoy a very well-deserved break! ). To prove my point, I have two options- either I speak about what qualities Akbar had, or I talk about what qualities I want in my ideal leader. Both should serve my purpose, as I have already stated that my leader should be like Akbar. I think I'll go for the second option. It's safer, and I might come upon some additional 'properties' of the ideal leader in the thought process(Forgive me, I am still not out of the exam mode). :)

So, what sort of a leader do my people need? They need a leader who would truly understand them-their joys, sorrows, hopes, fears and dreams. I know this statement is a bit cliched, but it is true. Knowing the people inside-out, upside-down is the biggest strength of any leader, though I am not sure how many of the so-called leaders of Indian politics have that capability today. But this knowledge is not enough. It has to be coupled with the best intentions and a good sense of right and wrong, otherwise we might have another Hitler. My people need a leader who would know them, but not use that knowledge against them to suppress them, or to divide them, or create hatred in their hearts. This is important, India having such a diverse culture, they need a leader who would want to lead them by uniting them, not by dividing them and playing chess with their feelings and well-being; someone who would have the guts to stand up for what he/she believes in, against everyone, even against his/her own supporters; someone who would be willing to risk everything he/she has achieved in life, all the dreams for the future, for what he/she believes to be right; someone who would not play vote-bank politics but would want to win elections on the basis of the genuine love and faith of the people; someone who would never, ever let that faith down; someone who would have enough experience working for the betterment of the people, from before he/she joins politics and who would continue working for the people even after he/she attains the 'kursi'; someone who would make promises only after sufficient thought, and then would make sure that he/she delivered them; finally, someone who would love India and the Indian people, my people, with all his/her heart.

I think I have summed about all I want in a leader of Future India. If I think of some more points, I'll add them as comments. If you(I am assuming that people actually read this blog! ) desire anything else, please feel free to comment.

Have a good day :)