REACHING OUT – LEADER AND THE ART OF ROUSING THE PEOPLE

It was once again so demoralizing to listen to the dull and drab;( well meaning though) utterances of our dear Prime Minister in yet again Independence day speech. It was such a sorry sight to watch him labor his way with simple Hindustani words as he read out the Independence day speech to the nation on 15 Aug 2009 . Among the many commonalities between Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh is their lack of communication skill which is indeed the most predominant and visible to the ever expectant public. Both are poor public speakers and have to be fed with words; at least in Hindustani.

What probably makes their task even more difficult is that they do not seem to be writing their speeches. For if one writes talking/ delivering becomes easy and more convincing. It adds conviction to the speech. Even if the quality of voice and style may be moderate. It is on such instances that the concept of philosopher- king advocated by Plato comes to mind. Plato had argued that a leader should be a thinker too; only then could be his reach be long and lasting.

Nehru; was perhaps the only leader who would qualify to be the King – philosopher. His writings and speeches inspire the people world over even today. He had an original view on every subject which mattered the nation and which carries meaning to this day. He too started slowly and initially was a shy speaker; but because he could think and feel he could convey. It is such a pathetic sight to watch the planted leaders!

The problem of Manmohan Singh is that being a Professor of Economics enables him to fluently comment in English; but effective he is not for he is not known to be a thinker;a warm hearted person who could feel for the people

What is expected on an Independence day is a rousing speech.We do not remember when we last witnessed it? Atalji did inspire us initially but later was struggling with poor health. VP Singh did deliver an effective solitary performance but all that was drained down by his ill intent. Mrs Gandhi did motivate the masses for she could speak their language and feel for them.

The bottom line remains that a political leader has to be an effective speaker. And for that he is to be an original thinker who should have sufficient ‘warmth ‘ to convey his thinking so that it reaches their heart.

Our leaders should know the difference between addressing a press conference and addressing their Nation.