Our inability to
achieve unified action
Unrest sets in… the long awaited constitution remains un-drafted and without consensus, government’s budgets are severely drying up, long power cuts remain imminent, cost of living continues to rise and the common man reels under its pressure to survive, businesses are in doldrums… more bandhs, strikes, violence and uprisings in the offing once again. Talk shows, prime time news, headlines and special bulletins all discuss the future of a country that was once the oasis of peace and harmony.
I sigh as I scour the news… I ponder the minds of the men and women who knowingly fail to acknowledge the impact of their collective decisions and power brokering… I am dismayed at this self defeating political game the rears its head and spreads its tentacles of fear and defeat in the hearts of its citizens. Why is it so difficult to understand that this war will only be won by successful economic development and political evolution... perhaps, it is our sheer inability to achieve unified action, or is it simply a lack of political will and good leadership, or perhaps we are simply too timid to exercise our power of choice.
About a decade ago, Gallup ignited a global conversation on the topic of strengths when it unveiled the results of a landmark 30-year research project. The research concluded that spending time building strengths was far more productive than logging countless hours shoring up weaknesses, and it created a virtual revolution in the way people think about their natural talents. We have 26 major political parties with varying degrees of leadership in this country – men and women who at the end of the day want a country that is strong and independent… one that offers its citizens the freedom to live with dignity and prosperity. Perhaps what they have not understood is that the path to great leadership starts with a deep understanding of the strengths you bring to the table. It is also about expanding our capacities and recognising that social change doesn’t just happen, it is made. It’s about the long, slow, patient process of building power with people, rather than power over people.
The challenges that we face as a nation at this point in time may seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable. Security, good governance, economic growth and sustainable development are the need of the hour… all it will take is one good leader with a vision. It may also help to remember poor economics means poor governance.
Until the next issue,
Shalini Wadhwa
CEO/Managing Editor
