My leader

THERE are some people who despite their political compulsions go out of their way to make our world a better place for others to live in, and in the process leave a mark for the posterity; for others to emulate. Needless to say, these people in India are few and far between, who have access to power and yet, who are fully aware of the rights of the people.

With the formal departure of Mr. Abdul Kalam from presidentship, there was little hope with the current crop of politicians in our country to fill this large void left by him.

Finally, we have found another great leader in Mr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, a worthy successor of Mr. M.K. Gandhi, our very own ‘Bapu’. When our remembrance to Bapu has become limited to just paying a lip-service to him on a special day, it is heartening to know that there are still people like Mr. Gopal Gandhi among us who are not afraid to challenge the higher power in our country and question their authorities and duties.

Mr. G. Gandhi, who is currently holding the post of governor in West Bengal, refused to become a decorative piece and has come out time and time again to stand with the people of West Bengal. He has made sincere attempts to make our political leaders aware where their true obligation lies- party or the people of Bengal.

Aware of the wrath and criticism that will evoke from both the ruling party and the oppositions, Mr. Gandhi made his disapproval felt in the case of Nandigram; he questioned the performance of CMC (Calcutta Municipal Corporation) during the last year’s heavy deluge after visiting the affected areas himself; and finally he again stood with the mass when he invited load-shedding upon Raj Bhawan (two hours every day and thus sharing the plights of the common people.