During the last 20 days, when the reservation issue has gripped the nation, a couple of things have been plainly obvious.
One, none of our politicians and parties, ruling or opposition, who can only see human beings through the prism of votes, have had the guts to speak against Arjun Singh's move for fear of cheesing off a greater mass of voters.
Two, none of our industrialists and intellectuals, the fountainheads of thought and enterprise, have had the guts to speak against the quota move, for fear of ending up on the wrong side of the government in power. And who doesn't know how dangerous that can be.
But what about Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam?
Here's a man we call the People's President. Here's a man who has met and knows the dreams of more young people than we can imagine. Here's a man who stands tall above the politicians. Here's a man who says he has great visions for the country.
Why has this man been silent for so long?
Yes, he has met the students but is that enough? Yes, he has today said the creamy layer should be kept out. But where was he all this while when the young men and women of the country needed him the most, to show that they are wanted, needed?
Since he has no reason to be scared of anybody, why hasn't he lent the weight of his voice and stature at a decisive moment in the country's history like this one?
Yes, we know the President's role is a titular one. Yes, we know he isn't supposed to dabble in the nation's affairs. But does he seriously think Vision 2020 can be achieved with this kind of vote-mongering that mortgages the future?
I am sorry to state the obvious that the President has failed this ultimate “Agni Pariksha”. No serious person interested in India’s development can be impervious to the need of SCs, STs and OBCs whether they are 76.5 % as claimed by Mandal commission (54% OBCs and 22.5% SCs and STs) or not. But the actual results of the last 60 years have conclusively showed that quota system has not helped no one. Only when a level playing ground was created by sending to good primary and secondary schools (example former president K. R. Narayanan, or Ambedkar) they succeeded far beyond what one could expect. No one doubts that OBCs, SCs and STs are less edowed with talents and intellect than others. This is all a cruel joke played by politicians as every one knows. If only the President had come out and showed his frustrations with the quota system and demonstrated sympathy with the agitating youth, it would have showed that he is above politics. His silence has nothing to do with he being a President. Just look at another “honest” politician with great integrity. He is also playing politics. Can one increase seats in these institutes of excellence even in five years? Whom is he kidding? It is a pity we have not found one Gandhi or Vivekananda out of 1,1 billion Indians to lead the country at this time to get out of this mess.
Boy, am I glad somebody raised this or what?! President Kalam could have speak either way, but he should have spoken to calm the frayed tempers. It’s quite clear that the well-oiled media/PR techniques of the doctors is paying off but it’s coming at a pretty steep price. The other side should be feeling completely pissed off. It’s here Kalam’s intervention would have helped. He should have reassured either side or both sides. People would have listened to a sane voice which is not motivated by votes. The silence amounts to collusion. Eventually all the Wings of Fire stuff amounts to nothing if it’s just cannot feel-good blather.
I have already expressed the view that President failed the test in Bihar case on another issue raised in the blog and I could’t agree more with the views expressed by the previous writers.
I have a different view: The President of India needs to uphold the sanctity of his office and maintain a fine balance. The reservation issue is an emotional one that seems to be snowballing into a frenzied movement. Undoubtedly, the President has done well in exercising restraint. The President’s act of returning the office of profit bill is proof that he believes in more mature and constitutionally sound ways of expressing himself. Let us respect that!!
Woh Hindi main kahte hain na,
( There is a saying in hindi)
Der aaye par durust aaye,
( Better late than never).