Shall We Tell The President ?

India will soon get her first woman president. A little soft spoken frail woman in a veil is most likely to be the first citizen of the nation, the supreme commander of the Armed forces. While Madam President can do a lot of good to a nation and womenfolk it is also necessary for us to see the bigger picture.

For the first time a lot of dust has been raised while electing a president. It is more the process in question. A lot of candidates were nearly appointed and then disappointed. Then the UPA government pulls a rabbit out of the hat and brings in a candidate who has not overtly displeased anybody. A quiet little lawyer also governor of a state. Over night she is bestowed stardom, rhapsodized by the government in power and garlanded for her Gandhivadi principles. Her table tennis championships are more accentuated than her masters of law degree.

More people may agree that the President of India is more a figurehead. A ceremonial head of State who is supposed to reign and not rule. However that is a major role in itself. Doctor APJ did a fabulous job at that in representing our nation. An Islamic Nuclear Scientist, Bharat Ratna awardee and a self professed lover of children ruling a predominantly Hindu country. His mere representation itself was a good thing for the nation. He sent strong vibes to the rest of the world through his commanding position.

However the president of India definitely is the first citizen of the nation. He / She is the executive head of State. He / She is the ultimate defender of the Constitution. He / She appoints the esteemed offices such as the Prime Minsiter, Chief Justice, governors of State, commanders of the armed forces et al. He / She can also declare emergencies. A bill cannot be passed without his / her consent. These are some of the responsibilities of the president among a host of other things. The highest office of responsibility in India.

Our country does not need ‘Rubber Stamp’ presidents any more. We need presidents who are above and beyond political parties. We need presidents who will not be swayed by political parties their entire tenure. We need presidents who have carved a niche for themselves outside politics. We need presidents who can take tough decisions. We need presidents who will not be a mere puppet in the hands of any political parties. We don’t need presidents chosen by default. We need presidents who can ably represent our nation in the international arena and inspire investments from foreign shores. We need presidents who will leave their mark on the nation. We need presidents who are not used as a tool for political mud slinging. We need presidents who make their decisions keeping in mind the One Billion strong people rather than Vote Banks. We need a president who looks at the larger interest of the nation.