Prof. Ravi Chaturvedi
With the current crisis involving the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be a blessing for the West Indies at this time because of the qualities the man possesses and his willingness to assist third world countries.
Modi is the 15th prime minister of India. But he has many qualities which make him stand aloof from his predecessors. His love for sports has added to his popularity. Sachin Tendulkar’s offer of joining his national cleanliness campaign was warmly welcomed by him in a one-to-one meeting with the cricketing legend of the country.
Incidentally, Tendulkar is member of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha). Sania Mirza, after winning a recent doubles title at New Haven, was all gaga to have an audience with the prime minister who praised her efforts in becoming the model for the aspiring girl tennis players. Despite hectic schedule, the PM lost no time in hosting the medal winners of the 17th Incheon Asian Games.
Congratulating those who had brought laurels for the country at the recent Asian Games, he said he has great enthusiasm to see India excel in sports. He expressed hope that the combination of his enthusiasm and the spirit of the sportspersons would bring good results for the nation.
Modi is a unique prime minister. Having watched from my childhood all the prime ministers, I had found Jawaharlal Nehru, an eloquent author; Lal Bahadur Shastri, a man in grip with ground realties; Indira Gandhi a ruthless tyrant; Atal Behari Vajpayee, a mature politician; Rajiv Gandhi and Man Mohan Singh pushed into the prime minister’s chair despite their reluctance.
Others were non-descript. The country was reeling under the clouds of rampart corruption, administrative paralysis and a rudderless government, which made the people look for a vibrant alternative. In this dismal scenario emerged on the horizon of the Indian politics a new meteor, Narendra Modi in 2014. He was a messiah to the despondent Indians looking for a viable political substitute.
Starting as a humble tea-selling boy at a railway station, he rose to the centre stage of the Indian politics by sheer dedication to ideals and sincerity of purpose. Despite occupying pedestal political position, he still remains modest and humane. He is a man with mission who leads from the front and rekindles the light of hope in the hearts and minds of the millions of poor people.
It is to fulfill the dreams of the millions of downtrodden and to lead India to grandeur and glory he works 14 hours a day. He leads a simple life, starting with yoga and frugal breakfast which is at his desk by 8.00 AM and ends his day late at night. The well-planned schedule has enabled him to have his finger on every project and programme of the govt. Yet he is simple and straight forward. All the same, he is not afraid of calling a spade a spade.
While talking across the spectrum of the society, I have found that people are impressed with his simplicity and a stickler to the traditions. He won over the electorate of his Varanasi constituency by his sincerity laced comments, “I have not come here to ask for your vote. The sacred mother Ganges has sent for me and I have come here to seek her blessings.â€
The comment made deep inroads in the minds of the masses. Again, while making his maiden entry into the highest portals of democracy, he bent down with bowed head to pay his humble respects to this highest echelon of modern democratic temple. It was a day when every Indian felt proud of an unassuming Prime Minister.
Never ever before, has anu prime minister, a minister or a parliamentarian of any political hue had shown that reverence to the country’s top democratic roofed dome.
www.guardian.co.tt
Ravi Chaturvedi is a retired Professor of Zoology, pioneer Hindi Cricket Commentator, bestowed national award of Padma Shri for his contribution to Hindi cricket commentary and visited Trinidad five times.
