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| Tuesday, 13 April 2004 |
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Winners and losers Second thoughts by Prof.Sunanda Mahendra I recently met one of my brothers-in-law who happen to hold a very good high post in a government ministry as an administrator. As soon as I met him he openly declared his allegiances to a particular political party that he favoured and added that he tried his best to use his administrative power to persuade those who are serving under him to vote for that political party, he so favoured. I was for a moment dismayed by what he said which paved the way for me to raise a question. 'Can you administrators take a public standpoint in politics?' He laughed, hinting that I am so ignorant to what is happening around me. 'Who is going to stop us from our power to use our tongue in the way we want? I am in my last phase. Who is afraid of these minor regulations and so-called ethics in professions? Then I met a responsible senior professor of a university, a high calibred person who is honoured for his academic and other achievements. He said, 'I have used all my power to get votes for the party I favour.' Then he came out with his politics citing the party title and symbol. 'Are you not scared to be so outspoken?' I asked. To that he responded with a smile, as if punishing me for misbehaviour. 'I am a professor in my last phase. But I can serve for many more years to be frank. So I need to come out with what I feel. I am not afraid of anybody'. As I was slightly humiliated I had to move off to another scene, where I met a magistrate in civilian clothes. He also came out openly with the political party he favoured. 'How are you getting on?' I asked for which the answer was as follows. 'I am alright, but I am extremely busy for I have to support my candidates.' 'But are you allowed to do so?' I asked. 'Who is going to ask me questions? There is virtually nobody around me who can afford to raise questions'. 'Excuse me for asking this question?' I said and asked the irritating question. 'How long are you going to serve as a magistrate?' He solemnly replied. 'A few more months. But I have to get an extension by hook or by crook' 'Oh my God' I said. 'Why what's the problem?' 'Aren't you a magistrate? Why are you really going to get an extension by hook or by crook?' 'Yes to be frank, that's politics' 'Politics or dirty politics?' 'Words don't matter here, act immediately, or else you will be a loser' I moved off from that scene, and joined a circle of so-called spiritualists. I knew the leader so well that I had the chance to speak to him, who was clad in a white robe like cloth. 'You look busy?' I said. 'Yes I am, for I have kept aside some of my religious activities for a few days and trying to support my religious candidate' He too cited the religious group. 'But you all are in a spiritual function. Will these politics take you anywhere?' I asked. He responded in the following manner. 'At the moment we are in politics, we are not in meditation.' I was, believe me, honourable editor, dumbfounded. Please help me to get my mind free from all these fetters, by raising an Aesopian moral. Forget about ethics and regulations, and mind your own business by supporting the political party you favour most, disregarding the position you hold in the society especially during election time. |
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