Backpacking babudom

Rahul Gandhi is not just the face of New India; he's also a blueprint of the next generation of politicos.

Backpacking babudom

Rahul Gandhi is not just the face of New India; he's also a blueprint of the next generation of politicos. If my claim is anything to go by, this new species will be spotted in pubs, on beaches, and anywhere and everywhere that they can have a good time. Traditionally, our politicians are not known to party, holiday or relax, at least in the public eye, unlike their international counterparts. But after a grueling two-month election campaign, Rahul has packed his bags for a short vacation, and the world knows this well.

I see the 'entire change' from a different perspective. Congress' Prince Charming, who was instrumental in deeming his team the single largest party in the recently concluded general polls, appears to be honest about his escapade. His purpose is to demonstrate the relevance of refueling one's spirit after a tiresome task: a tired leader cannot energise his followers until he's fresh, not just in his thoughts, but actions, too.

His decision to celebrate his 39th birthday privately in London gives a clear message even a people's person has a right to privacy, albeit in the knowledge of his countrymen. Raise an eyebrow, despise the deed, do whatever you want but wrong, it is not.

The Gandhi scion is pioneering many shifts in the Indian politics, so a little shift in stress levels does no harm to anyone. It was he who first spoke about youth participation, and he must live their life if he's to preach it.

Partying, holidaying and private celebrations are merely the reflections of New Indian Politics, whereby not every occasion and move is an effort to impress vote banks. It's about being who you really are, and balancing your professional-private life, so that followers don't get a demigod but a real person with real problems and solutions.

Earlier, the netas would organise functions to commemorate occasions as yet another effort to play lip service to their followers, thereby playing forever fool with the commoners. This of course, would be in lieu of addressing the real problem at hand. Distribution of sweets and 'prasad' (the fat wad kind) would follow over free lunches. Rahul is being upfront about his urban pursuits, but it's sad that his own colleagues, too, aren't taking cue.

Today, our view has changed. As long as a leader is original, we have no problem with leisurely indulgences and extravagant purchases. We will love them anyway. A fake leader, on the other hand, will meet his end, glib talk and all. Look at Lalu Prasad Yadav. A Bihari accent doesn't make you a Bihari, but a soft tone and the 'innocence of ignorance' does.

Rahul will meet Kalavati every time the latter needs him. Likewise, Kalavati knows, and has no qualms as the most eligible bachelor celebrates his birthday with family and friends. Service, of course, is self less, but
only as long as the self is satisfied.

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