Indian politicians need training in communication skills In its perhaps the longest history in this world, democratic form

of government is a novel concept for India, where the leaders are elected by the people through universal suffrage (including women). Before Independence, the country or diversified kingdoms were ruled by a king or his vassals, as stated by the Manu law. The king was supposed to be of immence character - virtuous, shrewd, duty and religion-bound, incorruptible and impartial. The king was seceded by his son or a more virtuous and capable person. He was exposed to the common public only during darbars or court sessions. But today the scenario has completely changed. And yet we have the same level of expectations from our leaders. Our leader is supposed to be totally incorruptible, devoid of any vices, having a clean image, shrewd, and yet sympathetic to the masses' problems. The margin for error is just too small for them. Let see, how a politician get to his/her position. First, one has to join students' organisations, persevere to get recognition for one's work, then after college, join a regional unit of a well-established party. Then, if one is lucky and not suppressed by crony politics, one may/may not get a ticket for fighting an election. This is just at municipal level. They are many more similar and even arduous hurdles to cross. Also remember, we are talking about India in 21st century where the pre-requisite to get anything done is money. Plus the family pressure to get a stable earning job and getting married is there eternally. Too much to expect under such strenous conditions, isn't it? The job is only half-way done. After getting elected, the politician is expected to alleviate the chronical poverty, unemployment and nutrition conundrum within a short-term of five years in his/her constituency, where people are eternally ready to blame their leader for their own problems. He is provided with a petty fund for his constituency development and most of his constituency is governed by either the central or the state government. When we put ourseleves into that position, we shall understand how herculean a task, an Indian politican is provided with. We never get to discern his accomplishments, instead we are forever ready to pinpoint their shortcomings. Also, our media is eternally starving and waiting for a politician to mis-speak to have a protracted and meaningless debate on their channels to seek an increase in their TRP ratings. When they ask so many fatuous and down-graded questions to such an estimable person, one is bound to lose temper one time or the other. And then we are prepared to say that our politicians need training in communication skills. After all, they are also human. One must fathom and respect that. Of all the professions in our civilized and modern world, politicans are the one who have to work the most and sacrifice the most. Do we ever give a single moment to appreciate that? How many of us want our sons and daughters to enter into politics? If we want a true leader like ancient nad traditional India, we would have bestow our faith in them like the old times. If the questions and accusations are tenable, then even the answers by the politicians would be more polite and decent, for no one has better rhetorical skills than a politician. He/she got into that position by persuading people and bringing them together. Our politicians are not totally responsible for our problems. They have persevered and many of them devoted their lives to keep the nation stable after Independence. After de-colonisation, India is probably the only country that hasn't ever faced a coup, hadn't her financial system broken down and embraced democracy in totality. They weren't responsible for population explosion, our paucity of resources and the fierce competetion that we are facing everywhere. But yes, they are trying their level best to alleviate many of our problems. Let' first introspect ourselves, before we point our politician for their communication skills. If women complain for sexist remarks by politicians, they must respect themselves first and not ask pedestrian questions which may entice sexist marks. To expect equality, one must first provide equal rights to others.