SEASON OF REASONING

No, I am not a contestant though I keep getting bombarded by calls for becoming the unanimous candidate from every other political party worth its recognition under law of the land. Neither I am a canvasser or die-hard political fan; nor even fan of the 'snakes and ladders' game being enacted by cheap skunks under the label of 'politics'.

Yes, I am a 'king-maker'. Nay, not the kind that invented 'crony-capitalism' as a passé expression for hi-tech era of political gamesmanship. Nor, like that tribe of caste-mongering, venom-spewing mongrels of religion which appears to rule the roost in our ancient land of new-found vistas for corruption, recognition, election!

I am from a forgotten race of 'ex-royals'!

Indeed, those were the times when the monarch ruled for the people; was revered by the people and he reigned as the embodiment and personal representative of God Almighty: he, who could grant boons - be it to ensure that extra measure of food-grains or to provide a roof over the head of every lowly, hapless being that chose to inhabit the kingdom.

Nature's calamities visited all lands even in that historic era but the response to such common sufferings was led by one guided philosophy. There was no threat of patriotic missiles or missives of the paid-media sabotaging artwork of good governance. Society had its classes and divisions based more on the calling of a person than the origin of birthplace or economic paraphernalia sported by the possessors.

All in all, it was a one-man show: Sovereign reigned as a patron-saint and subjects saluted his every move, aimed at peace, prosperity and amity! Under a new Constitutional set -up, we and our clan became one with our erstwhile subjects: all men were deemed equal and everybody was a citizen enjoying the privilege of 'equality before the law coupled with equality of all laws'!

Times changed. Thinking changed. Altruistic principles of the Kings came to be enshrined as 'directive principles of State policy' aimed at an 'inclusive-growth' but changes in the world across the seas brought about tremendous alterations even in the very concept of a 'democratic people’s republic'!

With advent of the internet era and hi-tech diplomacy, philosophies aged and brigand-like, upstarts came to be eulogised as leaders of the New State.

It is against this backdrop that I received a mail from a domestic help living in the village listing out all the 'essential items needed urgently to go out and cast her vote at the ensuing general elections'... An illustrative array includes a new gas stove, twin LPG cylinders, refrigerator, washing machine, LCD television set, and laptop for her son. This is not exhaustive. It ends with the much-talked five thousand rupees each for the eight voting members of her family. No, this is not refined corruption but governance re-defined!

A time to reflect has arrived. The hour of reckoning is here. Elections-2014 will be the watershed period for Indian Nation. People know not that evil plays upon weakness of the wavering, gullible minds whereas goodness falls prey to such weak-kneed vacillating minds. Half-faith is no faith.

Mischief of evil will but boomerang in course of time. Truth undergoes its turmoil, tests and hardships. Yet, evil shall but be decimated as the hour of reckoning arrives.

Vote right. Steel your spirits. Stay confident: be focused on the good conscience.

All the noise and dirt being smeared by evil on good Samaritans of the society will not diminish the light that shines bright: no make-up there and, no messed-up lifestyles either!

Satyameva jayatey! Truth alone triumphs! Vote right, Indians!

Jai Hind!!

(The author, international jurist, published poet based in New Delhi, can be reached at [email protected])