While addressing the nation today, the Prime minister once exhibited his art of communication directly to the country that was candid, proactive, compassionate and courageous in many ways.
Invoking the well-being of 1.35 billion people, keeping them first in all the thoughts and actions the PM has shown that as a leader, he has the people first in the scheme of things. He credited the people with successes achieved so far in our fight against the COVID 19.
Appreciation and gratitude for the community’s involvement and initiative marked the PM’s address. While highlighting the extraordinary work done by the front-line caregivers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, he also recognized the work by the teaching community.
With his hand at the pulse of people, he especially mentioned the role of the police, which has connected the people with them emotionally. The image of the police is changed forever. They have come across as good organizing, serving food, medicines, and offering numerous help to the people while also ensuring that we all follow the protocol of social distancing.
Only a courageous leader can communicate with his people to proactively caution them about the looming threats, urging them not to get complacent, and never underestimate the pandemics. The fight against the unknown virus is a long haul, and the PM didn’t mince words to convey it.
When God closes one door, he also opens the other door. Highlighting this adage the PM, applauded the way people have adapted to new technology, a new perspective, and a new routine. Those tasked with maintaining the supply chains have not shied away. The LifeLineUdan services have delivered 500 tons of medicine covering 3 lakh kilometres of flying distance. Railways are not far behind. Hundred goods trains are pressed in service to take supplies to all nooks and corners of the country. Similarly, postal and Dak services have also worked uninterrupted.
Valuing the collectivism, and the federal structure of the country’s governance system, the PM gave fulsome and generous credit to the state governments, which they deserve.
An excellent communicator can say even the most complicated things simply. That’s what the PM did. Referring to Prakriti, Vikriti and Sanskriti, he emphasized India’s long-held tradition of coming to the help of those in need. Even with meagre resources for ourselves, we should have the empathy to give sustenance to others. He referred to it to convey to the people why supplying medicines to the needy countries is the morally right thing to do.
Good leaders never miss an opportunity to connect with the people and talk about what concerns them the most. He weaved a story around the rich and diverse culture of this great country by underscoring the importance of Akshaya Tritiya, Easter and the Holy Ramadan.
A very reassuring, confidence building and mood uplifting address. Thank you, Prime Minister.
((The writer is Chairperson, Council for Global Citizenship Education))
