Before we crown someone as India's very own Obama...

Almost everyone has claimed Barack Obama's victory to be special, considering his race which is also being regarded as an indicator of a "New/Changing America". Every other headline mentions his being a black alongside his getting elected. Not only that but Indian news channels have already started looking for India's own Obama :-)

I was wondering if the weaker section of Indian population would quickly draw a parallel from his victory and heavily promote the idea of a PM from amongst one of them. This is slightly dangerous if done blindly. I would want people not to overlook the fact that Obama has got elected not just because of the color of his skin. He is a learned man (Both he and his wife have had Ivy league education and they did not get it because of reservation quota!!), an accomplished author and a person with lot of commitment to his country as a whole. He seems to mean business given the professional finesse and dedication of his political campaign.

So before drawing any parallels blindly, people should remember that he did not spend his time putting up his statues all over Illinois and neither has he named every other junction in the capital in his or his mentor's name! He has a vision and a professional outlook. I agree that we are yet to see all these qualities make any real impact on the world. But its a word of caution for our eager-to-proclaim media and political chamchas!

Having fought social atrocities and stigma cannot be the only qualification sufficient for becoming the prime minister of India in the twentieth century. It is because today's times offer a myriad of challenges for any country, which can be successfully met only if the leader has a clear vision and exposure to modern thought and education.

So I hope people give a proper thought before starting a shout for a Mayawati or a Paswan to become India's prime minister next. I hope people give due merit to the person's education, wisdom, vision and accomplishment as a nationalist and not merely to the caste (s)he comes from!