The last one week has been the most eventful to say the least. India re-conquering the most coveted crown in International Cricket by winning the ICC World Cup 2011 was what it all started with. Hardly was the cricket team being felicitated all over, praises showered on them from all quarters and every member of the team had become a celebrity and rich overnight. The players themselves perhaps have lost track of how much awards and rewards they won after the night of 2nd April 2011. In the background, another movement was slowly gathering steam. India was slowly advancing for war. The war, however was special. The enemy, was internal, to the system and to the country. The war was against corruption. Standing by their words, following the failure of the Govt. to issue with a notification for introducing the Jan Lokpal bill, number of people thronged Jantar Mantar in a silent protest.
The entire week, however saw the arrival of two leaders on the big scene. MS Dhoni, who made India proud by bringing together a bunch of 11 young men, and conquering the title of the World Champions. MSD later went on, in the inaugural match of the IPL 4 to win the match for his team the Chennai Super Kings with his strategic decisions in the field. A calm and composed person, always keeping his emotions under control, I have never seen him getting worked up under any situation. A very important quality for a leader, because your entire team looks up to you for inspiration, for solutions and if you are weak, your team can only be as strong as you are!! MSD, irrespective of what team he is leading, has managed to do just that. In addition, he has been able to groom people well. Picking people from nowhere, he has made them noticeable. Manpreet Gony, Shadab Jakati and even R Ashwin, who was even a part of the Indian WC campaign were all identified and their talent nurtured under his captaincy. Having trust and faith in the young players and giving them confidence, can work wonders and here is a live example.
Anna Hazare, the septuagenarian from Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, who is fighting a battle against corruption and corrupt people in the country. Fighting for the youth, he has set an example for all of us. By taking a fast unto death, he has made the Govt. act. As per his latest statement, he says that even if this is considered as blackmail, he will continue to do it, as it is in the public interest. People from all walks of life from politicians to film stars to industrialists to public servants and even common people came in to support him, either physically or otherwise. Support on social media was tremendous and the movement percolated to other cities as well. A whole new wave had started, one which threatened to eclipse the World Cup victory. An important aspect to be noted here is that Anna did not give up or yield to the Govt. at any point of time. He had told the nation in the last week of February earlier this year that if the notification isn’t issued by the 4th of April, he would go on a fast, and he did that! When his demands were not met and his drafts were modified and re modified, he was firm and stern with his demands. He ensured that he got whatever he wanted. Though I am not in agreement with all his demands have been in totality, I can’t help but salute this man for his humility and his perseverance. He stood against all odds, and he again iterates that he will not let the movement die till it reaches its conclusion. An important lesson to be learnt from here is that one, as a leader should never give up, however difficult the situation may be. You just have to have the perseverance and the energy to go to the last mile.
MSD and Anna, you will be watched closely. All the very best J
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