It was thunderous applause. With my neck bedecked with garlands, I raised my head to look around at the exuberant audience that assembled to get lessons on taking politics as a career. With a gentle nod and a broad smile, I got up to address the gathering.
"Ladies and gentlemen", I gave a cursory glance at the rows of young trainee politicians and began, "it is indeed an honour to be here this evening to share with you my experiences as a successful politician at this difficult time when the politicians are losing their credibility."
I continued. "When I joined politics, I was advised by my mentor to refrain from saying 'No' and that's my first lesson. When a politician says 'Yes', he means 'May be' and when he says, 'May be', he means 'No'. And if he says, 'No', he is not a politician and should quit politics."
I continued. "When I joined politics, I was advised by my mentor to refrain from saying 'No' and that's my first lesson. When a politician says 'Yes', he means 'May be' and when he says, 'May be', he means 'No'. And if he says, 'No', he is not a politician and should quit politics."
The audience was visibly confused. A tall figure from the rear row quipped: “But Sir, what about ethics and honesty in politics?” I looked at him with contempt and decided to ignore the question. I continued: "The second big lesson is promise everything and deliver nothing. If you lose the election, you don't need to remember your promises. And if you win, you can always blame your opponents. There could be a thousand excuses. If you still can't convince, don't bother - you have five long years to come out with some other trick. Mind it, people have short memories"
There were confusions and uneasiness among the trainees –- apparently the lessons were not in sync with the high ideals they held. It was clear, the audience has little understanding of real politics - politics that involve wealth-creation, enjoying unbridled power and managing constitutional authorities. He should not only know how to arm-twist the Press and the TV News but should also be proficient in flooding the social media with fake and distorted items in his favour. The Shadow Brigade of whispering campaign should of course be his ultimate weapon - the 'bramha-astra' for the final battle.
Commotion and whispers were getting on my nerve. It was clear, my aura of invincibility was fading away fast. I knew, if I didn't slip away soon, my game would be over. Things moved fast, and it was the right moment to run away. I tried to quietly slip out, but was stopped by a hefty man. How can you flee without answering us. Someone yelled: "Stop him. Catch him. Fake! Cheat!" The shouts were getting louder and disturbing. “No, no,” I shouted back. “I’m innocent - an honest politician." A burly fellow retorted: "Like a virgin prostitute? Yeah!" Panic and fear gripped me and they writ large on my face. Scuffles ensued and I pleaded with folded hands: “I will go, go...go....”
Suddenly, I felt a soft tap on my shoulder and heard someone say: “Where are you going? What’s happened?” It was my wife's voice. I opened my eyes with a jerk, and saw her concerned look.
"A bad dream?" She asked. "Yes" I said softly.Thanks Heaven, it was only a dream - a nightmare!" What was that the dream wanted to convey? Is it indicative of the present erosion of values and finer human elements like ethics, plain-speak, honesty and integrity? Do we still consider politics as a career for honest individuals? It gave me quite some fodder to reflect.
Suddenly, I felt a soft tap on my shoulder and heard someone say: “Where are you going? What’s happened?” It was my wife's voice. I opened my eyes with a jerk, and saw her concerned look.
"A bad dream?" She asked. "Yes" I said softly.Thanks Heaven, it was only a dream - a nightmare!" What was that the dream wanted to convey? Is it indicative of the present erosion of values and finer human elements like ethics, plain-speak, honesty and integrity? Do we still consider politics as a career for honest individuals? It gave me quite some fodder to reflect.
Compiler : Syed Zafar Ahmad
Designation: Executive Editor & Compiler
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
Bio: A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.
