It is rare that you experience someone becoming a part of your consciousness. Mahatma Gandhi is one such idol. Then there are a few others from the contemporary times who have followed Gandhiji’s path and have attained the status of having a halo around them while being alive. They are (have been): Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Watching Aung San Suu Kyi emerge out of her lake side dilapidated home in Rangoon (now Yangon) after suffering 15 long years (actually 21 years since her first arrest in 1989) of house arrest was liberating! She was herself: a picture of poise and dignity, and beauty! And when she accepted flowers from one of her thousands admirers gathered to greet her and put them in her hair – her trademark style – I felt a sense of Freedom and Joy! Finally, the Hero of Freedom Struggle in Burma (now Myanmar) was free!
Seeing Aung San Suu Kyi standing gracefully and addressing her ardent supporters and speaking about peace and unity and not of compromise was simply stimulating! She has the stuff what a world leader is made of!When President Barack Obama pulled India in his parliamentary address for failing to support Burma’s democratic quest, I felt he was echoing my sentiments.
India is not only the world’s largest democracy but has strong global aspirations too. Therefore, India has a moral responsibility towards supporting other nations in their pursuit for restoring democracy. Then only it can rightfully stake a claim to global leadership position. Being the strongest regional power in South Asia and an emerging economic giant, India cannot continue to hide behind diplomatic and “national interest”curtains. If India needs to seriously get counted amongst the powerful and mighty, it has to demonstrate its leadership skills. And no leadership can be devoid of moral responsibilities.
Yesterday, when the world leaders congratulated Ms. Suu Kyi on her long due independence, the Indian prime minister decided to keep quiet. Instead we saw the minister of external affairs issuing statements of support from India. Couldn’t our PM summon courage to freely exhibit India’s endorsement to Aung San Suu Kyi’s mission? Are we too afraid of Burma’s military Junta reactions? Do we feel that by showing solidarity to Ms. Suu Kyi the dictatorial regime in Burma would get provoked? Are the so called national interests so overwhelming that we fear the now so-called democratically elected military regime to retaliate and block oil supplies to India and also fuel insurgencies in the north-east? Are these geopolitical compulsions merely excuses?
For a moment even if I acquiesce to the possibilities of all the above mentioned likely scenarios, I still believe that there are ways – diplomatic essentially - to overcome them by working – smartly and tactfully - with other powerful countries including the dictatorial military regime in Burma.The assignment is tough but possible to achieve, nevertheless.
I may sound extremely naïve in international diplomacy while championing India’s enhanced engagements in global affairs and persisting with the idea of India’s active involvement in areas – countries - which come in direct conflict with the core of our country’s existence that is democracy. But I strongly believe in my ideals of a true leadership on the global stage. India has to show to the world that it is indeed capable of delivering on leadership promises. Frankly speaking, just by dreaming of a permanent seat at the UNSC will not suffice; India has to be seen to be worthy of it.
And, honestly, Aung San Suu Kyi is much beyond a permanent seat in theUnited Nations Security Council.
I sign off by saying: “Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, it is indeed great to see you back as a free citizen! The world is with you in your democratic pursuit! Your strength & sacrifices are an inspiration to the global population and will continue to guide the humanity for eons!”
And, yes, Mr. President Barack Obama, She is a Hero of mine, too :)
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