Modi exudes maturity, optimism and confidence
I always wondered how Narendra Modi, once a tea-boy at his father's shop at a railway station, could become the 15th prime minister of India. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by him, won 336 seats out of 543 in the Lok Sabha in the last general election in spite of his past controversial credentials. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Congress, won only 58 seats. What is Modi's magic?
Narendra Modi recently appeared at an interview with Fareed Zakaria of CNN. This was his first interview after assuming office. He did his homework well and talked without mincing words. He covered a wide range of issues, including the economic growth of India vis-à-vis that of China, China's influence on the East and South China Seas, India's commitment to democracy, the relationship with the United States, India's position on Ukraine and Crimea, violence against women and the threat from al-Qaeda. Lastly, he talked about Yoga and his relaxation.
When asked if India would be the next China, he asserted that India would remain India. He said both India and China were growing rapidly. On international disputes like those of Ukraine and Crimea, he suggested dialogues between the concerned parties. He said that because of historic and cultural reasons, the ties with the United States would deepen further in the future.
On violence against women, he said that the dignity of women is a collective responsibility and the problem should be tackled through empowerment and education -- without any erosion in the law and order situation. Communalism did not surface during the interview. On the threat from al-Qaeda, he is confident that the Indian Muslims would not dance to al-Qaeda's tune and they would live and die for India.
We had one notion about Modi before the general election. Now we see a different Modi -- very confident, matured and optimistic. He said: “If there were no democracy then someone like me, Modi, a child born in a poor family, how would he sit here?” He added: “Democracy is our commitment. It is our great legacy … Democracy is in our DNA.”
He believes the Indians have unlimited talent. He said confidently: “If I can win the confidence of the people of India, not from my speeches but by actions, then the power of 1.25 billion Indians will come together to take the country forward.”
He said that he enjoys work and relaxes while working. He added: “Yoga synchronises the heart, the mind, and the body.”
Now, the world will be waiting to see how he synchronises his optimism with reality.
The writer is a former chief engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
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