Austerity and politeness must be the USP of politicians

What is the worth of a driver or a cook before a wealthy and connected person? In this era of material rush where humane feelings are hard to be found, a driver is not more than a labourer working tirelessly for a fixed amount of money. But same is not true, if the person concerned is Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.

When Rahul Gandhi was on his way back to Delhi on Thursday, he shook hand with his driver and thanked him. His politeness shows his concerns for the common man. In this era of showmanship, where politicians regard themselves not less than raja-maharajas of yesteryears, Rahul’s handshake indicates a big change. There is a hidden massage to the proud and rigid politicians that their relevance lies in serving the people. Austerity and politeness is its first term and condition.

There has been a great hue and cry over the austerity drive in government circle but Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi believes in doing it silently. He flew economy class when he went to Lucknow and when he retuned back from there..

He follows the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi which was reiterated in his favourite bhajan Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye…., He never forgets that the first and last duty of a politician is to serve the people. Perhaps some qualities come through inheritance which is transferred as an accumulated experience from one generation to another.