Human Latrines and Drain Pipes -New Leadership Style

Democracy is a venerable, noble and desirable institution and form of government. Its success depends on the people who elect leaders and on their quality. Dedicated leaders show a high degree of statesmanship. They place the country above their personal interests. History gives evidence of several such leaders who steered the nation through difficult times and attained a high degree of prosperity and image.

In contrast we witness a peculiar type of leadership which specializes in negative approaches to the country's problems and thinks and acts only in terms of narrow sectarian mean interests. While the statesmen come under the category of nationalists of fragrant leadership, the latter deserve to be called human latrines and drain pipes. The expression is not totally unfamiliar to us. We have heard of human drain pipe as reference to a political dignitary who was leader of opposition in a foreign country, a parliamentary democracy.

We are familiar with the concept "human chain" formed occasionally by political parties to express their protests and solidarity against the so called oppressive policies of the government in power. When actions of such leaders go beyond all realms of commonsense, social well being, national interest and economic progress, the only expression which will aptly explain their conduct is that of "human latrines". These champions of filth and hatred, poison the economic atmosphere ,exhort work stoppage, strikes and blockade of economic activity over a wide area. They hardly remember that they have the responsibility to the common man who is least interested in such protest but who wants freedom to move peacefully and in absolute safety. This vital need, the school of human latrines does not understand and support.The champions of this school of thought pose a perpetual threat to society and civilized existence.

Democracy is a noble institution. We citizens have to protect it and perfect it to ensure real progress. It is in the national interest such human latrines and drainpipes are flushed out of the stream of political activity and sanity restored. It is an uphill task especially where such leaders because of their mass base and high propensity to create disorder and violence, have the upper hand. We pray that we gain the strength to over come the evil effects of such perilous leadership. Thus we pave the way for a harmonious society with equality and economic progress. May God help us to achieve such a society?