Inauguration

Loud and clear.

There cannot be any other inaugural speech as loud and clear as this. I am not an American myself. Still, I was awaiting this day just to hear Obama address not just the United States of America. He is pragmatic, charismatic, and magnetic. In less than twenty minutes of his inaugural address, he was able to summarize the entire eight years of Bush's pitfalls. Even Bush has to try hard to summarize better.

I am not supporting Obama because he's black or half-black. I am not even bothered about his color. In my opinion, he has a brain and he knows how to use it at least. During the crisis, people need hopes. They need someone to say that they can. They do not need their President to disclose his plans to save the economic downfall in his inaugural speech. Obama came out with hopes. Those who heard him were charged completely in twenty minutes. And remember, Obama's speech has driven not just the USA. In fact, it is too early to rate Obama. But one thing is for sure, he can do nothing to worsen the current situation in America.

My European friends think the other way. To them, a white can lead better. I asked them to take Bush as an example. One of them went to the extent of saying "Obama's mother was white and he was brought up by his white grandparents". And hence he may lead better. I still say, so was Bush and he proved it wrong today.

The actual issue.

Why am I talking more about Obama? I am not yet another guy who blindly admires his audacity of hopes. But there's something more to it and something that makes me think about India.

In these sixty-two years, India had never produced young charismatic leaders. Except for Rajiv, I don't remember any other younger face in power. He came to the throne only because he was the then assassinated Chief's son. Looking at Indian politics today, we are far behind. I have a unresolved question from the day I saw the movie "Ayudha Ezhuthu" or "Yuva" (in hindi). A question that dwells in me for a long time now.

Is it possible for me to indulge in politics and become a Chief someday when I'm fifty?

To be clear, I am not thriving here for power. In my opinion, a lot more can be done with power. A lot more good. The generation of today can heal the pain of grief. I am ready to do at any cost following the hopeful words of Obama:

If I can do it, anyone can!