Umbrella Man!!

I was filled with great happiness when I saw on TV screen President Barack Obama emerging alone from his Air Force One, carrying an umbrella, all by himself. His arrival in ‘not-so-usual’ fashion in Shanghai on Sunday, the 15th November, marks the man’s nobility, simplicity and above all his humility. How often do we see such an exemplary ‘humane’ behaviour in our leader? What a rarity!

I quote Yan Xiaowen, a Chinese blogger’s lines published in a widely read news website Sina.com. He wrote, “The assistants do everything for our leaders like writing speeches, arranging trips, preparing chairs, and definitely opening the umbrella. Our leaders should not just talk about serving the people, they should learn from Obama by doing tiny normal things.”

These lines are more applicable to Indian politicians than anyone elsewhere in the world. If you have come across any leaders with such a down-to-earth demeanour around you, you are fortunate. Of course, I am not.