De-politicising the President's office

So, the 340-room palace on Raisina Hill will be looking for a new occupant in a few months time.Because its present occupant, a long- haired maverick with an unusual fondness for children and botanical plants will soon vacate the Rashtrapati Bhavan.And will leave behind a legacy which his successor will find hard to ignore and definitely difficult to follow.Dr.Kalam captured the hearts and imagination of the nation with his incredible vision,humility and forthright views.His audacity in returning the Office of Profit Bill or his hesitation in approving the appointment of two judges won over public opinion. His book 'India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium' or his PURA theory - 'Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas' appealed to the young and the restless generation.He brought down the halo surrounding the President's office and brought it within the reach of the common man.Farewell Dr A.P.J.Abdul Kalam; you have done our country proud.

Before Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,India was blessed with another soft-spoken affable President in Dr.K.R.Narayanan.Why both Kalam and Narayanan worked was mainly because they were apolitical figures in a society that has nothing but distrust and disgust for politicians.People , sick of strutting mantrijis and pompous VVIP's, gladly lapped up this refreshing change .Both had a vision for India , uncompromising credibility and a rare gift of humility.While Narayanan laid the cornerstone, Kalam undoubtedly revolutionized the "rubber-stamp" role of a President.The Rashtrapati Bhavan is no longer the retirement home of expendable senior politicians whose role is confined to shaking hands with world leaders,being the guest of honor at the Independence day parade or placidly signing on the dotted line when his true employers-the ruling party of the day beckon him to do so.With the advent of the electronic media, the office of the President has come under the intense glare of public scrutiny and public perception and expectations of it have changed dramatically.The changing face of India's politics and civil society has given the president's post a new gravitas. The government of the day can no longer afford a 'difficult' president as a President's contrary opinion can dent the moral legitimacy of a controversial political decision. And that is why there is such an intense debate raging amongst the public and the politicians on who should be the new president.

The politicians of course want a "politically experienced person" to occupy the role. Which roughly translates as "a sycophant puppet who will bow to political diktats and give as little headache to the ruling party as possible". The people on the other hand want to actually choose their man.Today, we have come to regard the president's office in much the same way that we depend on the judiciary for justice and fair play.Hence the clamor to get a non-political figure elected to the highest office in the land.So what's the solution?

I feel that the post of the president should not be converted to another electoral battle.That is the president should not be directly elected.It will soon become just another fiasco , with each party declaring their own candidates and canvassing for votes. This will surely degrade the sanctity of the President's office.Our present system of the elected representatives choosing the President can work, with a few minor tweaks. Firstly the candidate must be apolitical. Now how do we ensure that? Even if one party comes up with the suggestion that only non-political persons be allowed to contest,it will put tremendous media and public pressure on others to follow suit. We could even go so far as demanding a change in the constitution to ensure that no person with a political baggage is selected.

Secondly the common man does not place much importance on the religion, caste or the region from which the president hails. They have accepted Muslims, Sikhs, Dalits, Brahmans, Tamils, Keralites, Telugus without any reservation. They are very liberal in outlook without any sectarian bias and would be happy to see any good and capable person drawn from any class or group as their President. A blemish-free public record , a courage to uphold the constitution irrespective of political pressure , a vision for the country's future and an ability to feel the pulse of the nation-its trials and tribulations , are the only qualities that a common man is interested in.He may be any distinguished person from the academia, the arts or the science domain.The time has also perhaps come for a creed of people who the politicians are particularly averse to , being elevated to the highest post.I am talking of course of 'industry leaders'. Narayan Murthi anyone?

Just also realized that the country has not witnessed a woman president so far although it has seen woman Prime Minster. If the politicians are serious on the role of women in public life , they should resolve that India's next President should be a woman.

And for those still wishing Mr.Kalam to stay on for a second term, go here .