Waiting for Obama

“Change has come to America” roared the first black man set to enter the white house. Unlike his predecessors, Barack Obama is a phenomenon even before he enters the sprawling presidential mansion, built 200 years ago by black slaves from Africa. So is all the hype because an Afro American has made it to the highest office of the world’s most influential country. Fortunately NO. The magic of Barack Obama is beyond his origins, beyond racial divides or empowerment of immigrants in America.

The answer lies in a belief; that is connected to an emotional chord. As children we do believe in superheroes (la superman, batman or even our parents and elder siblings) to ‘set things right’ even in the darkest hours. America today is in the deepest pit of cynicism. Adding to the emotional bankruptcy affected by the erosion of the family system is the worst economic meltdown in a century. Like the rest of the world it is facing severe environmental issues, 2 costly wars, unemployment,oil crises - an endless list of woes. Enter Obama, “This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can” . This stoic reassurance from an endearing Rock star President stirred emotional frenzy, tears rolled down while others were left wide eyed in a speech that will be documented and dissected for generations. It isn’t about his capability but the belief that he will deliver.The bleak realities wont change overnight but Americans will find a new spring in their steps tomorrow morning. Only time will tell if their 'Captain America' would stand up to their expectation and bring about change, but one thing crucial to that change is the belief in the people that things can change – and that emotional mandate is with Obama.

This President elect also has an uncanny ability to unify people, even his opponents’ root for him. “It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America”, trumpeted Obama. A line that blurred all lines that divided America.

Back Home, a billion people, an unrivalled Democracy, a historic legacy of leaders and yet currently we don’t have a single one who can unify this nation. While the Thackeray cousins battle for patent rights of the Marathi Manoos, Laloo and Nitish play to the north Indian gallery, Congress appeases the minorities, BJP is hard selling Hindutva while “Dalit ki Beti” – Mayawati sings the caste tune. Ironically we have iconic leaders and visionaries in business, social work, the arts and now even sports. But not a single political leader who can strike an emotional chord that unifies a melodramatic nation? Guess we get leaders we deserve Or are the right people caught up with the wrong jobs? Guess Monster.com is not so effective in India……… but the wait is worth it as change will cum sooner than later coz we are not waiting for Godot - so I believe.

Kindergarten

In the plot next to my office, there is a residential building with a recently opened kindergarten. Prior to its commencement, the lady proprietor was facing problems with the society because a retired gentleman ,residing on the first floor, wasn’t comfortable with the tiny tots invading his peace. As there was an earlier consensus on letting the ground floor for commercial use, the Kindergarten was given permission to commence operation and the grouse was to be settled in the AGM scheduled in a few months time. The playschool opened its doors and tiny little cartoons made a beeline, much to the dismay of our grumpy old man. Everyday, as the old man stood in his balcony he saw the little ones showing their usual histrionics. Since our man was the only sight that broke the monotony for the little kids from uptight teachers who constantly chanted the hand on the lip ritual, they showered all their pent-up energy on him. During breaks, he used to be the sole audience to their hysterics; some gave broad smiles to him, one constantly waived to him, some made cute faces and without much delay the oldie melted.

Its strange how these little dumplings(in the form of grandchildren, children, nieces/nephews, neighbors) invade our space and capture our hearts while unassumingly staking claim to our computer screens , mobile screens and wallets. I silently wondered as to why they don’t enter our lives with greater frequency since they help us access goodness locked away. Sensing my predicament, God answered, “Son, you really think that you don’t have enough children around you!” saying that he handed over his spectacles.

The sight through them was revealing to say the least. Saw a 20 something girl crying coz her boyfriend had dumped her like a child would cry for a denied candy, a few boys in their twenties were hitting hawkers and rickshaw drivers like school boys venting their pent up energy during un-monitored free periods, A few girls in their 30’s marveling at the exploits of their little sons like little girls comparing the finesse of their new frocks, a 60 year old boy on the church committee turning non-cooperative coz the priest had missed mentioning his name in the vote of thanks, a 30 year old unmarried girl who kept her life aside for her younger siblings like little first borns sharing their coveted candy to see the smile on the face of their siblings. God quipped, " Son, the essence of growing up is to accept and understand that we never grow up. Making peace with the child in us, gets us on the path of self-realisation"

A few days later, as I stood on the balcony facing the kindergarten, I saw our old man playing with the kids, the only thing that differentiated them was their physical appearance. At that moment, I realized why “Dooms Day” was continuously eluding us and that it may never come. Because when a mortal old man was unable to pull the plug on a tiny playschool, then our compassionate father in heaven will never be able to stamp his feet on this huge kindergarten with millions of adorable little ones squealing, playing, plotting, hurting, scheming, helping, loving, caring…. Suddenly heard a loud screech, a little Einstein had just discovered that our old man’s moustache was real.