Graceful Retirement of Politicians

There is time to work for the self and the family and then there is time to serve the society through political offices. But of greater significance is the time when a person chooses to recede in the background and devote to laudable causes that need voices of substance. Unfortunately, politicians in India stubbornly refuse to retire to a life of contemplation and self less social work. Most continue to work for the welfare of their progeny and family even when they are doddering at the bar of time.

by N K Singh

There is clamour in every political party that young faces should now enter the state assemblies but

the fact is that the old people are not leaving any room for the young ones except in some cases for their own family. It is rare that a politician retires gracefully. They retire only when they are kicked out of power persistently or when they are unable to walk or talk. Recently three Ministers of Himachal Pradesh announced retirement but two of them are octogenarian and suffering the pangs of Putra-moh. The third Harsh Mahajan is not old enough to retire but his decision is enigmatic. At the national level, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is an exception that in spite of his knees giving in and despite his age, he is young enough to think of something beyond the existing horizon. Late Prime Minister Morarji Desai was perhaps the oldest of politicians. The pity is life long occupation with politics is the favorite theme of Indian politicians. People like V.P.Singh, Deve Gowda, and many others who have had their innings, continue to indulge in politics instead of devoting time to social reform, environment and many laudable causes which are in need of power full leaders in view of rampant poverty and related critical issues. Even a man like Chandershekhar stuck to politics till his death.

In Hindu tradition Vanprastha and Sanyas were written down for the life beyond working for loaves and fishes. The great idea was to give time selflessly to the society and meditate, research, teach as well help or advice those who are in need. The remaining life was devoted to Paro-upkar - for the good of society rather than pursuit of greed for the self. Common people and Kings sought these people in times of crisis because they had a faith that wise men will impart the right guidance from their knowledge and experience. No wonder that we had greatest tradition of learning and we had not only Arthshastra or other treatises of equal importance but also we made incredible achievement in Astronomy, Medicine, Mathematics and Metaphysics. India became the cradle of learning for China, Central Asia and other countries. Even in politics and state craft these men exercised moral influence for the benefit of social order.

Now the retirement is only when one is forced out of work or rejected in the position of the power. It was really heartening to know that one politician who was in power retired when going was good. The name of Tony Blair comes to my mind as at the height of his power he chose to shed his office. Many former Presidents of United states like Clinton, Vice-President Al Gore, who received Nobel Prize for Global Warming Awareness, are doing socially useful work after laying down their office. To serve the country or the society when you are in power is always valid reason to continue to stick to chair but when it is greed to make capital for self or family at the cost of society it is nothing but unashamed hankering for political posts. It is a pity that no longer the thirst to do good to others when one has done enough for family is seen in the politics. It is right time to educate our elders to learn to do constructive work or creative work after giving up their posts when the going is good rather than being thrown out in humiliation. It is high time that graceful retirement is valued by the politicians and society to stem the rot of corruption in the current times.