Facial daub, rich clothes no match for charisma

Facial daub and rich clothes among other externalities are no good cover for lack of charismatic zeal. Proving all this was Mahatma Gandhi who wore one yard over his loins and the other around his neck yet carried remarkable charismatic appeal.

Even Winston Churchill, that colonial overlord in all his sartorial elegance was no match to this ‘half naked Fakir’ - Churchill’s reference of Gandhi in his protest over Gandhi’s entry into Buckingham Palace.

Yet the frail, fragile, skeletonned figure that made it before the pomp and glory of British royalty was believed to have figured above the rest that had planned months ahead on dress and design to be present at the ceremonial assembly.

Charisma does not come just like that with one finger wave. Having much to do with the mind, charisma stems from deep within the heart’s enclave where the twin elements of integrity and wholesomeness remain intact.

Such men and women are few and far between that display remarkable courage, fortitude and conviction in pushing forward ideals that often confront both power and accepted social norms.

When Gandhi walked up the steps of Buckingham Palace in what was seen as the half naked state, it was not for him to think of what people thought of him. His decision - an outcome of personal convictions. What then was he massaging?

Ostentation

That there is more to life than ostentation and opulence, that the essence of man was in his spirit and not his acquired pride, that the mystical aura in that type of presentation far outweighed the frills of ephemeral existence, that simplicity was more forceful and could over ride the world of arrogance and conceit-these then highlighted Gandhi’s action.

Besides, the two pieces of yarn he wore were all his own effort - all spun by him in his own home - symbolic of empowerment. Gandhi’s action was also subtly conveying to the British Raj, that left to themselves, the Indian people could very well manage their own affairs and needed no foreign help. It was to tell the world the strength and indomitable spirit of the Indian mind.

Gandhian personality

Such was the Gandhian personality among many other Indian leaders backgrounding the Indian psyche - impacting it, moulding it shaping it to bring India to what it is today.

Having said all this, the interaction between the writer’s character analysis of Gandhi and the thought provoking utterances of an emerging Sinhala scholar who hit the nail on the head as it were, would make heads turn not once but many times.

Colombo University’s senior Sinhala scholar Sarath Wijesuriya speaking to the Sunday Observer on the predicament that has engulfed the country for close upon three decades ignited his delivery lamenting on the absence of the Gandhian role model over here in the Lankan scene.

The loss of accountability among many other character shortfall, so very widespread in Sri Lanka he attributed to the non-existence of that type of stature in moral leadership even from the beginning of post independence times. Gandhi believed in the Indianization of India. From his very home spun dress, his non-vident tactics and simple, frugal living, he displayed a kind of aura which was part of Asian culture prior to the onset of externalities.

Bringing in the Indian identity in the Indianization process went a long way in his sense of accountability to the people.

His image is so ingrained in the Indian mind so much so that one would not miss out on his picture hung even in India’s police stations and in any Indian film.

That he was sensitive and receptive to the enviro

ment and had a deep sense of accountability to his people is very evident filtering down to the Indian mind even of contemporary times. Mr. Wijesuriya’s prime concern was the absence of accountability in the Sri Lankan scene.

No accountability

Be it the office, canteen, the bus conductor, the teacher, doctor, politician, public servant, grocer, fruit seller, restaurant keeper or worker - none could be spared the guilt of non-accountability - exceptions being exceptionally rare. How we came to this situation is worth probing.

Striking high poignancy this erudite Sinhala scholar asked, “If those that call themselves the ‘56 Daruwo’ who are into position in all fields today acted with even an iota of accountability, would we face such a chaotic situation? Go, to any person and try getting your work done - the absolute disregard and lackadaisical manner in which many of these officers get about is in itself a reflection of the accountability loss.

“All what they are interested in is an air-conditioned big room, a big chauffeur driven limousine, a fat bank account and that’s it - not to forget the monetary gains from corrupt practices. So what’s this big pride in calling themselves the ‘56 Daruwo’ when they have failed to deliver the goods. These are the people that comprise the three organs of government - the executive, legislature and judiciary. It is not something of an overnight making but accumulated over the years.

The irony lies in that those that come out of institutions of higher learning who should be receptive to public needs are most non-receptive.

Throughout the years the country has suffered a brain drain. Many professionals have left the country because of service non-recognition.

How would it be if Ravi Shankar was made to saw wood? This then is the predicament in which we are. Those that are qualified are not given their due place. What’s more it has been this country’s practice over the years that qualifications alone would not do. You’ve got to ‘bootlick.’ If not you remain where you are.”

Indian example

Referring to the Indian scene he said, “It would do well to emulate the Indians. When their bureaucrats come here, they are so simple in dress and mannerism.

In their country, they drive about in the Ambassador car of their own making. At international conferences, they present their case so clearly. But our bureaucrats are found sleeping and shopping.”

Mr. Wijesuriya’s very profound reaction to people that complain of rising living costs is indeed worth pondering over.

“Our lives are far from simple. Our needs - unlimited. There is high degree consumerism far outweighing our needs. We have let the system control us. We suffer from social control. We do not do what we want but what others want us to do. For instance we compete with our neighbours. We buy everything that the media advertises. No wonder our lives are complicated.”

For those that complain of having no time Mr. Wijesuriya asks, “How can we find time when from the moment we get home, we are glued to the TV? Today many families are so used to eating from out because their lives are mismanaged.

Today’s woman is unable to wake up early and attend to the cooking because she’s been watching TV the previous night.

No management

The following morning, some bread slices are flung into a dingy plastic box and children are packed off to school.

The husband has his morsel in the canteen. She does the same. No wonder they complain of inflation and lack of time!!”

“How many of these people have had a good night’s sleep. Those stupid TV dramas and other films - so very violent, impacts them negatively. They get to bed having watched all that violence and sleep itself becomes violent.

Those were the days when the family got together in the verandah, interacted, sang and relaxed - all of which prepared the family for sound sleep. That, has ceased to be.” Empowerment instead of emulation, simplicity and not ostentation presumably were key ingredients Mr. Wijesuriya drove home to lead an uncomplicated life.

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