Sri Lanka in dire need of those elusive leaders

An inspiring letter in the Sunday Times of August 5 by Nandanee Gunawardana, a PhD Engineer titled, “Why do doctors think they are special creations” got me thinking and reflecting. This seems to be a malady in today’s society from the rampaging students on the streets,to the striking doctors, to the politicians who all consider themselves to be special creations and thus justifiably have the right to seek special privileges for themselves all in the name of fighting for the less fortunate or just rights.

They little realise that they will find themselves sooner or later pulled down from their high pedestal and brought low. However, those who venture into humbling themselves for the common good of humanity will find themselves exalted into high leadership.

In the recently concluded FIFA final between Croatia and France, though the latter won, the real winner was seen in the Croatian President who threw protocol to the wind and won the hearts of millions across the world. She hugged each player from both teams. She shrugged off power, class, prestige and perks; mingling with the ordinary men and women in the stadium each time her country played, up to the finals. She travelled at her own expense not in business class but on economy and watched matches not from a VIP luxury seat, but together with other ordinary football enthusiasts.

Mother Theresa of Calcutta began to be known worldwide only when she started going down into the slums and gutters where the poorest received succour and fulfilment from her fellowship,where no one else would dare. She was once asked why she travelled in India not by air but by train and that too in 3rd class. She replied simply: “because there is no 4th class.”

We have others who led by example - Mahatma Gandhi, was a friend of the untouchables, Nelson Mandela who created a South Africa free of apartheid, Martin Luther King who fought through non violence and self sacrifice, for the victims of violence. Such names remain immortal. They give hope to a selfish and egoistic society.

May this generation give birth to such elusive leaders; a special creation that could emerge when your heart is given for the happiness of others.