Modi fills a world vacuum
WHAT was until recently considered a Third World country, India, is now quickly gaining respect and recognition on the world stage.
Many are impressed with the country’s government’s quick response and the manner in which it’s handling the Covid-19 pandemic.
India and South Africa were among the few nations that jumped into action to fight the virus.
The strong measures, such as the 21-day lockdown and the zero-tolerance of the Indian police chasing out violators from the streets during the curfew, have impressed many.
This includes the Italians, who know the severity of the issue and feel such strictness by the Indian police is justified and is in the interest of the larger public.
People are also impressed with the Indian government’s proactive and innovative initiatives in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
The reason for this appreciation is that in all other countries, despite the rise in cases, their respective governments have been ignoring the issue.
Some were even taking it casually, whereas India was one of the few countries that jumped into action to tackle the virus at the root level.
The world is also noticing how Indians are using their skills and knowledge to solve the challenges faced by Covid-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of turning railway coaches into ICU wards and sending them to all parts of India has taken many by surprise because it is simple yet practical.
Cheap ventilators developed by engineers from motor vehicle manufacturer Mahindra, show Indian engineers are also rising to the occasion to help the health sector.
Public participation in India has also impressed the world, probably because the usual perception about India in the West is that Indians are illiterate, lazy, etc.
So when they find Indians heeding their leader’s call for participation through different means, such as the lockdown, cheering for their health workers, etc, shows that Indians care for their country and are serious about fighting Covid-19.
India is emerging as a new powerhouse, thanks to strong and trustworthy leadership.
The clarity and focus with which Modi is tackling Covid-19 have resulted in him receiving accolades globally.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi is now taking the role of a global leader, filling the vacuum, taking charge and guiding the world, just as leaders such as Abraham Lincoln had long ago filled the leadership vacuum and inspired the world.
This is something that the rest of the world is also beginning to notice and acknowledging the same about Modi.
SANJAY SINGH
Queensburgh