390. Conversations with a Critic

"After a non-performing government that ruled us for five years, we have got a government by another political party. Let us see how it is going to be!" said Chitrambalam.

"All governments will be the same. Only the personalities change; quality of governance won't!" said Ponnambalam.

"It has been six months since the new government assumed office. What do you say about the government's functioning?" asked  Chitrambalam.

"The government has given a lot of tax reliefs. This will put more money in people's pockets. This is a positive step. But, we have to see how this government is going to fare in other areas." said Ponnambalam.

"The government has completed one year in office. I think it is doing well. What is your opinion?" asked Chitrambalam.

"I find it remarkable that this government has a considerate approach towards every issue. The previous government's approach was mostly oppressive. But this government prefers to solve issues through dialogue. At the same time, it is also firm on certain fundamental issues. There is a saying that a new broom sweeps clean. Let us see how the government is going to do in the coming years!" said Ponnambalam.

"The government has completed half of its term. How do you rate this government's performance now? On a scale of 1 to 5, what score will you give to this government?" asked Chitrambalam.

"I will give a rating of 5. But I expect that during the second half of its term, this government will get a score of 8 or above. Things are going quite well under this government. One point I would like to mention its impartial approach. The government has given a free hand to the law enforcement authorities. So, police take action against all offenders, even if they belong to the ruling party. This was never possible during the previous government. Because this government is firm on establishing the rule of law, honest officials work with enthusiasm, while dishonest officials are afraid to violate the rules for personal gains. I heartily appreciate this aspect of governance" said Ponnambalam.

"Four years have passed since this government assumed office. You expected the rating of the government to improve to 8. Has it happened?" asked Chitrambalam.

"I expected the rating to improve to 8, but it has improved to 9!" said Ponnambalam, smiling.

"How do you justify a rating of 9?"

"Any government will focus on growth, because the government's revenue will increase only if there is growth. But this government has declared that it wants the fruits of growth to be enjoyed by all sections of people. With this objective, this government has come up with schemes to generate employment in rural as well as urban areas. It has paid special attention to alleviate poverty. It has considered lifting people out of poverty its primary mission. Kudos to this government" said Ponnambalam.

"I know you as an unsparing critic. If such words of appreciation come from you, it means a lot!"

"Whether one is a critic or not, one has to accept facts" said Ponnambalam.

(This story is not about any government in particular. This is about an ideal government. Hopefully, some day, such a government could become a reality!)

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 39
The Might of a Ruler

Verse 389 (in Tamil):

kodaiyaLi sengOl kudiyOmbal nAnkum
udaiyAnAm vEndharkku oLi.

Meaning:

A ruler who has the qualities of giving, compassion, just governance and taking care of his citizens will be the guiding light for all other rulers.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'ponnambalam-chitrambalam' by the same author.)

Verse 391 (Soon)
Verse 389