635. The Minister's Choice

"Our leader has become a central minister now. This is a new responsibility for him. I don't know how he is going to manage!"

"Yes. If one is a minister at the state level, one will be able to manage with the help of the officials at the state level. The officials at the centre are of a different kind. Managing them is not going to be easy. Though our leader knows English, functioning as a Minister at Delhi, the capital city, will be a challenge to him."

"That's why he is going to have a personal secretary."

"Whom is he going to appoint as his personal secretary?"

"It is only through his personal secretary, will our leader be able to interact with other ministers and officials. I think that he will choose an educated and knowledgeable person from our party as his personal secretary."

"That means neither you nor I will be selected!"

This was the dialogue between two second level leaders of the political party.

"Mr. Arumugam! You have become a central minister. There seems to be a lot of competition to be appointed your personal secretary!" said Sabhapathy, the President of the party.

"Yes, sir. I have come to you, only to speak to you about this. I have chosen a candidate. I would request you to give your approval" said Arumugam.

"Who is the lucky person?"

"Gunaseelan."

"Gunaselan! He is quite young. After observing that he was a good orator in our party's public meetings, I made him a spokesperson of the party. He has been articulating our party's policies and views in the Television debates quite effectively. But, will he be a fit candidate for a personal secretary? Several senior leaders of our party are hankering for this post. Some even approached me, requesting me to recommend them to you. But, I told them, 'Arumugam will choose the person he thinks suitable. I won't recommend anybody.' But, you have chosen a young and inexperienced person!"

"Sir! Our party has been given a berth in the union cabinet for the first time. Reposing your faith in me, you have chosen me for the post. I want to make the best use of this opportunity, perform extraordinarily well and earn a good name for our party at the national level.

"Gunaseelan is educated. He is a man of integrity. While speaking in the television debates in support of our party, he will present facts and figures and advance logical arguments. He won't belittle the other side. He always uses measured words, chosen after careful thinking.

"I have noticed that he has admirably carried out the tasks and responsibilities given to him by you now and then, on matters relating to our party. If I have him as my personal secretary, he will not only carry out the tasks efficiently but also advise me appropriately on various matters."

Arumugam looked at Sabhapathy.

"This will create some flutters in the party. Some of the senior leaders will feel discontented. But, when you have taken a good decision, after deep thinking, I have the responsibility to support your decision. Best wishes" said Sabhapathy.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 64
Being A Minister

Verse 635 (in Tamil):
aRan aRindhu AnRamaindha sollAn engnAnRum
thiRan aRindhAn thErchchith thuNai.

Meaning:

He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of

performing actions.)

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'antharanga udhaviyALar' by the same author.) 

Verse 636 (Soon)
Verse 634