Where have all the great visionary statesmen gone?

Till early 70's the world saw some great politicians, who could be called statesman. It is said a politician implements a policy with an eye on the next elections. But a statesman frames a policy for the coming decades. Often a policy decision of a great statesman bears fruit after 25 years. In America Franklin. D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" implemented during depression years not only solved the immediate unemployment problem but also paved way for the future super express highways of America. Similarly in India the first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's obsession with huge dams and steel mills paid dividends after 25 years. The green revolution of the 70's is a direct result of buiding huge dams across our major rivers. It solved the hunger of millions of people and today India is exporting food products to other countries. Nehru's faith in education, science and technology saw to the founding of Indian Institute of Technologies and other Research establishments. Today our IIT's and IIM's (Business Schools) are of world standard and the alumni find placement anywhere in the globe.

The small country of Cuba under Castro implemented a public health scheme which became a model to the rest of the world. If not for Mao, China would not have become a modern super power. It is destined to become Number one super power by the middle of twenty first century. The present day Russia managed to raise out of the ashes of Soviet Union like the mythical bird Phoenix only because of President Putin. We are told the country which takes maximum number of patents happens to be Japan. They are still leaders in the field of automobiles, Electronis goods, Cameras and robotics. Till yesterday Australia was known for it's marinowool and minerals. Today it has become a vibrant modern scientific country, because of rapid industrialisation.

In the monopolar world, the U.S.A which is enjoying the position of Numero uno appears to be suffering from a dearth of good leaders. The previous presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, JFK, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter had a global vision. From Ronald Reagan onwards it has been a down hill ride for American Foreign policy. The incumbent president George.W.Bush is more lampooned than respected. He is as much confused about Iraq as Nixon was about Vietnam. It is easy to go to war, but difficult to make a honourable withdrawal. The U.S.A is no longer loved or respected by the comity of nations. The British prime minister Tony blair has become a card board cut-out figure. Apart from Castro, who has been at the helm of affairs for more than four decades and Putin, who is serving his third term there appears to be no worthwhile statesman on the international stage.

A great leader must possess integrity and honesty to implement economic and foreign policies, which benefit one and all. Today very few political leaders subscribe to the moto "Sarvo Jano Sukhino Bhavanthu"(Let everyone be happy) and "Vasudhaiava Kutumbam"(The world is one big family). All the vedic hymns begin with a shanthi mantra(A peace incantation) and ends with "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.". The world needs more than anything else peace, which inturn ushers in happiness. The materialistic prosperity does not bring about mental peace or happiness. A well lived life dedicated to the well being of others as envisaged in the saying "Paropakaram midam shariram" (This body is meant for serving others) is the need of the hour. Swami Vivekananda said all selfishness is evil and all selflessness is good. Today the world leaders lack idealism and human values. What we need today is people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Will America throw up a great leader in the coming days?