The election of Shri Ram Nath Kovind as the 14th President of the Union of India is a historical one. He is the second person to be elected from the lowest of the low castes of India, the first one being President K R Narayanan the 10th President of the Union of India. This is clearly a very proud moment for our nation and our society.
India Inc.’s stalwarts spoke to Team Estrade on the election of President Kovind. Commenting on this, Jonna Venkata Karthik Raja, Founder – Paperboy, said, “Ram Nath Kovind, India’s 14th President, is the apt choice in all respects for the president’s post. With an overwhelming majority of votes, Ram Nath Kovind defeated the opposition candidate Meira Kumar, garnering 65.65 percent of the votes. A custodian of the Constitution and Rule of Law, I would say, a person having such a thorough grounding in law should be suitable for the country. He has been a senior politician and a seasoned parliamentary. Again, someone who is so well-versed with precise nuances of real politics would definitely deal with the complexes better than a businessman or a technocrat.”
The fact that Prime Minister Modi, who himself is from a very humble background, handpicked Shri Ram Nath Kovind for the Union of India’s Commander is Chief position, speaks volumes of the changing mindset at the top. On this, Dinesh Fatehpuria, CTO & Co-Founder – Kruzr, said, “For the first time in the history of independent India, we have both the prime minister and the president who has risen through the ranks to the very top from humble origin. This alone speaks volumes about the vibrancy of Indian democracy. It sends a message to all Indians that hard work, dedication, and persistence are the only guarantee of success. There is no better mantra for start-ups. During his election, a lot had been said about his roots. But his election only helps to bring immense hope for the community of 200 million Untouchables, who till now have only been seen only as a vote bank. A person of their community becoming the supreme commander of the country will enthuse them and hopefully start a social revolution. His moving speech from central hall of Parliament gives an indication that he intends to bring visible changes in lives of the oppressed community.”
President Kovind’s election, although historic, seems to be directed at appeasing specific electorates. However, Meera Kumari – representing the same electorate, UPA’s Presidential election candidate, was more of a Gandhi family loyalist. On the other hand, President Kovind is representative of the BJP and not a particular family, a healthy change for India where petty party and ruling family interests have been dominating the political scene for way too long.
President Kovind has excellent credentials both as a professional lawyer and as a seasoned politician. He has fought elections for the UP Vidhan Sabha and has been a Rajya Sabha MP as well. Adding further, Jonna Venkata Karthik Raja, Founder – Paperboy, said, “Mr. Kovind undoubtedly has proved himself time and again. In my opinion, being the Governor of Bihar and ruled by the opposition, the ability to maintain the dignity of office speaks well of his authority. Ram Nath Kovind left no stone unturned to develop Paraunkh, his ancestral village. From infrastructure to schools for education of girls, government bank and electricity in each house, he contributed to developing it into a modern village. These impeccable virtues are what I would look for in a president for my country.”
The world and India are undergoing a technological revolution, never seen before in human history. To adapt and survive in this dynamically changing world, we need a visionary leadership, with a pragmatic approach to the role of technology in our society. Our country’s youth need jobs and have pinned their hopes on this global technological revolution. More and more start-ups are setting shop in India, while some Indian start-ups will eventually come of age and become global companies. Dinesh Fatehpuria, CTO & Co-Founder – Kruzr, further added, “For startups, it is encouraging to have a President who understands our role and is calling upon the youth of the country to step up and contribute to India’s rise. That young person who founds a start-up and becomes a job creator is a nation builder. The start-up could be on a small farm, converting mangoes to pickles. Or in an artisans’ village, weaving carpets. Or at a laboratory lit up by giant screens. We believe we have an inspirational president who understands every realm of life and will guide our country to new heights. We wish him our best. “
The President of the Union of India is the protector of the constitution and this office is meant to keep the Union Government in check. As history has taught us, this has not always been the case. Starting from the Emergency in 1975 to the various atrocities on minorities both religious and caste based, we have seen that these failings happened even when the individuals representing specific minority groups were holding the high office of the President of India. The President can intervene and demand a report from any of the commissions he heads. Will President Ram Nath Kovind lead the way for non-partisan inquiries, when investigations are done under these various commissions? This would require rising above political loyalties and compulsions. Let’s wait and watch, over the next five years!
By Vishwasjeet Singh- Editor in Chief – www.estrade.in
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President Ram Nath Kovind: Light Our way!
