Putin and Modi - Victory in Adversity

It is interesting to see how Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi both have come out victoriously and on top of their respective worlds recently.

Putin is now Time Magazine's Person of the Year, because of his part in bringing Respect and Glory back to Russia and its citizens. Putin is not loved by the West and is depicted to be Undemocratic and at times even Autocratic. But he has done enough to restore Russsia to a lofty place in the world order. He has re-ignited a sense of Pride in the Russian Citizen. After the end of Cold War, USA was supposed to be the sole remaining Super Power. But George Bush lost it all in a unjustifibale war and the American Economy and Declining Dollor are not helping the American Cause. Putin wisely took advantage of these, the high price of Oil particularly and also silently increased Russia's influence among the Nations disenchanted with the Americans. He has tightened his hold on the Russian Politics and has finally come out ahead.

Narendra Modi in Gujarat was vilified by everyone for his anti-Muslim practices. But the other side of the coin was he too instilled a sense of Pride among the Hindus of Gujarat and made them realise that being Hindu is not a shame. He led by example with a simple life, uncorrupt policies and moved heaven and earth to develop his state of Gujarat. Witness the industrialisation that is proceeding there at breakneck pace and general increase in wealth. This must have trickled down to many oridinary residents in the state, including Muslims. Modi was steadfast in his path and actions and has been rewarded by the electorate. Against a massive campaign by the Opposition parties and the Media, Modi has prevailed.

I think the reason for both Putin and Modi's tirumph is they have worked for their people.

Leaders should not forget that People come first and Power will follow.