A few days ago, my grandmother was listening to ‘pravachan’ (preachings) of a saint on a religious TV channel. I was simply sitting there during my study break. I saw a saint make some political statements as well (though these babas claim to have left such ‘Moh maya’ (all things in the world are not real). He was advocating the building of Ayodhya temple, deletion of articles 35A and 370 and many more things. People were clapping with so much excitement and one could see how they had just become more adamant in their parochial stands without knowing anything.
The point I am trying to make here is that such personalities of these religious saints influence people’s opinion unconditionally. People follow them blindly and do whatever they say. Such personalities can be extended to a few politicians and celebrities as well who control people through their persuasion. I believe the advertisement industry is booming only because of the charisma of these celebrities.
People follow a few personalities so religiously that they are ready to change everything including their lifestyle, choices, and views at their behest. Yes, you read it correctly, “views” as well. Such authority of an individual over masses can be called charismatic authority where one is famous due to his personal attributes or qualities.
India has had many charismatic personalities and the greatest of them was Mahatma Gandhi. He could influence people to an extent that when he fasted, it could make people start or stop a movement. We can say he had this power which made him lead millions of people.
The Power Of The Prime Minister
Similarly, during the Indo-Pak war in 1965 and economic crisis in the country, people skipped a meal on the request of the then PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri. The latest example is our present PM who has a large number of fans in the world. He has a huge persuasive power; so strong that people follow him blindly and would do anything he says.
In my opinion, the biggest example of this persuasive power is his “Give-It-Up” campaign to persuade people to leave the LPG gas subsidy. It was tremendously successful. People listen to him attentively and try to follow what he says. The Swachch Bharat mission was half done when the government announced “navratnas” to persuade people. Even my parents who don’t follow politics much, remember that “Modi said today”. In the same way, my mother gives reference to a Swamiji’s (saint) preaching for every random ritual despite it being irrational.
Why I am talking about all these things suddenly, you ask? I was just thinking about the wonders these charismatic personalities can do for society while listening to that saint on TV. They can bring radical reforms and disruption to society on their own. Their individuality is more powerful than the whole government machinery. What these personalities can do with a speech, hundreds of government programs couldn’t do in years; whether we consider open defecation, patriarchy or caste, etc.
Think about it. What if Narendra Modi says once in his speech openly and fluently that “Mitro, sabhi dharma aur culture barabar hai, koi chota bada nhi hai aur yeah desh sabhi ka hai”? (Friends, all cultures and religions are equal, this country belongs to one and all). I think mob lynching incidents and hateful speeches would reduce drastically.
What if he were to say “ Mere kaam me bhi kamiya ho sakti hai toh mujhe criticise bhi kijiye, improvisation ke liye loktantra me dissent bhut zaroori hai”? (My policies might also be at fault, and hence to bring forth improvisation, feel free to criticise and dissent). I believe that the number of fanatics would reduce. I am mainly talking about him because as per a recent British firm’s survey, PM Modi is the most admired Indian male in the world.
What Can Saints Do With Their Charismatic Power?
What if they tell people to think critically and rationally about religious rituals? What if they talk about gender equality instead of suggesting multiple rituals to attain moksha? Such miracles of these charismatics would be a hundred times more powerful on people’s minds. They can even revolutionise society if they put their progressive thinking to use and into action. I believe that they are lucky to have an opportunity and power to contribute to society so significantly.
Charismatic authorities are prevalent worldwide, but Indians have more tendency to designate some humans as God, I fail to understand why. Even institutions are not as effective as these personalities are. However, even if they do that, all of it would only hold true on the single condition that these personalities actually have some goodwill. Otherwise, their words have the effect to be equally disruptive to society. It’s a road that needs to be tread on with caution and genuine intention.