In the last few years, Nepal has become a synonym of corruption. Every survey and report points to this fact. A survey report released by Nagarik (Republica's sister publication) last month showed politicians and bureaucrats as the most corrupt people in the country. It was validated by another report by Transparency International which reaffirmed that Nepal is the third most corrupt country in South Asia and the 15th most corrupt in the world. Such findings are cruel reminder of how corrupt the country is becoming.Politicians are perceived to be the most corrupt of all, almost in every country. Good politicians are in short supply. Most politicians care about their own interests than people they should serve. Their sole motive is to make fast bucks while in power. They spend huge money during the elections to secure votes. They sell dreams of prosperity and wellbeing to the people while campaigning for election. But when they are awarded votes and elected to power, they forget all those promises made to the people. Their focus is on making money for themselves and their children, through every imaginable means. They amass properties illegally.
On the other hand, good politicians are respected everywhere because they are devoted to the people. They do not make false promises and if and when they make a promise they keep it. They care for the people and think of their wellbeing. We need politicians of this kind for the betterment of the world and people living in it. They have the power to correct all ills of politics because they are true followers of humanism. Their motto is to work for the betterment of human beings.
Humanists have cosmopolitan outlook. They understand the suffering of fellow beings and work to end those sufferings. They never allow greed and lust for power to rule them.
Why are politicians criticized for being self-serving in developing countries like Nepal? Why do they indulge in bribery and corruption? Why do they become completely indifferent to the very people who vote them? I believe this is because the politicians fall prey to traps of greed for money and power. They want more and more power and money because this is what they think are important in their lives. Misusing public funds often becomes the easy way to meet this goal. So how can the country rid of bad politicians? I would say we can do so by putting humanists at the helm. We need humanists as leaders, administrators and managers.
A humanist is above greed and lust for power. Wellbeing of humanity is his first priority, not corruption. As a result, he will put all his effort in helping the needy. He will formulate plans and policies to help the fellow beings in need. He will allocate enough budgets for building old-age homes and introduce policies to educate the children of deprived communities for free. He will also work to improve health care facilities of the state so that no citizens will have to lose their lives for being unable to afford medical care.
Once humanists become leaders, their mission will be to help the people, when there is a humanitarian crisis. Displacement, killing and conflict will become history. If you think I am being too ambitious, I am not.
Philosophers have been discussing the idea of the best men becoming rulers since the ancient times. Greek philosopher Plato introduced idea of philosopher king. He held that the best form of government is that in which philosophers rule. In Plato's Republic the leading character, Socrates, proposes an ideal city as a model for how to order the individual soul. Such a just city will require specialized military called "guards," who will serve as guardians of people and who will be dedicated to what is good for the city rather than for themselves. Plato stresses that the guardians must be virtuous and selfless.
Plato's guardians include qualified women as well as men. Thus the group that will become known as "philosopher kings" will also include "philosopher queens." Only the most virtuous people become rulers. Plato's idea of philosopher kings may be too idealistic. But you cannot say so about humanist politicians.
It is possible for leaders and administrators to become humanists because there is a bit of humanism in every one of us. We have given into inhuman acts because we have allowed humanism within us to degenerate.
When humanists hold the reins they will have to work hard and with care to rule as per the ideals of humanism. Their rule will be the test of humanism. If they fail it will be the end of belief in humanism. This is why care must be taken to choose the right humanist as a political leader. Humanists must guard themselves against the pitfalls of normal politicians.
So what will humanist politicians do? First of all they will promote humanism as integral part of education program. They will create a situation in which every citizen gets the best quality education. Humanists will have to set an example through ending discriminations, poverty and illiteracy in the world. As a person with strong conviction in humanism, I believe it will be possible to establish the rule of humanists. People the world over need to give a serious thought to it.
The author is an hotelier with interest in peace and humanism
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