When Mahatma Gandhi led India’s freedom struggle, he gave shape and character to it with an uncommon agenda of peaceful Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation. That vision was valuable. Basically, Indians are peace-loving, and we had no chance if we waged war in whatever other way against the British rulers.

In addition to this uncharted path, the contrasting views were discussed, and thought processes were initiated to know what was right. These were part of our culture, rich heritage, and civilization. They were discussing and progressing without modern communication tools.

Perhaps we are more evolved now, and in the process, we have lost some of our civilised behaviour and culture. Many fight for shares of the riches. Some try to perpetuate their hold on power, creating rifts and divisions. The problems of people fighting for survival do not get serious attention.

Let us hope this is an interim slip while we are stuttering as a nascent democracy. But without looking at our failures and mistakes, we are never going to correct them for decades, or maybe centuries. If some people think everything is on the right path, they are in an imaginary world.

We had many leaders in the past who excelled in their jobs. One of them is Seshan, as CEC. He adopted the right path with courage, firmness, and clarity of mind. He did what he was supposed to do. Many became heroes like him because others were hesitant, fearful, or tactful escapists.

The common factor in characters like Seshan is that they are not afraid of speaking the truth or using power without fear of the consequences. They are not afraid of choosing a lonely path that differs from others. They are very much human. But why do we try to make them gods?