T N Ninan's column "For a softer Mr Modi" (Weekend Ruminations, May 23) is an interesting observation on how the prime minister looks smiling abroad and grim here in his public appearances. One reason may be that - aware of his image of an aggressive and ruthless politician (due to the 2002 Gujarat riots) - he wants to project a friendly and benign face to the foreign people but appear stern in India, in tune with his reputation of a tough and no-nonsense leader.
Besides, the foreign media gets more opportunities to click and flash Modi in many public functions, while in India, he is visible publicly on just a few occasions and that too with long intervals of time. This is because much of his time here is devoted to work and interaction with his team behind the scene.
Also, a sense of humour is necessary for a natural cheerful disposition. Modi lacks it, but Atal Bihari Vajpayee was bestowed with it in abundance. His replies to the Opposition in public meetings and in Parliament were accompanied by a smile or laughter rather than resentment, and succeeded in flooring the Opposition effortlessly. Cheerful or passive countenance is a part of personality trait and it may be counterproductive to contrive to act otherwise. Imagine how Manmohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi would look if they wanted to laugh as heartily as Vajpayee did.
Lastly, people in India like leaders who look sober and serene and behave in a dignified manner. This may be a factor why Mulayam Singh Yadav has prospered more in politics than Lalu Prasad Yadav.
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Besides, the foreign media gets more opportunities to click and flash Modi in many public functions, while in India, he is visible publicly on just a few occasions and that too with long intervals of time. This is because much of his time here is devoted to work and interaction with his team behind the scene.
Also, a sense of humour is necessary for a natural cheerful disposition. Modi lacks it, but Atal Bihari Vajpayee was bestowed with it in abundance. His replies to the Opposition in public meetings and in Parliament were accompanied by a smile or laughter rather than resentment, and succeeded in flooring the Opposition effortlessly. Cheerful or passive countenance is a part of personality trait and it may be counterproductive to contrive to act otherwise. Imagine how Manmohan Singh or Sonia Gandhi would look if they wanted to laugh as heartily as Vajpayee did.
Lastly, people in India like leaders who look sober and serene and behave in a dignified manner. This may be a factor why Mulayam Singh Yadav has prospered more in politics than Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Y G Chouksey Pune
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number