The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Politics

As the clock struck twelve to usher in that glorious day of August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, delivered his electrifying speech Tryst with Destiny to the Indian Constituent Assembly in the Parliament. The speech was a magnificent demonstration of optimism, and, through it, Nehru gave both voice and direction to the sentiments of his compatriots. It also gives a glimpse into how “emotionally intelligent” leaders of the Indian freedom struggle mobilised a nation of diverse people to overthrow a common enemy. An enemy that had poised itself as physically and intellectually stronger in every way.

Emotionally intelligent leaders can accurately understand and expertly manage their own emotions. They also have the ability to effortlessly empathise with and motivate people. These leaders are particularly known for their extraordinary social skills.

From theatre to literature, freedom fighters pulled all stops to inspire their Indian brothers and sisters to break free from the tightening, and excruciatingly painful, grip of the enemy. They made extreme sacrifices, undertook radical solutions, and brazenly wore their hearts on their sleeves—all for freedom. So, through martyrdom, non-violent acts, and art—as the world watched in disbelief—the collective perspective of an entire nation was dynamically metamorphosed into an unstoppable force to drive out a tyrannical and unscrupulous enemy.

Just a few months from now, India will celebrate 71 years of independence from the clutches of British imperialism. The sensational victory of a 190-year-long battle will be relived through memories and stories, and honoured by proud and spirited ceremonial hoistings of the tricolour and renditions of the country’s national anthem.

But as Nehru so aptly pointed out in his address, “the service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.” Public service should not be one man’s effort but a collective one of the entire nation. This opinion was Nehru’s plea to his fellow citizens, as he requested: “to the people of India whose representatives we are, we make appeal to join us with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.”

Emotional intelligence is a powerful force. But when manipulated for personal gains, the same force that has helped build a nation can be the one that completely destroys it. Offices of government leaders across the world have been taken over by selfish and corrupt leaders that deviously try to push their own agendas forward. They are aware of the power of emotional intelligence and yield it through rhetoric and strategies that produce division instead of unity, and chaos instead of peace.

They corrupt the machinery of political institutions, ignite the fires of religious intolerance, motivate communalism, and connect with equally deceitful allies to increase their strength to bully. Unlike a foreign enemy that often tries to breach border security with military force or acts of terrorism, most often these leaders operate from within a nation and use popular media—and cultural and religious programmes—to poison minds and destroy the moral fabric of a nation.

Currently, the ethnically diverse and geographically beautiful nation of India is reeling from communal violence, acts of religious intolerance, incessant abuse of women and children, and exploitation of its flora and fauna. All of which are actively condoned by the ones “in charge” who are deliberately abusing the power of emotional intelligence without understanding the real consequences of their actions.

Sounds nightmarish? Or like a Hollywood flick in which the world needs a superhero to save the day? Well, unfortunately that scenario is closer to reality than it may seem. But unlike a nightmare from which one can wake up, there is no escaping this one. So, where are the superheroes of this country? The ones who understand the value of emotional intelligence and know how to yield this great power. Superheroes who will stand up to protect the freedom of this country—from both outside threats as well as the destructive ideologies of its own leaders.

These superheroes are currently the ones being underestimated as “common”, and expected to be followers and not frontrunners. Often referred to as “the common man”, they are widely considered to be the collective body of men and women that are indistinguishable by rank or power and most affected by the evils of society and mistakes of the establishments that govern them.

But, the truth is, these “common” ones are actually the guardians of democracy who uphold and live by a “common” belief that irrespective of gender, caste, language, creed, place of residence and ethnic origin, all people must be treated fairly and given a chance to socially, intellectually, emotionally, and economically better themselves. So, the commonness of the “common man” should not be interpreted as simplicity, lack of leadership or average capabilities, but rather solidarity towards the betterment of humanity.

For, “the common man” has a powerful voice and easy access to an audience of millions through social media and gatherings. He also has the power to vote for the right leaders. Fuelled by his own desire and the vision of his forefathers to live without fear, he does not hesitate to create awareness, stage protests, and even overthrow governments to protect his own freedom and that of his countrymen.

These “common” ones may be politically affiliated to a certain party, spiritually progressed and economically and intellectually advanced. Nevertheless, they are extremely conscious that the enemy is not a leader or a political party, but an ideology that threatens to enslave individuals and curb their creativity, inventions, and progress. An ideology that can lead to the destruction of all mankind—if not fearlessly exposed, quickly restrained, and carefully eradicated.

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