Nalin Satyakam Kohli is a young political leader of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). He also specializes in the fields of Media and Education. He is visiting faculty to various institutions including ‘Indian Institute of Management’(IIM) at Ranchi for conducting media management workshops. He is a former Chairman and Founder Director of a leading international curriculum boarding and day boarding school in Faridabad near Delhi. Also, the Founder Director and creator of a leading Media Institute in collaboration with the Missouri School of Journalism, USA, the oldest journalism school in the world. He is a consultant for strategic planning, programming ideas, media positioning, presentation and other aspects for television channels. Widely traveled, Nalin, has visited various countries several times over like the USA (including Hawaii), UK, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia, Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Reporter> Is it illegal to love your country without having to love its government and political leaders?

Nalin> Your question is incorrectly phrased! One has to love his country. In a pyramid, first we are part of a human family and a global world; therefore we have to love our human family first. Next is our country. We are part of a country, a geographical entity, a set of cultural and social values and therefore we have to love our country. Thereafter, in the pyramid, there may be organizations like political organizations and there could be other organizations. India's spiritualism teaches us love and compassion. Some saints have even said that at the end of all knowledge there is nothing else but “Love”. So, Why not love? We must love our fellow human beings, our country and our world. It is important to have a sense of belonging-ness and commitment towards all of these. What you have said is also applicable to religion, castes and groups. It's not about illegal or legal ! You need to love good things, you try to prevent bad things to happen.

If someone is incorrect, can there be a course correction? If not then you have to see that law takes its own course. However, the approach of your question appears incorrect to me! See… Politics is part of society. We cannot divorce politics from society. Government and Political Leaders all come from our very own society. Certainly there is a sense of decline in respect for political leaders but that decline in respect is also towards other professions and leaders, such as towards our engineers, doctors, scientists etc. This decline is happening because of lack of commitment towards country and humanity; and lack of values like honesty and sincerity. It is a social problem, a national problem! We cannot burn the established institutions but yes, we can certainly cleanse the institution!

Reporter> What comes first – Nation or Humanity? And Why?

Nalin> Certainly Humanity! We are human beings first! Nation is an institutionalized area where we live, where we function. Nation is a structure which manages our economy, our polity, growth and progress. Nation is not just geographical boundaries but also a social entity of ideas, thoughts and philosophy. It is the people who comprise a nation, and it is from these people of the nation that leaders, be it political or otherwise, emerge.

Reporter> In today's context, who holds the biggest responsibility of child's education - Parents, Government or Teachers?

Nalin> The starting point without a doubt is the family – First values, beliefs, tradition, customs --- all are introduced by and linked to the family. Families have to be happy, they must be satisfied; and families must have a sense of purpose, contentment, employment and also security to raise a child in a good environment. The next important and critical role is played by the ‘Teachers'; they shape the child like clay. Thereafter the others follow. Just like genetics, environment or society also has an important role to play. Social environment certainly has implications on how a child finally comes out to be. Education is definitely on India's top priority, because only that would build a good society and in turn, a great nation.

Reporter> According to you – What is 'Peace'? Is peace result of fear or terror? Or is it the silence of grave yards? Or is it a result of misuse of might or violentoppression? Is it a right or a duty? Is peace a responsibility of government or citizens?

Nalin> ‘Peace' is much higher than anyone of your definitions! Peace is a state of mind, a state of harmony, a state of balance. Peace cannot be enforced, it has be felt – at an individual as well as social level. However, we cannot mix these two.

First, the Government has to facilitate that there are no riots, robbery, criminal activities or even harm to an individuals' physical, emotional and financial safety, security and well-being. For a government to ensure and maintain proper ‘Law and Order' can also be considered peace. But we have seen that it cannot be an evidence of a social harmony! It is difficult to categorize, define and answer ‘Peace' within the compartments of your question. Second, ‘Peace at individual level' – People have battles...

in their mind. Peace within ourselves is also very important. No matter what happens inside, despite of external turbulence, internal harmony and peace is mandatory for growth! Isn't it? To give you an example on the complexity of peace –

If a group of people take up violence and kill people for their so called rights and to find their peace then a responsible government is compelled to take up strong measures in such violent situations of conflict. This happens many time between violence perpetrators, terrorists, ‘Maoist’ and security forces.

As a result there may be blood-shed, deaths, even more violence. But is this not necessary for the security, safety and peace for the rest of the law abiding citizens? Therefore, we can not talk of “Peace” in same manner as mathematics. Real world issues are far more complex as they involve economics, politics, social issues etc. There are no black and white areas. In governance it is all about proper structural functioning. In many situations, we start from 10 differences but we settle on 5 and disagree on remaining 5, so was it not worthwhile for harmony and peace? I suggest you first ask yourself the question, before you seek the answer!

Reporter> In English or Hindi, which is your favorite word and why?

Nalin> “Middle Path” is what I like to talk about... Not a single word, but its equivalent to a single word could be “Peace”. Peace within our self also means harmony, balance and helps one to take the middle path.

Reporter> Why are you proud of India? If you were to write a book on future of India, what would be its title?

Nalin> The land of India has a lot to offer to the world. We may be going through a phase where we are rightly questioning corruption, lack of governance, wrong decisions etc. However, despite all of this - at the core, the civilizational ethos of India is very powerful. And I believe India can take this message to the rest of the world. We need to go back to what we were – in terms of thoughts and ideas! The world runs on Ideas! India is a great land of harmony of religions, cultures, ethnicity…we can be a good role model for the world! We must live and work for the glory of that light! Only a land that is happy, peaceful and satisfied will be looked upon by others with respect.

Reporter> Give us one reason why people should vote for your party - BJP?

Nalin> People should vote as per their conscience. From a political perspective, ‘Price rise' has hit people a lot, it has impoverished many people.. People today are eating food but if it has taken away the nutritional content from their plates in terms of vegetables and fruits! Is that not a big price to pay? For health reasons and also for our future generations? India has the potential to be a leader and become a super-power. The last decade has been a wasted opportunity. Inflated statistics cannot simply wash away Central Govt’s mistakes. Are people satisfied with current state of our country? If they are they will vote for the current government if they are not, they will vote for us! I work for the BJP, I will justify my party, my opposition should justify themselves! However, I must remind your readers that democracy can not function properly without the voter’s active participation. The final power is in the hands of the voter. Everyone needs to vote, yes… everyone! Unless a voter goes out and makes a vote with honesty and conscience, keeping the truth in mind, only then democracy can function properly!

Reporter> Thank you

Nalin> Thank you.