The other evening, while sipping tea and scanning through the headlines, my friend looked at me and asked, “What exactly are the qualifications of a politician?” I smiled. Not because I had the answer ready, but because the question itself sounded like an entrance exam that nobody ever studied for. He confessed he wanted to step into politics — “to make a difference,” he said, with a sparkle that reminded me of a child holding a new toy.
“Well,” I began, “there’s no degree that says Bachelor of Political Promises.” In fact, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist, though sometimes we wish they had that much precision. But yes, a politician needs a special kind of education — one not found in textbooks. It’s a syllabus of patience, people skills, and a pinch of performance art.
My friend leaned forward. “So, what does it really take?” I told him, “First, you must master the art of shaking hands with a smile, even with those who didn’t vote for you. Second, develop a memory sharp enough to remember every name during elections and short enough to forget them once you win.” He laughed, but the truth was bittersweet.
A politician, I explained, must have the ability to listen when people complain and pretend to listen when they complain again. He must know when to speak and when to promise — though, sadly, many mix up both. He must be confident enough to stand on a stage and humble enough to stand in a queue, though the latter rarely happens.
Real qualification, I told him, lies not in degrees but in deeds. It’s about service, not selfies; leadership, not loudspeakers. The genuine politician is one who can look into the eyes of the poor and say, “I’m here for you,” and actually mean it. The problem is, too many treat politics as a ladder, not a platform — climbing higher but forgetting who’s below.
My friend went silent. His earlier sparkle dimmed for a moment. “So it’s not as easy as it looks,” he murmured. “No, my friend,” I said, “it’s not about being powerful; it’s about being purposeful.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Then I’ll study well — not in college, but among people.” And I smiled again. Maybe, if more people thought like him, our world would have fewer politicians and more leaders — the kind who serve with heart and not just with slogans.
