Inglorious ways of showcasing power

While this is perhaps a universal phenomenon, Indians, I suspect more than anybody else, revel in the paraphernalia of power.

- Pavan K Varma

In my book, Being Indian (2004), the chapter on power begins with arandom scene I witnessed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. A convoy of cars came screeching toa halt. The escorted car had a blue light on top. A policeman in the front seat, machine gun slung around his shoulder, leapt to open the door. A young police officer stepped out. Uniformed minions, walkie-talkies in hand, sprang to clear the way. The official at the entry point fell back with a deferential salute. Gun-toting escorts guided the officer to the VIP lounge.

The choreography of power in our country is fascinating — and revolting — to watch. Even a deputy director of a minor department ina state has outlandish plaques in the front and back of his official car with a red or blue light on the top and the bonnet. A minister’s importance is judged not only by the patronage he distributes, but by the size of his office and residence, the army of subordinates who bow to him, and the number of security personnel detailed to protect him. Senior bureaucrats will be miffed if the lettering announcing their designation or their office is not large enough.