We have had a galaxy of self less leaders in the past fighting for peoples' rights, fighting against prejudices, outdated customs, for equality, against oppression, for freedom, etc.  Self lessness was one of the virtues of a leader. It is said that Ho Chi Minh made one of his visitors wait for an hour for an appointed audience since he had only one pair of dress which he used to wash and wear daily. We had our Mahatma inflicting on himself penance for every mistake his men committed. His fasts are way of repentence and also a reminder to the masses to keep the mission close to heart. We had our Subhas who quit Congress presidency when Mahatma felt outraged at his victory for Subhas believed that his ways could not be compromised for the party's views on freedom. We had Jayaprakash Narayan and Prabhavadi devi who practised what Mahatma preached. We had Vinobha Bhave who inspired rich men to donate land for the landless. They were all self less visionaries. We hardly find any such men amongst us today.

It was not until CNN IBN chose Nitish Kumar as the Indian of the year 2008 I begin to learn about Nitish Kumar. I remember his sarcasm in his speech in Parliament when Deve Gowda was facing a no confidence motion. He castigated Devegowda for having been PM with the support of Congress Party whose dominance he has been fighting against. "Aapp Lok Simhasan Kaali Karo Jaldi" he thundered. It is said that much of the good work done byNitish in his stint as Railway Minister are being reaped by his successor Lalu Yadav. Nitish inherited a ravaged state when Lalu was shown the door by Bihari electorate Nitish heads a coalition but does the tight rope walking neat. His administration's work during the Kosi floods is now history. He has cleansed his administration and is demanding perfection from all his officers. He had given the personal Cell Nos of his Secretary, Chief Secretary and principal secretary for the common man to report thier grievances. His Janatha Darshan much along the lines of Janatha Durbar hosted by Late Morarjee Desai is an instant hit with the masses. Biharis are now determined to see the state prosper and capture the lost historical glory. Nitish still awaits recognition from our people which I believe is over due now. Let us salute Nitish Kumar a model leader of our times