Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'President changes some rules' that was published in Newsband

President changes some rules

Those in positions of political or even ecclesiastical authority are supposed to be addressed in a particular way. In some cases, getting the exact salutation wrong could even have lethal consequences. Royalty and religious figures are supposed to be addressed in a particular way.  Even in a democratic set up, the law expects certain people on top to be addressed appropriately. Some forms of address are steeped in cultural, political and diplomatic traditions.

President Pranab Mukherjee took an initiative to drop ceremonial honorifics such as ‘His Excellency’ being used against his name in domestic dealings and references. Even Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan decreed that he should no longer be addressed as ‘Mahamahim’ or ‘His Excellency.’

In Hindi, ‘Rashtrapati Mahoday’ might be used in place of Mahamahin. Mr. Mukherjee, after reviewing the current protocol practices, also directed that the word Hon’ble will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor.’ The traditional Indian greeting of “Shri” or “Smt” should precede the name.

 “Excellency” will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries as is customary international practice.

‘His Excellency’ is a colonial era word. Hence President Pranab Mukherjee has approved a new set of protocol to be used in greetings and meetings dignitaries inside and outside the country. Besides, Mr. Mukherjee has also directed authorities to organize government functions for him within the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises in order to reduce the burden on police and the inconvenience caused to people.

Meanwhile in India’s superior courts, lawyers continue to address judges as ‘My Lord’ and ‘Your Lordship,’ although the Bar Council of India passed a resolution in April 2006 to give up such forms of salutation. Certain words can be traced back to the behaviour of the conquered to the conqueror. But should these words be used in the world of today? Is the toning down of lofty and exalted titles by Rashtrapati Bhavan a good step forward?

That gives birth to the question as to whether those termed as VIPs should enjoy the benefits of the red lights on motor cars, the queue jumping, the excessive security, the free housing and perquisites, the virtual immunity from investigation and prosecution that those in authority enjoy for criminal acts since they set ruler apart from ruled.

These ceremonial names and special benefits create servility within the mind of the common man.

The thing is President, Governor etc will exercise same power, status even when they are not addressed with "My Excellency". What needs to be changed is attitude with which an authority deals with common citizens.