Beware of Sycophants

Beware of Sycophants

The country is confronted with a plethora of problems. While many problems are discussed and debated on various forums there is at least one problem, which did not get any attention in the political or bureaucratic circles. It is paradoxical that some people have not considered it as a problem but as a virtue.

Sycophancy is perhaps the second oldest profession in the world and one of the few areas where Indians have excelled. The perpetrators of this art has made a mockery of meetings and discussions by simply staying as ‘Yesman’. In the process the idea of pooling of minds, critical analysis, constructive suggestions etc. have thrown to the winds. The situation has become so bad that difference of opinion is treated as a dissent and a challenge to the authority of the Boss. The coterie revolving round the leaders feed distorted news and prejudicial views in the form of sugarcoated capsules.

The situation takes another turn in Seminars and Conferences, which becomes a forum for mutual admiration. It is pathetic to see veteran politicians falling to the feet of their political bosses, so called intellectuals and highly qualified professionals accepting unpalatable views and verdicts, which does not stand even the test of common sense, without any murmur. It is a matter of shame that even highly qualified professionals behave like “His Master’s Voice” and becomes puppet in the hands of others. Sycophants have lately adopted a slogan “Boss is always right”.

History is a mute spectator to the fact that sycophants were largely responsible for misguiding their leaders which has eventually lead to their downfall. Inspite of this sycophancy and flattery flourished in this country and of late it has created an impression in the minds of public that these are essential prerequisites for achieving something. At this rate professional coaching institutes will sprang up in several parts of the country to impart specialized coaching in sycophancy. Sycophancy is a blot on the civilized society and is a modified form of mediaeval aristocracy and slavery.

Let our politicians and people holding high positions make a beginning to eradicate this evil by displaying a board in their chamber, which reads as follows:

“Beware of sycophants and flatterers”
E M Adithyan
24th February 2007
Elangalloor Mana
Edapal 679 576
Kerala