What makes someone powerful?

The late Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces Shri Bipin Rawat was questioned about his power in one of the press meetings. He told, "Bipin Rawat is just a name. The power comes from my title."Indeed, without any kind of influence we are just names with faces.

When Kerala was hit by floods in the year 2018, many critics of the then CM Pinarayi Vijayan opined he was not present at ground zero to oversee the relief activities. But another group pointed that the CM is most powerful in his office and it is the best place for him to coordinate the rescue operations of various districts. So power also comes from where you are at the moment.

Mukesh Ambani is considered to be powerful. He is an intelligent leader, brilliant negotiator and a disruptive businessman, if I may add. Above all he is Asia's wealthiest man. So his power comes from the fact that he can buy anything and anyone.

Celebrities and youtube influencers are powerful. Their power comes from the brand value to influence our purchasing decisions, lifestyles, etc.

All said, is power used in our society in a righteous manner? You and I are not naive to believe it, isn't it?

What Abraham Lincoln said is proved time and again - 'If you want to test a man's character, give him power.'