It was indeed heartening to see the maturity and civility with which a matter of national concern was handled recently. I refer to the the nomination of the President.

Conscientious effort and much regard was employed in dealing with a subject of paramount importance. The air of serious calm and common interest that enveloped the proceedings brought a sense of relief, sanctity and quiet optimism among citizens, I am sure.

Commendations must be given to the members on both the Government and Opposition sides as they allowed maturity and democracy to prevail. Consultation and consensus were the key factor.

The dignified approach of the Prime Minister in undertaking this task, combined with the cultured and full-fledged response from the Opposition has proven beyond a doubt, the truth of the words of our National Anthem, that we are a people of "boundless faith in our destiny".

The nation felt a sense of ease and unity, recognising that a major decision was made in a most refined and humane manner. Such an atmosphere is most conducive to enhancing the state of well-being and togetherness among our citizens and helps to evoke unity of purpose.

I ask our leaders, can you resolve many other situations in the same manner? Parties can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

The upliftment of a people comes, to a great extent, from the example set before them. Actions, interactions and attitudes of the leadership filter down to the populace who keenly exemplify what they observe.

When leaders are able to demonstrate amiable conflict resolution, and apply the instruments of consultation, communication, co-operation, collaboration and consensus, wouldn't citizens follow likewise? Wouldn't they, too, become repositories of warmth and empathy?

In such an environment, then, how can there be any dearth of national pride and love among our fellow-men? I dare say, we need not look very far for the solution to our nation's ills.

Citizens who engage in decision-making processes in the work-place, educational institutions, homes and religious institutions all mirror the examples they see in those who lead them. In this context, the sage advice that the "health of the body is dependent on the head" is most instructive.

SWAHA commends the outstanding efforts of both the Government and Opposition for this consultative and consensus-oriented approach and exhorts them to continue on this road of co-operation and collaborated effort as they take the nation forward.

The path of leaders is paved with conflict, no doubt, but the methods of resolution are key to their individual success as well as the level of social and spiritual mobility of those whom they lead.

Paramacharya Hardeo Persad

Spiritual Head, SWAHA