Have we ever seen the ruling government and the opposition working together? What if they stop pointing at each other's flaws leading to the burial of useful actions and start working collectively for the advancement of the nation? Constructive criticism is welcome but unwanted negativity has taken over the essential aspects of true governance. In this scenario, if we go back to decades ago to see how the ruling and opposition parties worked, it would tell us what 'collective work' actually means. 

“If India pokes its nose in Pakistan, US will not keep its trap shut. India will be taught a lesson.” - these were Richard Nixon's words in the context of Indo Pak Bangladesh war. Well, try to imagine what the then Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi told in response! She said, "India regards America as a friend. Not a boss. India is capable of writing its own destiny. We know and are aware how to deal with each one according to circumstances.”  These words were not told by her over the phone or through fax or email. She uttered these exact words, as narrated by the then Secretary of State and NSA, Henry Kissinger in his autobiography, sitting right with the US President Richard Nixon in the White House. After she said these words, Indira Gandhi walked out of the white House and the Indo-US joint media address calendered for the day got cancelled. Mr. Kissinger approached Indira Gandhi and said, "Madam Prime Minister, don't you feel you could have been a little more patient with the President?".

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your valuable suggestion. Being a developing country, we have our backbones straight - & enough will and resources to fight all atrocities. We shall prove that days are gone when a power can rule and often control any nation from thousands of miles away.” - it was Indira's sharp reply that spoke how powerful and unbent her nation is and is going to be. 

Soon after Indira Gandhi landed in India, the first thing she did was to send for the leader of opposition party, Atal Behari Vajpayee. They both met in her residence and discussed something for about an hour. The summary of their meeting was understood later when the nation came to know that Vajpayee would be representing India at the United Nations. When BBC asked Vajpayee "Indira ji regards you as a staunch critic. In spite of that, are you sure you'd be at the United Nations shouting your throat (voice) out in favour of the Incumbent Government?”, his reply was something that every person in politics should remember forever. "A rose adorns a garden, so does a Lily. Each is beset with the idea that they are individually the most beautiful. When the garden falls in a crisis, it's no secret that the garden has to safeguard its beauty as one. I have come today to save the garden. This is called Indian Democracy." 

The true meaning of governance and Indian Democracy was greatly explained and practically showed by the leaders of the yesteryears. Can today's leaders follow their path?