The need for political correctness when holding the highest of Constitutional offices limited the scope of President Ram Nath Kovind’s first Republic Day address. Yet within those constraints, and perhaps in truly “presidential” father-figure fashion, he did indicate some anxieties over the way things were playing out, and called upon citizens to take a lead in ensuring that the institutions of the Republic lived up to the lofty standards envisaged by their creators ~ the Founding Fathers whose magnum opus is venerated on January 26.

Traditional philanthropy and tolerance was emphasised, his call for educational, economic and social reform with the objective of elevating the masses might even have sounded obsolete socialism, but it was clear that he looked beyond international ratings to determine the welfare-levels of the Indian people.

There was a realistic underpinning to his presentation, and it required no pundit to perceive concerns over the crisis in the apex court, worries over institutions not confining themselves to their mandated roles, and even fears over what might result from the skewed sense of identity-pride that were fuelling flames over a controversial film. Mr Kovind did not mention any of those specifically: there was no requirement for him to do so ~ those who claim to be “leading” the nation ought to be sensitive enough to “get the message”.

It would be tempting to contrast Mr Kovind’s homily with the animated essays of his predecessor’s closing public exhortations. That would be unfair. Having been on the fringes of the political storms upon which Pranab Mukherjee had thrived, Mr Kovind could not be expected to get embroiled in the rough and tumble of the national debate. Hailing from the same political stock as those in government also had its limitations ~ remember that Mr Mukherjee struck his purple patches only when the NDA came to power, and his impending departure from Rashtrapati Bhawan gave him elbow room aplenty. Maybe as Mr Kovind makes the “palace” his own he will shed some inhibitions and quit pulling his punches.

It would, however, be somewhat cowardly not to point out that the President seemed devoid of spark in his R-Day curtain-raiser. His speechwriters clearly need to add some “oomph” to his presentations ~ it required more than one reading to discern the subtleties of his message, a luxury in which only a limited few could indulge. There was no striking of a chord with a national audience. In this age of television those managing Mr Kovind’s public image have a lot of work to do before he can go beyond a teleprompter and “reach out”, so that the people can take him to their hearts. He appeared cold and insipid ~ which was a pity because he did make many valid points. A makeover is essential: the President of India merits more than a lifeless and typically ‘Doordarshan’ projection.