THE EXCHANGE. How about a ‘Status of the nation’ address?

The annual brouhaha of the Budget is over. Even as many thinkers wax eloquent on the reducing weight of this annual event, the real-time expectations and excitement contradict the logic.

In this day and age of split-second communication, can we not think of evolving a way for the leadership to communicate a broader canvas to the public at large?

To my mind, the citizen needs a much broader coverage of not just economic matters, but how it is impacting lives and how the social eco-system around him is faring.

While the Budget will be an exacting version on matters economic, perhaps pairing it and supplementing it with broad-based communication and a broader vision will generate deeper resonance with the big picture.

I would like to articulate some broad ideas on which more enlightened souls could build.

Yes, our Prime Minister does connect frequently with the people via the radio programme Mann ki Baat ; yet this programme is intended more as an emotional connect and also tries to shape positive social and work values and addresses specific needs and occasions. It cannot be seen as a formal accountable summary of the larger national status. The US constitutionally requires its President to give its Congress information on the “State of the Union” and recommend any measures that he believes are necessary and expedient.

Earlier this report used to be submitted in writing, but this has now transformed into a speech delivered to the joint session of Congress in the early part of each year.

More to the point, what began as a communication from the President to the legislature has now become a communication between the President and the people. It has become institutionalised as the “State of the Union” address.

Why can we not model for ourselves an annual “Status of the Nation” address by the PM around the same time as the Budget? The Budget can be condensed as a statement of account and an economic sub-agenda in the larger national narrative.

The core of such a key address by the PM would not only be the condition of the nation in broad terms and across a wide canvas, but an outline of the legislative agenda and national priorities.

Let us begin by appreciating that even as large parts of the population voted for a development agenda, the understanding of what development can deliver in terms of livelihood opportunities and quality of life has not yet percolated decisively. Therefore, the support for a development agenda is driven more by plain aspiration rather than belief that it can change life for the better.

Leaders are Good Communicators — regardless of whether we talk about business, politics, sports or the military. Their values are clear and solid, and what they say promotes those values and motivates and inspires people. The value to be derived from their sustained messaging is immeasurable.

Outlining the Nation’s growth, economic and competitiveness needs and priorities, and building a wider acceptance for reforms is a good starting point, as is stressing the need and ways to bridge trust deficit essentially amongst government, society and business.

People must be certain that decisions and actions taken in good faith will be respected. The leader must report on the national agenda for livelihood creation across sectors and regions and annually set out a rolling National Vision for India’s Global Standing in the next 5-10 years! The leaders may talk about their ideas in a way that speaks to our emotions and aspirations.

It will also be a good platform to present a consolidated picture of achievements and slippages on all fronts — economic, legislative, social or on national security. When candour is communicated with empathy and caring, good things happen. The enhanced pattern I suggest above cannot substitute parliamentary discourse. This is more about helping millions of Indians by addressing their concerns and presenting a real-world analysis that can add value to their lives.

The writer is an entrepreneur and former president of Ficci. The views are personal