Very few people are aware that after a new president is sworn in, the estate manager informs him of the many duties he has to perform as the president of a huge nation like India. “First sir, you will be required to stroll in the vast gardens every morning!”
“So that I can make decisions about the future of the country?”
“No, no sir, so that you can tell the gardener afterwards which plants are dying, which trees need watering, and branches that require trimming. You see sir, with the severe cuts the government has put on staff, we need your help in this important duty!”
“I shall certainly rise to the task,” says the new president, “and will not be found wanting!”
“Thank you sir. The previous president spent so much of her time abroad, that our gardener fell sick with overwork!”
“That will certainly not happen, though I do intend visiting the USA, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, England, France…”
“Oh no sir, we will have to warn the gardener to take a health insurance policy!”
“What else are my duties?”
“The peacocks sir!”
“What about them?”
“They need to be looked at, stared at, admired! We will show you different spots where you can view the peacocks and spend hours making them feel they are being noticed: Slightly vain creatures, and for them to know that the President of India stares at them everyday will help them live longer, more happily and save the government much needed funds, spent on buying new birds!”
“You can rest assured I will not fail in my duty!”
“Sir we will also require you to visit all the rooms of your presidential palace!”
“You want my special advice on repairs?”
“No, no sir. Many of the rooms are eerie and could be haunted, if you could open the doors and go in and check for ghosts, it would help us save much of our time!”
“But why don’t you and your staff check?”
“Sir, we are very busy from morning till night, whereas in your case…”
“Okay, okay, I will check all the rooms!”
“Carry this long broom with you sir!”
“To hit the ghosts with?”
“No, sir, to clean the cobwebs!”
“But isn’t that your job?”
“Sir, we are very busy from morning till night, whereas in your case…”
“Okay, okay I will carry the long broom with me. Is there any thing else I am supposed to do?”
“That is all sir!”
“But aren’t there official functions, ceremonies, festivals?”
“You will be too exhausted sir, after your hard days work, the Prime Minister and the new Finance Minister have agreed to help, by attending those official duties while you do your presidential ones..!”