“You need to stand properly!” That was one of my twin grandsons getting instructions during an archery lesson in America a few months ago. Apparently, looking enthusiastic while pointing something dangerous in a general direction did not qualify him as archer.

A useful discovery, which I wish our national leaders would make.

Dussehra has just passed, and newspapers and WhatsApp forwards have displayed our leaders holding bows and arrows. Their expressions suggested Ravana was finished. Their stances suggested the photographer should increase his life insurance. Some appeared to be aiming at evil, others at a passing pigeon, and a few seemed uncertain which department handled the arrow.

Watching them, I remembered accompanying my grandsons to learn archery. The instructor began with their feet. Imagine that! Before discussing where the arrow should go, he explained where they should stand.

Then came holding the bow, positioning the arrow, drawing the string and keeping the body steady. My grandsons listened carefully. They understood that enthusiasm required instruction. Neither demanded that the target move closer because his grandfather was watching.

Neither blamed the previous batch of students when an arrow went astray.

Our leaders, however, looked as though somebody had handed them unfamiliar objects moments before announcing, “Look stern, sir!” And stern they did look. Here was a splendid opportunity to defeat evil without answering questions, attending a debate or explaining why the road outside the venue still resembled an archaeological excavation.

But as I chuckled at those photographs, another thought arrived. Is this how some of them handle democracy too? Pick it up for the ceremony, strike an impressive pose, wait for applause, then hand it to an assistant until the next occasion requires a suitably constitutional background?

Democracy is not a toy bow nor is freedom a decorative arrow. And the Constitution is certainly not a stage accessory to be held reverently while somebody checks whether the cameras have captured the reverence. These things require understanding, practice and, occasionally, the humility to accept correction.

The instructor corrected my boys repeatedly. They adjusted their stance and tried again. I wonder how such a lesson would proceed with certain dignitaries. “Your position is wrong, sir,” the instructor might say, before discovering that his academy had suddenly developed several building violations requiring immediate investigation.

Perhaps every aspiring leader should attend an archery class. Learn to stand firmly without trampling others. Learn that strength needs restraint. Learn that releasing an arrow has consequences, just as releasing a reckless statement does. Above all, learn that the people standing nearby deserve protection, however magnificent your intentions may sound.

The twins went there wanting to hit a target and accepted that they needed teaching. That willingness was the most impressive part of their lesson. Before our leaders reach for another ceremonial bow, perhaps they could show the same willingness. After all, when they mishandle democracy, it is we who get pierced…!

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