In Indian culture, touching the feet of elders or respected figures is a gesture of reverence.

But there’s something far deeper than tradition in that act—it is the outward sign of an inward humility. A posture of heart, not just of body.

And perhaps that is why it is so jarring when those who should be humble—yes, the ones entrusted with spiritual or political leadership—stand waiting to be revered, rather than bending in reverence themselves.

Each year, during Maundy Thursday services, Christian leaders across the globe kneel and wash feet. Bishops, cardinals, pastors—all follow a script: water, towel, robe, a few selected parishioners.

Cameras flash, choirs hum. But what follows? Business as usual. Hierarchies intact. Thrones untouched. Reverence expected, never returned.

But the original moment—when Christ knelt and washed the feet of His disciples—was no performance. It was a command. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14). He meant it. Not as a Holy Week ritual, but a lifelong way of living.

Christian leadership has strayed dangerously far from that command. It has become a place of elevation, not descent. Pulpits have become platforms, and collars have become crowns. Where once there were towels and basins, now there are rings to be kissed and titles to be preserved. But Jesus did not come to be served. He came to serve. And if we claim to follow Him, that must be the posture we adopt:

Touch the feet of your people—not symbolically, but sincerely.

Not for a photograph, but in real life. Touch the feet of the broken, the unnoticed, the forgotten. Step off the pedestal and kneel in the dust. Until then, your robes are empty, your rituals hollow.

And to our political leaders: the call is no different.

Oh, haven’t you made foot-touching a one-sided act! You stand with pride while your followers stoop. But what if you touched their feet instead? What if you, the elected, remembered you were chosen to serve, not to rule? What if you knelt—not in staged charity, but in true compassion?

The people whose feet you must touch are those who walk barefoot to vote for you, who stand in lines for rations, whose backs carry the weight of this nation.

You do not rise by being worshipped. You rise by stooping low in service.

Both pulpit and parliament need to rediscover what true leadership looks like. It is not about being revered—it is about revering. It is not about being lifted—it is about lifting others.

The world has had enough of leaders who sit high and demand honour. What it needs—desperately—are leaders who bow low, not once a year, but every day.

Because the one who kneels to touch, is the only one worthy to lead you and me..!

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