Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Sunday, 12 October 2025

The Weight of Expectation: When Public Service Meets Personal Calling

The Weight of Expectation: When Public Service Meets Personal Calling

When I came across the news of Suresh Gopi expressing his desire to step down as a Union Minister to return to films, it sparked a familiar reflection within me. It’s a classic human dilemma, isn't it? The push and pull between a perceived public duty and a deep-seated personal passion. In this case, the world of cinema, where he truly made his mark, beckons him back ["'Never wanted to quit films': Suresh Gopi expresses desire to step down as Union minister; names his 'successor'"].

I’ve followed some of the local sentiments from Thrissur, his constituency in Kerala, and it's clear there's a mixed bag of emotions. The Reddit discussions, for instance, reveal a public grappling with his political performance, with many questioning his political performance. This sentiment isn't unique to Gopi; it's a recurring theme when celebrities transition into politics. The public often expects the same charisma and decisive action seen on screen, without fully appreciating the complex, often slow, and bureaucratic nature of governance. The immediate gratification of a film project, where a role is defined, executed, and presented, stands in stark contrast to the long-term, often thankless, work of a public servant navigating policy, public opinion, and parliamentary procedures. Perhaps Gopi, like many before him, realized the fundamental difference between these two worlds – one offering a clear narrative and a defined outcome, the other a perpetual state of negotiation and incremental progress. His yearning to return to cinema might stem from a desire for that creative fulfillment and a direct connection with his craft, away from the intense scrutiny and often harsh judgments of the political arena. This dilemma highlights the unique pressures faced by individuals who attempt to bridge the gap between popular culture and public service, often finding that the skills and satisfactions of one do not easily translate to the other.


Regards, [Hemen Parekh] Any questions? Feel free to ask my Virtual Avatar at hemenparekh.ai

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