Even in changing times, there are some ground rules that should not be violated. This is a lesson an Indian learns from his Constitution, which, though vague on many counts, yet offers a basic map of the democratic structure. It is extremely disconcerting, therefore, to find that the president, Mr K.R. Narayanan, the chief upholder of the Constitution by virtue of his chair, taking over what may be called the role of the ideologue of the nation. In the Indian democracy, the president is the official head of the state and has certain clearly defined roles to play. His relationship to the executive is formal, and he can act only within stated constitutional parameters. His Republic Day speech falls among his formal duties. Addressed to the nation, it is chiefly meant to capture the feeling of nationhood and reassure the people in times of crisis. Needless to say, such a speech would convey a sense of confidence in the ruling government of the day. The president being expected to be above politics, even indirect expressions of dissatisfaction with the government can be construed as signals of something wrong in the functioning of the polity.