LETTER | The electoral “Sitz im Leben” that has unfolded in the state of Tamil Nadu in India, culminating in the anointing of its new chief minister, is bursting through all media worldwide.

The “Talapathy” phenomenon is not accidental. Neither is it manufactured. It is real and is here to make its mark worldwide on its own strength.

C Joseph Vijay, known as Talapathy (commander or leader), who has taken the state (and in many ways across countless political mindset borders too), has demonstrated beyond what he was, he is and what he can be.

Vijay’s victory garnered in the short span of a two-year political entry thunders a reality that many nations, leaders, and aspiring politicians should wake up to.

While many news media have painstakingly tried to spin around the story board of a “political thriller” as they raced to outdo each other with their “breaking news”, there is a stark reality that is being ignored.

The journey of this Tamil Nadu “Talapathy” breakthrough was built on the underestimated platform of “virtual warriors” - as Vijay himself rightly acknowledged.

In this fast advancing (if not revolutionising) communication technologies of the 21st century, citizens have the very weapons of war in their palms to shape their futures.

Social media, with its unimaginable speed and capabilities, is empowering every man on the street - irrespective of where, when, how, and what they are.

Vijay’s victory encapsulates the truth of how one man saw the power of virtual warriors and held steadfast towards harnessing this mighty power.

The will of the common citizens

What emerges is the fact that you cannot outsmart, let alone bury, this “new wave” that is reshaping human civilisation.

As it is now proven, tomorrow’s political history is not chiselled by mainstream news media. Neither can it be carved by politicians and wannabes.

On the contrary, it is anchored in the will of the common citizens. For they now have an ever-empowering weapon of war in their palms that provides the means and ability to roadmap their desired destinies.

The age of corruption, self-enrichment, absolute power and control, ruling by machiavellian means, or profiting from divisive politicking - all of these are now at the mercy of citizens.

Tamil Nadu has inked the blueprint of a new world order set to turn political tables upside down. With this, leaders across the globe better reckon with speed - including in my tiny nation, Malaysia, which has built a bloating, political ego.

Justice, equality, and the rise of humanity are real. It is going to root deeper, far and wide. Civilisation is rewriting its future.

The virtual warrior has arrived and is here to stay.

Let us build a greater future as every citizen now becomes an able architect of nation-building.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.