This is that time of the year; India’s independence day is approaching. The tricolor is all around us. Old patriotic songs play all around us. The channels change their logos in the color of the tricolor. Schools have special flag hoisting and programs. The atmosphere is filled with celebration. I joyously celebrate this occasion with my kids. Being born in independent India, freedom is something we take from granted, yet we cherish it.
But this year, I feel a certain level of disillusionment. The events around me leave me feeling sad. Our single biggest enemy is corruption. Sixty three years after independence, most of our population struggles with a life of poverty and indignity. We, who are relatively better off struggle with potholes, traffic, dust, pollution, illnesses, and corruption. Yes, we have the freedom to curse our politicians, even the PM. But try speaking out against the local Corporator, and you would be sure that goons would descend upon your house.
The single, most terrible trait is the tolerance we have for corruption and high-handedness. No one raises an eyebrow when mind boggling tales of siphoning of public wealth by babus and politicians are splashed everyday in the media. There is hardly any will to raise a voice against bribing or corruption. Everyone is satisfied with the “chalta hai” attitude, and things continue like this forever. The poor have no value attached to their lives — stark example of Bhopal Gas tragedy and the lack of justice associated with it. Massive cities grow in an unplanned way, and there is a lack of basic needs like water and sanitation. Look at how the prices of foodgrains and vegetables reel out of control of the common man. Malnutrition and deficiencies abound.
And, we still continue to fight over castes, languages, and religions. Which political party or politician actually addresses any real issues of concern for the common man? What is the pride in being an Indian in this scenario?
Surely, our martyrs did not lay down their lives to get independence from the British, to be ruled by Indians who may look like us, but have the same intentions of looting and self-benefit. Where is the independence?
let’s be d change v want to c in others..bloggers have strength, vigour, energy, knowledge and wisdom…together let’s build a global, united, loving, cheerful world..hey me not joking..for u everything is a joke ya…:)best wishes always
Rachna, Very nice post. I can feel your frustration because I feel the same
Clearly, the situation is much worse now than past years.
Like you mentioned…the city is expanding with no plans.
Can’t believe the road that goes to the Hyderabad Airport is congested already. Is this all our engineers could put forward? I think people are building around the roads by bribing the authorities.
why so much of corruption? Every reason leads to the government. Not enough salaries, inflation. How can a common man survive if he can’t afford to buy food?
Rachna, Very nice post. I can feel your frustration because I feel the same even though, I hardly deal with the corruption here on day to day basis.
Clearly, I did feel like the situation was much worse now than past years.
Like you mentioned…the city is expanding with no plans.
Can’t believe the road that goes to the Hyderabad Airport is congested already. Is this all our engineers could put forward? I think people are building around the roads by bribing the authorities.
why so much of corruption? Every reason leads to the government. Not enough salaries, inflation.
Hi Rachna, I love that pic in your header, reminds me of my young days catching fighting fish at padi fields.
Re your posting…..I sometimes wonder, with thousands of Indian students studying abroad, most returning home to India….how come things have not really improve in the Local governments?
Anyway, corruption starts from the top, always. Like a pyramid.
This much I can say, it shocks me as well few friends of mine dealing in selling of homes and cars….
of very young Asian students, girls and boys, hardly dry behind their ears, coming to US, Canada to do College or University studies…..
Holy Smoke! You should see the brand new cars they drive….quite often parents, or father is “back home, doing business, or in the government”….and they, quite often alone, purchasing a 5 room bungalow home in an exclusive neighbourhood….and drive to school in not only Porches, but top of the line, Porche Turbos…..BMWs, Mercedes…..all high end cars.
Very rarely do we see Asian students driving rusty clunkers.
And wearing you name the designer shoes or dress or handbag….they wearing or carrying it.
And? Paid for in cash!
Makes one wonder how 19 or 23 year olds can afford such heart attack prices…..
I once saw a 19 year old Asian student buying a $900 dress! Holy Smoke!
But I’m willing to bet 2 iced coffee and 4 plain donuts….these kids return home for school holidays, and that I don’t think their carry on bag when flying back has socks, spare shirts or towels…..
I was in the business line long ago, and got sick of the bad smell called ‘corruption’…..top to bottom.
But then nobody joins or becomes a politician to help his country or the people.
Tell me that and I’ll say there’s 5 Chinese restaurants on Planet Mars, ha ha.
Have a nice day, Lee.
@Ramesh Yes, I agree with your philosophy. And, so those who know me would say that I always speak up against wrongdoing. I got my BBMP khata done alone without paying a single penny in bribe, though it was a longer and tougher road for me. I am struggling with getting my passport renewed because I follow the right path. So, I am trying to be the change I wish to see. But, if you struggle against corruption everyday the way I do, staying in India, then you are bound to be frustrated. I have only lived in large metros all my life and have stayed in the US and Europe too. I know what quality of life is expected. And, this is not a joke, it is very serious – what is happening in our country? I try to be positive too. And, I will take your reply in that spirit :).
@Gayatri Thank you, didi. You have rightly pointed out – whether it be roads, bridges, flyovers, malls; there are deviations to the original approved plans. Bribing is much more rampant than we might think it is. You can’t get a single government document especially if everything is not done online without paying bribe or suffering long delays. I have recently filed RTI application for the delay in my passport renewal. Things only work this way in this country.
@Uncle Lee Thanks! You are absolutely right! We are aware how the bureaucrats and politicians amass massive public wealth. Then they send their kids abroad to study and splash their ill-begotten wealth. It is disgusting, and it happens all the time. It is not a secret, and they project themselves as sons of soil or farmers’ friends or some such crap. I hope they burn in hell, all of them. And, I hope that I live to see them pay for their sins.
About your question — the young, educated generation in India pays its taxes and expects an efficient administration. But, like you pointed out, the rot is top-down. It begins from the top honchos in politics to local politicians to bureaucrats and so on. And, those clean souls who get into this system of muck, are hardly able to change the system. They either get transformed or simmer with disgust and try to make a small difference in their own way. I don’t know in which way can we begin a people’s revolution? I know a lot of people are dissatisfied, but when it comes to raising voices, we Indians are meek mouses. Somewhere that is aggravating the problem!
rachna, inspite of all the corruption netas and babus don’t like attention on them.
so a letter to editor with a pic to the local area newspaper (We have it in chennai) does wonders.
we may not be able to do much about macro level, but at the micro level we can say no , we won’t be corrupt and help even lesser priveileged citizens fight corruption by helping them. one doesn’t have to be a social worker, just helping anyone you know deal with government work is a start.
after all our freedom fighters didn’t get intimidated by the might of british raj
This comment has been removed by the author.
@wise donkey What you are saying is a constructive way of handling the frustration. I guess, we all have to make an effort to keep up the intentions.
We have crossed all levels of corruption.Why else have been rated amongst the most corrupt nations of the world.
Hi Rachna, its a pity, I believe China, India and many dictatorial or Authoritarian ruled countries have no freedom of speech. Likewise their muzzled media, or handcuffed to strong government over the shoulder checks.
We here, as well in the States, there is freedom of the press. And God or all the Angels will not help him or her once the journalists sniff salt fish or anchovies around…
We here have 3 journalists, one a Lady….and all three take no prisoners, and their half page articles, or ‘investigative’, or ‘forensic journalism’ is without fear or favour.
And the first thing the PM, the MPs, the Mayor, Municipality councillors, the Chief of Police….and others holding government positions….read in the morning are the papers…..
They breathing a sigh of relief if their name, pictures not mentioned or exposed. Continue with breakfast.
But God help him or her if his, her name and photographs appears re whatever…..
And I dare say it not only spoils their appetite, but I am sure they become impotent too.
Yes, the reporters or journalists don’t take prisoners. Period!
And thats one sure way to prevent, stop the disease called ‘corruption’.
For me, if I am the PM….but I don’t think anyone will elect me in…ha ha….whoever takes money will either face a hanging, whipping or 25 years jail, no parole.
Game over.
Have a nice day, Lee.
@BK Chowla We have, indeed! There are small movements like Jaago re, but they are too small in this massive world of corruption.
@Uncle Lee There is one point which I’d like to disagree with. The freedom of speech of the media or even the common person on the streets is not stifled in India. Our media is what is a saving grace in this dismal scenario. And, we have seen governments falling down or ministers losing their positions when issues gather momentum. Sometimes, we, as people, fail when we turn a blind eye to all this. We have shining examples like the Lokayukta who continue to fight corruption at the topmost level.
But, I like the punishment you suggested for corruption. I would even suggest going a step further and chopping off their hands if found guilty.
boss, u have a serious point and i totally agree with u…sorry if the comment diluted it..cheers buddy:)
Your writting could change the world that you want. Express your thoughts!!. Politics , Business , Entertainment , Sports & Games , Life & Events ,and Health what else?. Meet your like minded here. The top social gathering in one place all the top notches meet here. It is not about win the race, participation is all matters. We proud inviting you to the the internet’s best Social community. http://www.jeejix.com .
@Ramesh No, not at all. I know you meant it in a positive way.
@sweatha Thank you for your kind words.
Rachna, if you and me be in politics, we’ll be like Clint Eastwood, ha ha….Lee.
well, do you think eradicating poverty and corruption is gonna make our country a better place. america has got everything we cannot afford, do you think they are happy. no. they have other problems like divorces, affairs, child custodies, abortions. they are lonely people among the crowd. acctually according to a survey, india ranks higher on the scale of happiness than america. you solve one problems, another one pops up.
@Uncle Lee You are so right 🙂
@krunal Hi Krunal,
Well I am not saying that we become the happiest if these problems are taken care of. I just want that the basics in life be not so difficult to acquire. That the poor are treated with some dignity. And, as far as relationships are concerned, divorces, separations, loneliness are happening in all the larger cities of India. I just don’t want to be at the mercy of others despite being an honest citizen and paying my taxes. I wonder if that is too much to ask for.