I have been reading many posts and hearing people on TV expressing their reservation about this movement, about credibility of Anna and his team, about us being the reason for corruption, about undermining Parliamentary democracy, about Jan Lokpal Bill having its own loopholes, about the bill not being the panacea for all evils. Of course, each one of these has its own merits. So, what should we do? Nothing? Don’t support the movement, sit cynically and pray that each one of us sees sense and starts the transformation within. Wonderful, yeah that is going to happen :).
Yes, Jan Lokpal bill might have its own flaws, and I participated in the referendum they held here. I do feel that all Class Officers and MPs must be included under the purview of Lokpal because those are the officers we have to interact with and those that ask for bribe shamelessly. I know because I got my Passport renewed in 6 months after 2 RTI applications without paying a bribe but the police officers made my life miserable. They just would not move my file, not because my documents are faulty but because I am not giving them what they want. If there was no RTI, where would I have gone? I am sure at the time of RTI movement too there must have been serious concerns about its effectiveness. We say that many of us bribe as the easy way out. True because the bribe takers make your life miserable especially when it comes to Municipal Corporations or RTOs or Registration and Stamps Authority. I had to get my khata from BBMP and again was openly harassed and asked for bribe. Yes, the road for getting documents is strewn with thorns if you don’t pay bribe. I have both these cases documented on my blog. So, what do you say? Even if I don’t want to bribe where should I go? Wait for the thick-skinned bribe taker to have a change of heart? It will never happen. Thus, we need a body where I can complain and can be guaranteed time-bound action. Think of those poor people who can’t even afford to bribe. Are they doomed to suffer indefinitely to get what is their right?
Yes, our attitude as individuals needs a change too. But have you seen how these same Indians follow all rules, drive carefully, politely stand in queues, cough out money to cops for traffic violations with a smile when abroad because order is the norm and rules are strict. I am sure that with strict legislation, a beginning will be made that will convince the people to value honesty and the corrupt to fear some punitive action. I don’t buy the argument that most of us are corrupt. On the contrary, we are sick of the all-pervasive corruption and that is why students, educated people, office goers, elderly are all supporting this movement. People are taking leaves from offices, children are missing school — at least don’t belittle their conviction. We are fed up of corruption, and we want to do something about it. The time for inaction and empty talk is long gone. Do something, vote, don’t accept or give bribe but do something. If not now, when; If not you, who?
Personally, for the first time in a long long time, I have hope. I have a lot more to write, but I will leave it to your judgment to do what is right but do something at your own level.
I want to end with these inspirational lines:
Exactly. On ehas hope. But one fears for a poilitical condition where India will lose a central government. There are too many birds of prey waiting to pick at the riches of India.
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@The Holy Lama I don’t think that a government will be brought down, but they have badly bungled this issue. They have bad advisers and have erred again and again. All they need is to initiate dialogue, show some humility and listen to the voices of all citizen groups. This policy of throwing muck, sidelining of issues and using force to stifle opinions ain’t cutting ice any longer.
It is really disgusting to hear people constantly complaining about the system.It is not only people who are living here, but also those who have left these shores for their own comfort. Every blog is filled with only complaints, I often wonder do they ever try to see the good things we have achieved despite so many obstacles put in our way?
Things cannot change, unless we are willing to see the change and take steps to bring about the change. Even then things cannot be perfect, for there will always be some things which will be always beyond our control, otherwise why should a peaceful country like Norway suffer so suddenly from bombing, shooting etc.?
We have the freedom to speak out against the government, we have movements by right minded people fighting for the betterment of the society, even if we cannot join any of these movements, at least we should have the decency to appreciate, where it is leading us.
All the visuals shown in TV is not made up, they are real people like you and me coming out to the streets in rain and severe heat, marching ahead shouting slogans and peacefully protesting against the government, there was not a single instance of violence, each of them saying that they are participating in Satya graha, each individual is serious, they have not come all the way from far off places for picnic.
They have shown some responsible people speaking out for India and not just speaking out but also showing their solidarity with the movement, by marching in large numbers in pouring rain in NewYork, NweJersey, London and elsewhere.
Aren’t these things that people see, motivate them enough to feel pride welling in themselves for their country and their countrymen, but no, they only are satisfied with cribbing constantly for everything, the roads, the traffic, the hygiene, and poverty and so on.
Even now I was reading some stupid bloggers saying how far the team Anna would be successful, is anybody’s guess.
These people are worse than the corrupt politicians, for neither would they get up and support such organisations who fight for all of us, nor would they stop cribbing, sometimes I feel that such people should be asked to leave India and go and suffer elsewhere.
So many goodness we have in us, yet some of us choose only to high light the badness.
I wholeheartedly support this movement !
@Rama: ur comment could’ve been a post by itself 🙂
but yes i understand how frustrating it is when all around everyone sits coolly on their laptops in AC rooms cribbing n cribbing n cribbing
“”least we should have the decency to appreciate, where it is leading us”” true Rama.
@Rachna: finally i see a post that has sense & conviction, neither too rosy nor all thorny.
this is a beginning. but lets first begin, one step at a time. even our freedom was achieved after many many years & many million lives.
Good Rachna u took time to post ur views (even though this topic is “abused” by now by some thoughtless ppl). i was seriously getting tired of all the negativity. senseless, without understanding the entire picture ppl crib.
yes rachna .Believe me !even me n my husband were speaking the same thing.As the protests are going on everywhere,there may be government officials taking the bribe from the poor or middle class or uneducated people who are not aware of all these .Atleast as our dear anna says if there is supreme body unattached to the government ,there is a place where these people can complain rather than being helpless.
@rama Exactly! I agree with your point of view. Where in the world is everything perfect. Yes, we use our right to crib but when a 74-year-old man takes up for our future selflessly, we want to sit back and churn out intellectual fart. Those who don’t live here and complain really should keep their mouth shut. You are right, either act or you are free to go live elsewhere is things are so bad here. Criticism and cynicism are not tools for inaction.
@kavita Me too :).
@Sujatha Such an honest comment, I appreciate that. I also feel helpless when I hear the privileged among us not do anything to bring about change but are the first to crib.
Thanks! I feel the same way. Let us start somewhere. Let us be positive. Can’t we see how this issue has galvanized the nation to come together for one cause! Just today morning, I read one negative post and felt that I had to write too and keep my emotions in check as well :).
@raji Thank you Raji for your support. I can see that many protests have been planned in the US too. Here, we have our Justice Hegde to galvanize us and motivate us.
yesterday Kapil sibal was saying in the LS that Anna wants HIS version of the Lokpal. This morning when I head Kejriwal speaking outside the Tihar gates, it really warmed the cockles of my heart.He reiterated that both the versions be presented for discussion in the LS and let there be a debate. But when the Jan Lokpal version is not even presented what a travesty of justice can it be, especially after inviting the civil society to participate in the process?
We are all suffering and like you I am also cynical of the argument that a change can only come when everyone has a change of heart. Should we wait endlessly for that? 😛
yesterday Kapil sibal was saying in the LS that Anna wants HIS version of the Lokpal. This morning when I head Kejriwal speaking outside the Tihar gates, it really warmed the cockles of my heart.He reiterated that both the versions be presented for discussion in the LS and let there be a debate. But when the Jan Lokpal version is not even presented what a travesty of justice can it be, especially after inviting the civil society to participate in the process?
We are all suffering and like you I am also cynical of the argument that a change can only come when everyone has a change of heart. Should we wait endlessly for that? 😛
I whole heartedly support the movement and agree to every word you have written..the bribe takers have made our life miserable, spevcially for ordinary people.
Privileged one give happily as they get the returns in plenty anf for them that only matters.
@cybernag Let us all grab this opportunity to at least initiate the process of change irrespective of what we may feel about Anna or Lokpal bill but let us use this unity positively.
@Renu Yes, we are struggling with the system, and we have had enough. Let us do something about it.
Indeed….If not now, when; If not you, who?..and its not only you or I, in fact majority of Indians have hope for things to change…!!!
At times, it is ok to criticize the system, but we should not make it a habit. Demolishing corruption is a great move, but where are we demolishing it from, the system? The system is made up by people, people like you and me. We make the system, we are the system. To kill the disease called corruption, you really do not need a protest, you can just start by refusing to accept and give bribe, paying taxes on time, giving a lone 50 rs note to the traffic cop for jumping the traffic light. Such minimal acts when done by many creates a revolution in itself.
Agree…if it were not for lokayukta and the anger against corruption, Yeddy would still be the CM.
@Irfan Yes, that is true, but there are many with apprehensions.
@Ambika You are absolutely right. Thank you for visiting my space. We need to be more honest in our conduct. But that does not undermine the fact that the system also comprises babus and highhanded officials who can make your life miserable if you don’t pay up. In such cases, we need a strict legislation. Eventually, people have to understand the importance of honest living just like you pointed.
@Alka Truly and we need an extension of the Lokayukta at the Center now.
it should be supported whole heartedly ..for a clean and better India…
The life of common man wud be free of hassle and more ..stronger foundation for generations to come…
I liked the way fellow Indians showed there anger against the Government but nothing much will happen if JanLokpall bill get pass. Corruption is deep rooted in all of us, so instead of corruption rallies and demonstrations should be held for effective education system because education alone can help us grow as a mature nation.
Weakest LINK:)
I have got no problems with the movt or its crediblity…but a counter revolution is the beginning of weakness…if this is going to weaken our system…do we need it?
@Harman I would treat this as the first step in the battle on corruption.
@Rachit I would say that definitely Jan Lokpal is not a magic wand and will not solve all problems even of corruption. But, it is the first step and let us try and initiate other measures simultaneously.
@Jon I think systemic corruption needs to be curbed and for that systems will need to be modified. Oil mafias etc. can only be curbed by better policy implementation and changes in systems. This agitation should only lead to more debate on Lokpal bill and how give and take can lead to a stronger Lokpal bill.
Yes hope is that keeps us alive and keeps us going ..
The only problems is with all that happens with out khadiwearing leaders , I jsut hope this is not jsut one gimmick
which will make the whole of india sad ..
I know that alone Anna Ji cant do it we as citizens have to take the step and DO as is expected of us all.. so hopefully as that starts to happen
and hundreds of billions of people join hands .. this can be over in a day actually IF everyone joins hands ..
Just imagaine ONE day EVeryone does it .. and I can vouch thats all it wil ltake ONE Day of all together and these corrupt officials wont know what hit them …
God bless and AMEN to the thought, god willing the day will be soon there ..
Bikram’s
lok pal bill should be implemented..politicians are totally corrupt..
@Bikram and Jon Let’s hope for a day when we can wipe out the menace of corruption.
irrespective of the merits and demerits..what i like best about Team anna is they are not letting Govt to hide the mess and the creators of mess under the usual guile of court, case et al…..by making an issue out of this…they have ensured…that Govt has to deal with corruption without a “chalta hai” attitude and also this movement has provided an outlet for all the pent up emotions of common man…3 cheerz for Team Anna
btw gr8 write up mam…:-)
@Deekay Thank you! We do need to take on this monster on corruption head on.
loved the last line…for the past few days since i wrote in favour of the movement..much muck has been thrown..surprising..
i thought people want end to corruption..opposing this movement is fine..but give an alternative..do u want status quo is what i ask ..if not, the critics need to start their own version instead of just..gosh..
@Ramesh I agree Ramesh. So many people are giving smug comments questioning if Lokpal or another body can do anything. Basically, they are anti-corruption but they feel that Lokpal is promising much more than it can deliver. I see Lokpal as a beginning in our effort to bring about reforms elsewhere so that overall we can tackle corruption on all fronts. Anna is also teaching us to look within, sacrifice and bring change within ourselves — that is also wonderful.
Hey Rachna ,just came across this article few minutes back ,may be you’ve already read it but still here is the link …
http://clearvisor.wordpress.com/2011/08/23/why-i%E2%80%99d-rather-be-anna-than-arundhati/
@kavita Nice article. thanks for sharing.
All of us want a corruption free India , but everyone has to contribute in his way to achieve this goal .
Hi!. I have also written a post “MAin Anna Hoon”, may be checked at santoshspeaks.blogspot.com.
We should not hesitate a bit, every true Indian must join this movement, if we think or dream of a better future, Join ‘Anna hazare’s Movement’.