As a child I was brought up in a nation where everyone exclaimed that the ‘country is going to the dogs’! I grew up to be the young man accepting that. I REFUSE to believe it for a day more after today !
Over the last 8 days I have seen an old man stubbornly defy the government and follow in the footsteps of Gandhi using his models of non-violent protest and fasts. What was most moving however was to see India rise to rally around him in a movement whose only parallel is perhaps the fight for Independence itself.
Today we joined in a human chain in the IT Park where I work and it was with awe that I saw Vice Presidents and Office boys joining hands in their common cause. What inspires so many lakhs of people? Perhaps in every Indian who has long suffered (and perhaps indulged and accepted) corruption there is a seed of virtue still alive. This is perhaps a seed from the same tree that made India a mighty civilization thousands of years before the west had even seen rudimentary development. The world salutes us today as we stand up as a nation to make an attempt to control corruption.
And yet in the glory of the moment it is sad to see some who try to belittle these efforts and try to hitch a free ride to publicity by trying to stand out by offering a contrary view. Worse for others, it is simply an excuse for their cowardice. One does not have to be in agreement with the wording, ambit and viability of the Janlokpal but here are a few views on how any person with strong values ought to behave and ought not to try to sully pure intent.
1) The India Against Corruption initiative draws inspiration from the Gandhian freedom struggle. When Gandhi gave a call to Non Co-operation, Civil disobedience or Quit India, would it have been right to make one’s support conditional to the future vision of India being exactly as that particular person envisioned it ? I do not think there is a single Indian worth his salt who will deny that our social system is rotting in corruption and a need to change that situation is essential. If it is established that we all share one view in our fight against corruption, then it would be best to establish and come out in this agitation in whatever way you can irrespective of your views on the Janlokpal
2) The Ombudsman that will emerge as a consequence of the Janlokpal being passed gets a lot of people afraid that there may now be a new institution with huge powers that may itself turn corrupt. Point taken, but this bill is being drafted by eminent people who are experts in their own right. Further it will be offered for discussion in Parliament (Even if it skips the standing committee). These stages would weed out any such unchecked open looks. If you feel such an Ombudsman could pose a risk, there was opportunity for you to interact with Anna and his team. That is where it would have mattered. But going around making public declarations that we do not support the movement because you feel this way is being an outright gossip.
3) Please remember that the Lokpal will take shape either ways. This is now a battle whether the government ‘Jokepal’ which will make corruption easier will get passed or a stronger Janlokpal will emerge. There is no third choice ! It is Jokepal vs Janlokpal
4) There is a view that the Janlokpal is not required. All we require is to strengthen of existing laws and making them tighter. I won’t try to argue a case here. If someone can do this, then we all agree that this legislation is not required. The problem is that nobody has a clue on how to do this ! So let us not make global statements. They have been made since Independence and look where we are today !
5) Some will tell you this is all no use. The system will always be corrupt. Even a dog will try to get out of the swamp that he has fallen into. Do not engage in discussion with such people. Take out a contribution, buy them a basket of fruits and send them a ‘Get Well Soon’ Card. Regrettably, these are the people who will reap the benefits of these efforts. Think of it as charity to the sick.
6) There will be lakhs who are ignorant or ill informed. I come across so many who have been victims of the counter campaign by those who will be affected by this legislation. Educate yourself on the Janlokpal and this movement. Only them do you have the right to speak for or against. The text and simple explanations on it, the advantages over the government legislation ‘Jokepal’ and the credential of Anna Hazare and his team are public information available at the effort of a Google search
7) Last and definitely the least are those who benefit from a corrupt society. They will make every effort to dissuade you from supporting you. This is not their battle.
The Lokpal was first introduced in 1968. Our legislators are still discussing it and we know why they won’t let it succeed.
Please remember that the Janlokpal will take shape either ways. This is now a battle whether the government ‘Jokepal’ which will make corruption easier will get passed or a stronger Janlokpal will emerge.
Sixty four years ago India awoke to Independence. Today India’s conscience awakes in you and me. Anna is a symbol of those who stand against corruption. I am Anna, are you?
Please help me for Christ sake
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