"Karcha Paani"

The whole nation has shown solidarity with Anna Hazaare renouncing the arrest as anti- democratic, at this point of time, I would like to share some of my thoughts about corruption that is prevalent in all levels. Today the bitter reality is that corruption is deep-rooted in all walks of our life. Someone was saying that what matters today is to eliminate corruption in top level.. i.e., Rupees in Millions & Billions only matter.... why do you bother about small ticket bribes? I was shocked to hear this.

Who is corrupt?

Can it be said that it involves politicians or beaurucrats who expect monetary favours. Shall we exclude those in the Govt departments expecting say Rs 500 /Rs 1000 or so for small favours like moving your file or getting a signature within that round stamp? Or one can be charged with corruption only if he or she has committed an act of accepting a huge financial favour.. 2G or CWG or so on !!!"

I don't think that we can exclude those who are expecting Karcha Paani (small favours) also from the definition of corruption. Therefore friends.. India is afflicted with the fatal disease of corruption at all levels, it is in Intensive Care Unit .... otherwise do you think that there would have been this much support to Anna.

Today everyone of us is knowingly or unknowingly a victim to the corrupt practices prevalent in our society ... Let all those who are raising slogans to day in high pitch in their anxiety to bring out the Jan Lokpal..touch their heart to question whether we are all responsible for this sorry state of affair or not. Why should one pay that extra bucks for getting a Driving License? Why should you get your property registered after paying to all the 'lesser Gods' and 'Greater Gods' I mean. the society in which we live includes our own brothers and sisters who work in Government offices ... and demand bribes on the one hand and on the other, they themselves are forced to pay extra bucks for their own personal works.. Let us awake at least now, thanks to Anna.... history will definitely adore team Anna, but then ....

Is it a Second freedom struggle?

Somehow right now, perhaps I am unable to equate the current anti-corruption war to the freedom struggle of India fought over 4 centuries. Neither I will equate Anna with Mahatma. What sacrifices we have made in this battle so far... How many valuable lives had been lost so far...? True that Anna is following the non violent path shown by Mahatma. Let us not forget one thing... This current war against corruption is waged against our own Government , accepted & elected by us... All along we have been silent spectators or if I put it other way around, we were part of it. and we are therefore accountable for all our silence all over the past 6 decades. It is not a QUIT INDIA movement either. We can not send these creed of Indians out of our country... They need to be corrected. Therefore wee have to wait and see the direction this battle against corruption is going to take. After all, India has discovered one Anna just a few months back only... let us not forget.

Who is going to be the watch dog.. Lok pal or Parliament

Let us not forget that the above issue needs to be sorted out. If Lokpal is the authority to book the corrupt, who will be accountable for their failures. If Parliament is accountable, to whom they should be answerable.. Is it Lokpal or Elected Body which will be superior, and if Lokpal fails, or we going to wage another war against corruption. Who is going to elect the Lokpal.. will there be nepotism to the hot seat.. if so what is the guarantee that the lokpal will work in letter and spirit for which it is chosen

Will the corruption end?

The political parties may pull down each other by supporting or opposing the Lokpal Bill in their only mission to capture or remain in power. If Anna's movement gains momentum and ends in bringing a tangible solution to the question of corruption, yes.. it may be able to bring freedom against Corruption. It is just a beginning of a long drawn war... the mass moment against corruption should go on... irrespective of who is in the helm of affairs.. the lokpal bill is not an end.. it is just a via media... then only the SOCIAL EVIL could be routed. It is like BLOOD CANCER... deep-rooted in the souls of all ... top to bottom... we are party to it, let us accept it.. for we allowed it.. accepted it ... made it a way of life...

The day we will hoist our tri-colour free of any strains in it, we can think of writing in indelible ink as SECOND FREEDOM STRUGGLE. Until then, let us think about ways to curb corruption .. nothing else friends...

V Selvarajan