“The World is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don’t do anything about it”.
- Albert Einstein
In India, we are now in the middle of an animated debate on what need be done to tackle the rampant corruption that has permeated all facets of Indian life. Anna Hazare, seen as a selfless saint by majority of Indians, is leading a non-violent movement for institution of laws (Jan Lokpal Bill) and structures to take on the perpetrators with an iron fist. On the other hand government seems to be in favor of status quo, trying hard to hide its ineptitude in doing anything about corruption, by talking about constitutional provisions, procedures or plain stonewalling. The ruling party’s dirty tricks department has even tried to discredit Anna (the famous quip about the Gandhian being engulfed in corruption from ‘head to toe’, and insinuating that he is an army deserter, which turned out to be blatant falsehoods) and muddying the waters by talking about the supremacy of the parliament, sanctity of democratic processes and also by bringing in many other inheritors to the discourse with alternate bills and thoughts.
All this for making sure that Anna Hazare does not walk away with the sobriquet of a ‘The second’ Gandhi. And of course to make sure that the ruling party keeps enjoying all the trappings of power without having to worry about someone asking them any uncomfortable questions.
The Indian populace has been more or less a mute spectator to this continuing spectacle of arrogant misrule and self aggrandizement, having no leverage to alter the intent or actions of the ruling elite, i.e. politicians and the bureaucracy. Indians as an aggregate have faired badly in electing good representatives. We have voted for caste, religion, reservations, but never for higher rate of economic growth, investments in social sector and/or good governance.
Consequently, challenges facing the nation are multiplying but the political leadership continues playing petty politics. Also, we are at an epoch in history that can catapult us into the developed country league. The alternate scenario (not progressing at a fast pace) could lead to India falling back to the third world status again. We need to get economy to the next level of growth for the sake of our future generations.
But is our political leadership capable of leading us to our destiny?
The Jan Lokpal bill is a test case for the efficacy and thought process of governance. So far, it does not inspire confidence. But more than the inability or ‘lack of will’, it is the justifications that are a cause for concern.
The biggest bloomer being heard these days is that the people at the helm of affairs are personally honest. So is the personal integrity sufficient even if you fail in all your duties?
Was Nero right in playing his flute, when Rome was afire?
Or should the Prime Minister’s desk have a tablet announcing “The buck stops here”.
Do we just let the ogre of corruption roam free?
Do we let inefficiencies, bad governance, horrible policies continue unabated, because some people are personally honest?
I guess, I will prefer my leaders to wear courage/sagacity/responsibilities as their
‘Medals on the chest’, rather than personal integrity and dereliction.
AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT CORRUPTION AND ROADBLOCKS THWARTING THE PROGRESS OF INDIA
For motivation, I look up to Edmund Burke and Teddy Roosevelt.
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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke
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"I would rather try and fail than be with those cold and timid folks that
know neither victory nor defeat" paraphrased
Teddy Roosevelt
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