Corrupting Corruption....

Corruption has many definitions. We in this nation believe it to be an act of accepting bribes only or rather anything to do with illicit money. It is a very limited view we are observing here. A recent article by Mr. M.V. Kamath titled “India : A Nation under siege” speaks at length on corruption from the perspective of the common man and poses a few interesting questions. The author has cited examples of corruption based on statistics.

It is a good article and there is certain bit which I find the need to explore and present. The article speaks about the CVC (Central Vigilance Committee) study which states that a third of us are utterly corrupt while another 50% are on the borderline, so effectively, nearly 85% of us happen to be enemies of this nation according to the report. I will not deny these statistics as they reflect a similar picture of us if not accurate.

Now, are 85% of us accepting bribes to be classified as corrupt? I don’t think so and hence the definition of corruption must be understood better and on the broader scale.

Just take a few examples –

1.     During our youth years, we are advised by one and all to get a good college, a degree and a high paying job ; then settle down in a big house with 2/3 cars, find a good looking partner and live peacefully earning a lot of money. The advice stays on this level and there is great probability that the vast majority of us follow it.

2.     Most of us love soft drinks. It is a prevalent act of paying the shopkeeper extra Rs. 2/- for the refrigeration load. We do it without a second thought and hop off with the bottle.

3.     We jump traffic signals avoiding the police inspector and be done with it without the slightest of guilt. (Shanipar Chowk in Pune alone records over 15000 cases of signal jumping in a single day!)

The advice in the 1^st example, the act of extra payment in the 2^nd and the signal jumping in the 3^rd are acts of corruption. Have we ever pondered on it?

In the 1^st, when is the advice of growing up to be a good, decent, honest and principle oriented individual be heard? A few days back I read an article on “being good” in which the lady stated that people believe that good values and principles are inculcated automatically in an individual as there is an increment in the age. She went on to criticize this belief and stated that good values must be inculcated and need an effort for the same. In the quest for money and success we forget this simple truth of life. Life is about giving. We expect some Superman to come over one day and clean the muck for us! Why are we not advised to be brave and face all challenges of life for the greater good? Why are we not advised to contribute in any way possible and if need be sacrifice thy life for the nation’s growth? Why aren’t we told that our personal success is nothing but a tiny dot on the great canvass of Hindustaan? Why are we advised to stay away from "such matters" ? Why is it said, "May Shivaji be born in this nation" and not "May Shivaji be born in my house!" ? If we refuse to fight, then who will? If we refuse to give to this nation, who will?

In the 2^nd example, why do we pay the additional charges when the bottle clearly states of a distinct MRP (maximum retail price). If the retailers have any issues regarding the selling price and their profit margins it is their problem with the soft drink manufacturers and it is pathetic that they pass on that burden onto the consumer and it is even more so pathetic and despicable that we accept this injustice choosing to be cowards rather than fight. I agree that argument does not always lead to a change but it is my personal experience that changes occur over time and demand perseverance. In this very context, I myself have resumed purchasing cold drinks at MRP 4 months ago after nearly a 8 month break over the price issue with most of the shopkeepers I met!

I have cited just 3 examples but there are many more so which at 1st glance and even on greater thought seem to be not associated with corruption but have a great impact and fan corruption through the system. My friends, the tiniest of tiniest acts can be acts of corruption. It is upon us to realize whether they are so or not in particular cases/incidences. We need to remind ourselves that we are a part of the system and when we say the system is at fault and essentially corrupt we are talking about ourselves. When we say it is corrupt it is of prime importance to ask ourself the question - Am I corrupt as well? Paying bribes for selfish motives or self gain is a greater act of corruption than those who receive them. It is we who encourage rogues to loot us just because we don't want "trouble" or "get it done quickly" !!

85% is a great number and warns of a dark future. Small incidences point to corruption and help it to grow. Even by understanding that corruption is way beyond what is perceived by the majority we take a strong step in the right direction. Let us make a pledge to revisit all our acts henceforth and ask ourselves whether in some way or the other they lead to corruption and if they do, decide to stamp out the attitude within us which contributes to it. For the nation to change and the golden era to be back, that 85% needs to come down. The least each one of us can do is to ensure that the self is not part of the 85% and the numbers will take care of itself.

To freedom and to fighting corruption out of every nook and corner not only outside our minds, bodies and souls but most importantly inside us by the sweat of our brows and the strength of our backs and the courage of our hearts....

Jai Hind!