It’s been some time since my last blog. Time sure does fly and situations do change.
So many things have happened in this short while. India winning the world cup, Mumbai being targeted once again, the markets crashing, disgusting stories of corruption, and heartening demonstration of revolt against the politicians and corruption by the usually submissive “Aam admi”.
Why is the Aam admi a walk over? Why is the Aam admi fearful? Why does the Aam admi bear the brunt of misfortune? Why does the Aam admi have to put up with disrespectful, agonizing moments of degradation?
There is no one simple answer. However, in my perspective, the answer is “lack of time”.
How many times have we heard the saying “An idle mind is a devils workshop”? We have heard it enough to have memorized it without trying.
An Aam admi simply does not have time. Aam admi is working hard to provide bread on the table, clothes for the body, shelter for the head, and insurance for the future. Aam admi is fearful of not being able to have access to the basic requirements to live if the time is spent on so called revolt against corruption.
Aam admi only wonders why is he being asked to pay up extra for no fault of his? Why should he pay an officer (who is being paid salary by the Government from the taxes paid by people like him) to do his duty. He wonders why can’t people just do their jobs and get on with it?
He can’t help but pay up the extra amount. The reason being, there are many jerks around who care a hoot for his predicament and have no qualms of paying bribe. This results in the officer thinking that it is birthright to not work without a bribe, and the Aam admi accepts it as a norm to pay bribe. The Aam Admi cannot say no to the bribe and risk his valuable time.
Things will fall in order only if all the citizens have a sense of duty. Perform your duties as required by you. I am as guilty as any of you offering bribe. But the recent developments have gotten me thinking. Seeing the support for Anna Hazare made me realize that I am not alone. There are millions who are frustrated with the oppression as me and wish for a change.
Now is time to hit back. The iron is hot. Let’s stop giving or taking bribes. Let Government officers perform their duties as per their role for the salaries they get from us. We rarely get chance to demonstrate our frustration, this in one time now… lets utilize it to the maximum and hope things change for better.
Nice read. Lets start with small things ourselves where we can put a fullstop to giving bribes.
ReplyDeleteThe current agitation targets corruption only in the public sector. So, looks like corruption is a prerogative of the private sector and common man, not a government servant.
ReplyDeleteWe are all individuals and when we try and change ourselves, make an effort to be be honest and be non-corrupt, will this honesty reflect collectively in the society. As long as we are corrupt in our day-to-day life, we can never ever do away with corruption.