Freedom Pipe Leaks Corruption

The Indian civilization has been on this planet for over 3,500 years but today it celebrates its 65^th Birthday. The midnight of August 15, 1947 was eventful for every Indian, when India gained independence from the grip of the mighty British.

Since then, this day is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, across the length and breadth of India. The story of the voyage to Indian Independence is a dramatic one, and like any other good story, filled with interesting characters as well as a great deal of tragedies.

After a lot of blood shedding struggles and sacrifices we attained what we proudly call ‘Freedom’.

Let’s talk about Freedom?

It is indeed a very abstruse term to define in any way. Bronislaw Malinowski wrote, “Freedom can be defined as the conditions necessary and sufficient for the formation of a purpose, its translation into effective action through organized cultural instrumentalities, and the full enjoyment of the results of such activity”.

It is true that many criterions must be met to get freedom ascertained. Freedom didn’t come easily for India. We all have studied the Indian Struggle for Freedom and are very well versed with this fact.

Without freedom there cannot be decency and there would not be much worth living for. But it appears as if we have taken this fact for granted.

We have taken our freedom as a cake or it seems like our tummies could not able to digest the freedom which we got free of cost, even though our freedom fighters have forgo their lives for this free air that we pollute so effortlessly today.

The harsh truth is that most of us don’t even know what freedom is. When in school, we all learnt about freedom of speech and expression. But how free are we to express. In the name of region, religion we are still getting ruled by the politicians.

This present apathy shows how far the degradation of our values has reached, and how low the system has dipped.

Why politics and most of the politicians in India are so corrupt?

Because of the disregard for honesty, righteousness and truth, it was the emanation of political elite who believe in interest-oriented rather than nation-oriented programmes and policies.

This corruption that we see today is not a development that has come overnight.

It has been a continuous process since the past several decades and today it has advanced into the very blood stream of the system.

One would say corruption in India has an ancient birth; it is consecrate by tradition. The author of Arthashastra made some remarks on the government officials of his time which are relevant even today: “Just as it is impossible not to taste the honey or the poison that finds itself at the tip of the tongue, so it is impossible for a government servant not to eat up at least a bit of the king’s revenue.”

The government officials found the post-war conditions perfect for fishing in troubled waters and getting richer. They formed a sort of monstrous circle in which beliefs and true intentions no longer held valid.

The ordinary Indian has reached the highest level of hatred and disappointment at the way things are happening in this country.

The monster of corruption hasn’t spared anyone. We do not mind doing anything as long as we meet our ends.

There was a time when bribe was paid for getting the wrong things done but today the scenario has changed. Now bribes are paid for getting the right things done at the right time.

Corruption has endangered the very existence of this nation. Fight against corruption in itself has become a joke.

A big name is involved in any corruption case, there is a lot of hoo-hah for some time, but then it all dies down with the passage of time and the corruption continues unabated.

How does this happen?

This is very obvious for all those who have to be at the clearing end are bought, so, no damage can ever come to the so called elites.

This is the main reason why there is never any advance in any scam. In this situation it will be a wonder if anything palpable can really be achieved for, the elites cannot be touched, and the lower formations need not be touched – so we remain where we were at the commencement of any case.

The scams which have come to light in last one decade have amounted to multi – crores, they are being dealt with but, it is so astonishing that no politician has yet been punished for drawing off so much of wealth of a poor country.

When the senior cannot be punished how can there be any dusting at the bottom.

Everyone knows who the corrupt are but, the paradox of our system is such that no one can be touched. If this situation remains any longer, it is a wonder if there could be any light at the end of the tunnel.

Recently, all this Anna Hazare episode of fighting the corruption is on the rise. What is the use of just a show of dealing against corruption, while in reality all cases are just quietly postponed banking on the fact that, public memory is very short.

From where do these people get such guts to bluntly make a big fool of the masses?

It’s the acceptance of people towards corruption, complete lack of powerful uproar against corruption. Corruption is India has wings, not wheels.

Independence Day has always been about patriotic songs, hoisting the flag and disturbing tricolored brooches.

The tiranga will be seen everywhere… on vehicles and even lying on the roads and till evening they will be inside dustbins.

Is this how we will define our Freedom and India?

But we hardly have that feeling.

I wonder if I will be lucky enough to be blessed with a TRUE independence day and I will get the chance to write what I really want to read and see.

(My article published in UDAIPUR TIMES on 15th August.)

Missing Those Good-Old-Days With Friends

Today I’m working on a presentation at my favourite coffee shop. It’s not just the usual coffee shop. It’s special. It’s where I used to come with my friends and spend time with them laughing, gossiping for reasons that bore no relevance. It’s spring outside, the sun is shining bright. There are fresh flowers on the tables. Book shelves line the walls with books and coffee cups placed on them.

There is a beautiful scene painted on the wall in front of me. The chairs are comfy and very plush. Everything is just like before except that today, I don’t have my friends with me.

I have heard that life keeps on moving and today I feel-“it really does”- we graduated and went ahead to fulfil all the dreams that we had nurtured .

Today, I sit here with jokes, but, to my dismay there is no one to share them with. I reckon the innocent promises that we had made but little did we knew that life had other plans for us.

Today, when I sit here I’m alone. It’s the same place where we vowed to be lifetime buddies, but, today it seems like it has been lifetime I met them.

Yes, certainly, I miss them, the good and bad times, tears, joy and laughter. All the memories together are coming flooding back.

The things we did back then, the things we shared have all gone now, resting in the past, but never forgotten. There are many situations where I sit back on my chair and a smile spreads across my face thinking of my pals, who, I wish were there with me at that moment.

I miss my friends so utterly that I can feel their absence every now and then. There are situations when we all think that if it could have been for my friend he would have replied in this manner or maybe he would have commented in his unique style.

From tender age, they taught me that they are a treasure; that they can and will bail me out when I get into trouble.

With friends you’re in for a merry ride, with loads of thrills, emotional banter, romance and camaraderie. They taught me that friends are something you make out of your choice and not due to any obligation.

As I write this, the most beautiful lines from Jagit Singh’s ghazal comes to my mind,

Na Duniya ka gham tha, na rishto ka bandhan,

Badi Khoobsurat thi wo zindagani, ( wo kagaz ki kashti wo barish ka pani)

I remember how we used to compete with the sound of the waves dashing against the shore with our laughter.

The excitement and thrill we felt on bunking the lectures and going for movies. How we used to soothe each other after being rebuked from our parents for not scoring well. How we never thought for a moment before getting in a fight just for our buddy.

The long hours we spent sitting in the canteen doing our future planning. The passion we showed during cultural fest which was never seen during exams.

Those were some golden memories that we created.

Today, on Friendship’s Day, I long for them and wish they were with me to relive all those beautiful memories.

Duniya bhar ki yaadein hamse milne aati hain, sham dhale iss sune ghar me mela lagta hai…

(My article published in "UDAIPUR TIMES" on Friendship Day )

The Rain And The Thunder... A Plight Of Mumbaikar!

The Rain God was in no mood to show any mercy! It was bucketing like hell!

The guy at the vada pau stall, near the rickshaw stand was incredibly fast. The speed with which he was making the vada pau’s was like he was competing with the heavy shower and he didn’t leave a single customer unsatisfied. Sharmaji… his most faithful customer had his eyes stuck on the kadai and was impatiently waiting to grab his bite.

Holding the slightly broken umbrella in one hand while he was relishing his morning snack and simultaneously reasoning on the phone explaining his boss why he would be late for work. Rains are indeed the best excuse for all the lazy fellas!

Standing in the long queue of rickshaw, he had no worries. Like his fellow commuter friends, he too was accustomed to the ignorant administration. After almost a year, he now had his gang with whom he used to laugh and wait for the auto rickshaw.

Ask him if this frustrated or angered him and the reply would be a cool and calm one, “ye to roz ka hai. Ab aadat ho gayi hai”. You cannot help but smile and give a nod.

After having a light humorous time with the ever smiling Sharmaji, I headed to the railway station to meet my darling 7:05 local. The scene at the station was grotesque. From the bridge all I could see was a black blanket covering the platform. The railway track was nowhere to be seen. Instead there was a thin river flowing! The first thought was if I had come to the wrong place but that couldn’t be. The second thought obviously was to hire a boat! :P

Days like these are one of the most crucial business days for the owners of the tea stall at the platforms. One of the traits of a Mumbaikar is that he loves to eat. And on occasions like these when they know they have plenty of time with them, they don’t like to keep their mouths idle. Strangers become friends! While savouring the hot tea, they chat about the step-motherly treatment the city gets. One could feel the virtual blanket of tension that roofed the station. Blank indicators, the same old announcements (aapki asuvidha ke liye hame khed hai)… new excuses for the same story surface all the time.

Where I had fear on my face of being late for my lecture, Sharmaji and his smile was intact. He was talking and waving as if it was a daily business for him. After waiting for almost 45 minutes, I got a glimpse of my darling who was slowly making its way through the river to help me reach my destination. The mere sight of the yellow and purple beauty brought a wave of happiness among the tensed crowd and everyone prepared themselves for the upcoming war…to board the train!

Finally after having an adventurous morning and being victorious in the war to board the train, I settled myself inside the compartment. There was just one hot topic buzzing throughout the compartment. When I think about it, I realize that there is nothing much a common citizen like you and I can do. We’ll have to just wait for the fairy godmother to come and wave her magic wand.
There is little a Mumbaikar can do but grimace and bear the bumpy ride.

Three Blasts In Mumbai! The Unlucky July!

First it was 7/11 then 26/11 and now 13/11. (ek silsila sa chala hai...na jane kab inteha hogi)

It looks like ‘11’ is indeed the most deadly number for the Mumbaikars. It has very much become a part of Mumbaikar’s life. It happened now… It will happen again and again there will be some more candle rallies. Some more politicians blaming each other. Some more committees will be formed to STUDY the blasts. And some more hats off to Mumbai’s Undying Spirit!

And look at the coincidence! It’s Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab’s birthday! Looks like the terrorists were celebrating his birthday at the cost of the innocent’s life! Is it their way of thanking us for taking such good care of their buddy?

Everybody...People, Politicians, Police is talking ‘what happened?’ but nobody is bothering ‘Why it happened?’

Why did it happen AGAIN? Why the innocent people were killed AGAIN? What happened to the National Security? Or is it that we are supposed to get used to this now and make it a part of our daily life?

Looks like it’s a Tom and Jerry chase for the mumbaikar! It’s either the rains or the blasts or maybe something else. And they talk about the Spirit of Mumbai...to accept and move on. But will please someone tell us… How long?... For how long?

Should we just rely on our luck and never feel safe by the System?

Some Positivity Please?

Why does one watch a news channel?
To know what’s happening around. To be aware of one’s surroundings.

So yesterday, to accomplish this very purpose and in an attempt to 'know what's happening around the world' I switched on the T.V. to cognisant myself. Last night on Star News at 9 P.M., the first news was about NASA’s Atlantis being launched. Following that we had Rahul Gandhi who did not eat at a Dalit’s house.

Funny right? On one side we have these people who are aiming for the sky and are establishing their mark there.
And look at us! We are still busy solving our ground issues which apparently, has no end it.

When will the time come when we will be in their place? When will we get to hear such news about our country?

You must be thinking here she goes again with her philosophy.

To that I’ll say, THINK!

Lokpal Bill - Nothing Guaranteed!

There is a lot of chaos everywhere regarding the Lokpal Bill, eradicate corruption, Anna Hazare going on Hunger Strike, Baba Ramdev duplicating the same. But are we even sure about the problem? Is the Lokpal Bill the sole point of focus or should corruption be targeted? A Lokpal Bill if passed may slow the rate of social decay in the short run, but in the long run it too must become a prey of ‘corruption’.

Clearly the common man is confused. I didn’t know about the Lokpal Bill before Anna Da went on the hunger strike and I am sure there are many like me out there. But what we all must think is what the need of the country is at this hour? It is definitely not eradicating corruption. It is much more than that. We are beholding the inexistence of character so we must build character and corruption will automatically evaporate.

But then again, it all sounds very philosophical and nowhere near practicality. Anna Da did and is still doing the best he can but can one man really accomplish? It’s not the British era. We are talking about the 21st century where unity is lost. It's not that eon where everyone will overlook everything and get united to accomplish a goal. Now, everyone is a single individual with his own needs and wants. We first figure how it will benefit us. And if we even minutely sense that it might cause some hitch, we now very well to stay out of it.

Whatever happens, in the end, Honesty should win and not allegations!

Ramdev Baba Is No Anna Hazare!

So now we have a new fashion in town…Hunger Strike! Fantastic! What else do we need? Anna Hazare went on a hunger strike to knock out corruption from the country. I don’t know what will happen to that eventually but the others have definitely got something new to do now. Confused? Don’t be. It’s simple. We Indians have the herd mentality. We do what everyone else does. Anna Hazare did Ann shann to wipe out corruption so now even Baba Ramdev joined the league!

What is the de facto? Why is he doing it? Is he really vexed about the corruption in the country? Or are there any personal gains behind it? What Anna Hazare did was different and what this guy is doing is not even close. Anna Hazare did not ask anyone to follow him. He was a frustrated stupid common man who lost his patience and decided to take a step forward. He only said what he wanted to do and went ahead with it and got the entire India supporting him. The common man was with him. He did not ask anyone personally to support him for the cause. Nor did he have any followers. He is a simple man who has all the simplicity - you name it. He have it and who genuinely wants to bring about the ‘change’! People just followed him, from big personalities and celebrities to the simple (read: stupid) common man.

But the case with Baba Ramdev is incomparable. His followers are his patients, who do his yoga. They too are innocent people and somewhere down the line are discontented. And ok even if we assume that his intentions are pure, then why was he running dress like a woman, jumping and hiding in the crowd to hide himself? So comparing him with Anna Hazare would be inappropriate.

There are a lot of other problems in this country like unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, female infanticide, and so many more. Look into that. If you really want to do something then do it to get rid all these problems also. Why is everyone behind corruption? Or are we waiting for another Anna Hazare to stand against the other problems and then we all will follow him (the herd mentality)!

What have we done as individuals? I agree not everyone is Anna Hazare and I am not even asking everyone to get up and go on hunger strike or any such strike. But do we even do the simple things which are in our hands? I have noticed so many times while commuting, people eat chips and wada pau’s and then throw the trash out of the window. Why? How hard is it to throw it in the dustbin? Why do we spit on the roads? Those roads are built from the taxes that we pay. Don’t we know that? How comfortably we spoil our own property. The bottom line is, it’s not about who has done what. It’s about what have you done? We all have become pessimists. All we do is criticize the system and point fingers at others. Anyone can do that. We are building hatred and in the long run, we all will drown in this hatred.

We are Indians! We are the biggest democracy in the world. We were the ones who united and kicked the British out of our house. We had Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Sing, Indira Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who were born here and who brought a change. I know I am stating nothing new here but even though we have read all this a hundred times, we still haven’t got it fixed in our heads. The eyes do the reading but then it vanishes from there itself. I wonder if it ever touched our hearts.

Ever wished you would have done something, but didn't? Something you wanted to do, perhaps even needed to do; but for one reason or no reason at all, you just never did. We all have. And many of us still do. Instead of doing, we don't. And a lifetime of missed opportunities passes us by.

What's the deal here? What makes us frequently turn our backs on the very things that are important to us, things that give our lives meaning and purpose? Why do we needlessly allow so many magical moments to silently slip away?

Why do we leave a trail littered with broken promises and unfulfilled dreams instead of just doing what needs to be done?