The nation-wide movement against corruption and support to Anna Hazare movement is great. After the protests during the emergency, this is perhaps the largest mobilization of people across the country for a common cause. Kudos to the media for helping this cause. The Government had really gone over-board with corruption with no sense of shame, guilt or conscience. This was just waiting to happen. Frustration and misery of the people has limits and these limits seem to be breached now.
But, we need to understand something very fundamental. While protesting for eradication of corruption (Root cause of all evil) is great, are we really ready for change? We need to answer a few questions. It is time we introspect.
Everyone lauds populist measures. Everytime budgets are presented in the Parliament, tax cuts etc. and other populist measures are lauded. Stock markets zoom, people's sentiments are positive. We are not concerned at that time, if this is really good for the country and our economy.The Government usually presents such measures at the time of elections. All that has gone wrong is forgotten, the authorities are appreciated and this is retained in people's psyche at the time of elections. Similarly a more realist budget will draw frowns from all quarters. Case in point would be the situation in Tamilnadu where election are won by handing out goodies to the people (TV, Fridge, Mixer, Grinders etc.) and not merely on merit and good governance.
FOR EVERY CREDIT THERE IS A DEBIT. Who is going to bear the expense of this "Plunder". Tax payers, finally. And if taxes are also cut due to populist measures, then the government borrows!!. Thus begins a vicious cycle.
Coming back to the topic of change, I believe that change will truely come when we change ourselves and not just by change in the government. Some questions that we need to answer:
1) Are we willing to stop bribing officials and follows rules and regulations?
2) Are we willing to drive in a straight lane and follow traffic rules and not cut corners, break signals, lane-cutting etc?
3) Are we willing to stand in a queue patiently and not jump them at stations, theatres etc.?
4) Are we willing to follow rules diligently?
5) Are we willing to stop spitting/throwing garbage on roads and public property?
The above list is not an exhaustive list but an illustrative one. If we can do all of the above when we are in a foriegn country, why cant we do it here in our home?
The point I want to drive home is that protests are not the only way of weeding out corruption. We will have to change ourselves fundamentally as well to effect this change. "Taali ek haath se nahi Bajti hai" is an apt saying in this case. Are we willing to swallow the bitter pill?
