| by N.S.Venkataraman
( November 31, 2012,
Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) There is huge concern amongst well meaning people
in several south east Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh , Sri
Lanka about the prevalence of corruption in public administration and amongst
the politicians
While there are
thousands of people who are concerned
about the level of corruption in these countries, most of them seem to think
that anti corruption movement in their
respective countries need strong and
quality leadership to take it forward.
Unfortunately, such leadership is not emerging with the so called leaders
themselves facing one charge or the other.
There also seem to
be a view that anti corruption movement can forge ahead only by whipping public
anger and mass protests. This is also not happening to the extent required and
in any case, this may also become counter productive. The sense of disillusionment amongst the anti
corruption activists are clearly evident.
The problem is
that even those who are highly concerned
about corrupt conditions succumb to the pressure of corrupt elements and rarely
resist.
On several
occasions such as registering properties, getting admission for children
in educational institutions or jobs in the government , people pay bribe voluntarily or involuntarily
and in the process complaining about corrupt conditions. Today, it appears that there are as many
bribe givers as bribe takers, with one not being better than the other.
The ultimate
solution can be found only by the individuals taking a vow that under no
circumstances, they will give bribe or
take bribe and whatever the sacrifices that would be needed in adhering to the
vow will be made by them willingly. Is
it possible that at least a few thousand
people in these countries declare that
they will not be the bribe giver or taker under
any circumstances? If a few
thousand people would do this, it will be a trend setter and there will be dramatic improvement
for the better.
Let not anyone think
that resistance to corruption at individual level will not deter the
politicians or business men or bureaucrats, who are known to indulge in
corruption of massive proportion. On the other hand, the individual resistance
will be a big positive factor since big corruption is possible, only with people at various individual level becoming a
part of it or not resisting it. A small break in the link in the long chain of
corruption will make the chain break.
Let us not be waiting
for new leadership to emerge. Let every
one of us become a leader in the anti corruption movement and lead the movement
by setting personal example at
individual level. How many will agree
with me on this and will start the movement at personal level with great sense of urgency and fighting
spirit – a spirit that is of character, dignity , peace and unbending faith in
the destiny of their country.
Let us recognize
that there are people amidst us who follow this practice of resisting
corruption at all costs but certainly they are insignificant in number to make
an impact on the nation. This tribe has to multiply several times and that can
definitely happen by initiative at individual level.
 There is huge concern amongst well meaning people in several ...){kind=link}