Saturday, April 30, 2011

Corruption!

Corruption is defined as "dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power , typically involving bribery" by The Oxford Dictionary (http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0181740#m_en_gb0181740)
Well my father has kept me thinking over the issue after he wrote his blog: Vartalap. I promised him I will come up with a rejoinder/reply & here I am.
Ever since I have grown up and the most of my generation have, we have seen the corruption in the country Evolving. Yes, Corruption like any other phenomenon has also evolved in our country. After 1991, our country started taking steps towards Globalization & our leaders also started "Globalizing" in their techniques. I will explain you how. Earlier, the scams involved in corruption in buying of Arms, Ammunitions, Government purchases of Wheats & Grains, Corruption for licenses etc. Those are still there but there are new forms cropping up as well. The later scams involved Stock Market, 2G spectrum sale, Adarsh & similar building scam, Satyam Scam, CWG scam etc. To sum up we are moving from Political Corruption to Corporate Corruption. I will leave this forum open to the public to decide which one is MORE dangerous. But let us assume they both are harmful to the "Public Health" in one way or another.
I am working for a PSU organization and I witness corruption at many levels. However, its not just the misuse of the power its also the negligence in the duty which leads to corruption. The answer is very simple. Our policies are made in the way that induces corruption. (Just a point of caution: I do not endorse to the view that policies in other countries are better; the scams & corruptions are apparent there as well but the effect to a "common man" is lesser)
Let me give you an example: Many of you might have heard of Oil company officials are corrupt. Why is that? The reason lies in the complex web of rules made by the ministry because of one word: SUBSIDY. Why would a Petrol Pump owner try & divert Kerosene in to Diesel if he doesn't get about 30 Rs per liter difference?
The examples are plenty. What a few years ago was sung as a success story is now a point of contempt for many. I am talking about Indian Telecom Revolution.
So what encourages corruption? Is the complexity of rules? Is it the greed? Is it the lack of discipline? Or is it the lack of governance?
My answer is the sum total of all of it. Why do we give bribe to the Traffic policemen for not wearing a seatbelt or helmet? Do you even know how many clearances one has to sought before starting a venture?

So what as a common man one has to do to stop the evil? Well, first of all I would say, start acting as a common man. In this country, we strive to be someone's someone! We just love to pull some strings to get our work done. We love to talk on the phone while driving!

Be the change you want to see! Lokpal, RTI may come & go, don't give those people chance to rule us. If we do what is right, in our own interest, the world will be a beautiful place to live.

Disclaimer: I do know above views are hypothetical & perhaps dreamy, but we are fighting a huge evil.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Back to Blogging

Well I'm back to my blog after a long time! Yes, it took me a while to pen down (or in this case, keyboard down) my thoughts. But here I am!
Was hearing one of the legendary song written by Anand Bakshi & sung by none other than Kishore Kumar: Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai from the movie Dost.
The lyrics goes like this:

Gaadi Bulaa Rahi Hai, Siti Bajaa Rahi Hai
Chalanaa Hi Zindagi Hai, Chalati Hi Jaa Rahi Hai

Dekho Vo Rel, BachchoN Kaa Khel, Sikho Sabak Javaanon
Sar Pe Hai Bojh, Sine Mein Aag, Lab Par dhuvaan Hai Jaano
Phir Bhi Ye Jaa Rahi Hai, Nagamen Sunaa Rahi Hai

Aage Tuufaan, Pichhe Barasaat, Uupar Gagan Mein Bijali
Soche Na Baat, din Ho Ke Raat, Siganal Huaa Ke Nikali
dekho Vo Aa Rahi Hai, dekho Vo Jaa Rahi Hai

Aate Hain Log, Jaate Hain Log, Paani Me Jaise Rele
Jaane Ke Baad, Aate Hain Yaad, Guzare Hue Vo Mele
Yaaden Banaa Rahi Hai, Yaaden Mitaa Rahi Hai

Gaadi Ko dekh, Kaisi Hai Nek, Achchhaa Buraa Na dekhe
Sab Hain Savaar, dushman Ke Yaar, Sabako Chali Ye Leke
Jinaa Sikhaa Rahi Hai, Maranaa Sikhaa Rahi Hai

Gaadi Kaa Naam, Naa Kar Badanaam, Patari Pe Rakh Ke Sar Ko
Himmat Na Haar, Kar Intazaar, Aa Laut JaaeN Ghar Ko
Ye Raat Jaa Rahi Hai, Vo Subah Aa Rahi Hai

Sun Ye Paigaam, Ye Hai SaNgraam, Jivan Nahin Hai Sapanaa
Dariyaa Ko Faand, PavaRt Ko Chir, Kaam Hai Ye Usakaa Apanaa
NiNden Udaa Rahi Hai, Jaago Jagaa Rahi Hai



The reason for sharing the lyrics is because the song has always touched me. The depth of poetry has left me mesmerized how much one can learn from a Train. I am sure Mumbai-kars are more familiar with the utility of it more than anyone else. But the song goes very deep in the meaning. It touches the very philosophy of the life. 


The song initially gives lesson to the youngsters who are afraid of taking responsibilities. The analogy is with the train's Burden (Bojh) on the head & Fire (Aag) in the belly. It talks how Passion can drive people and be inspirational for others (Nagmein Suna Rahi Hai)!


It than talks about the difficulties one faces in achieving goals. The persistent train overcomes all the difficulties by running round-the-clock towards its destination. In a way, this verse also says that difficulties pass as quickly as it comes (like Train!) if you work hard enough.


We make some friends, we lose some friends! The memories always remain in our heart of the time we had. Train also reminds us of the good time as it passes through the milestones. Just a side thought. I travel quite frequently in trains and I tell you, I keep remembering the good events in my life as I pass through the Green, Brown & some time Black (If it's the night) fields! The train running reminds you of the pace your life has ran at!


If one thing train doesn't do is that it doesn't discriminate. What a wonderful thought! I mean we see all kinds of people while we are in train. The Rich, The Poor, The Thieves, The thugs, The beggars, The politicians etc. Isn't it just like a one place where the sample from each part of the society has been taken! I'll leave this verse here only as it's too obvious to the central thought of the song! (Jeena Sikha rahi hai, Marna Sikha rahi hai)


But people misuse train. To commit suicide! Well, for the first time, Mr. Anand Bakshi is unhappy about something happening with the rail. People misuse train to end their lives while it merely does its job! He tries to give hope to people by saying: "Yeh raat ja rahi hai, Woh Subah aa rahi hai!" Need I say more?


Well at the end the song summarizes (though not there in some versions) by saying that life is an epic battle, not a dream! You have to cross the oceans, climb the mountains and do your work! Wake up friends, Cause its not a dream!


I know many of you might have heard the song. Some would have not pondered this long! But It's worth a thought! Isn't it?