INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION

Sharukh Khan in the movie, “Chennai Express” frequently repeats this dialogue, “Don't underestimate the power of a common man”. Perhaps he was intuitively aware, that the Common Man's Party (AamAadmi Party) would form the Government in New Delhi.

The performance of the AAP in the Delhi elections, has made heads turn. People who thought that this party was just another fad, have come to realise that the party is here for real. It has shaken the confidence level of

opposition parties and has send shivers down the spine of the wrong doers.

Invariably the front page of the daily newspapers, over the last 2 months have been carrying an article about AAP or Arvind Kejriwal. There seems to be much anticipation and people are watching with eager eyes as to what is about to unfold. Arvind Kejriwal, like Arjun in the tamil movie “Mudhalvan” is creating a sensation, as the new CM of Delhi. He asks for public opinion as to whether to form the Government taking external support; he takes oath of office in front of the general public; he listens to public grievances through an open forum; he refuses to live in Government

provided luxury bungalows and says NO to personal security. While, it may sound like some new timer political gimmicks, we also need to appreciate that it really takes a lot of guts for an individual, to challenge the existing system. His straight forward approach, fearlessness and intellectual capabilities are drawing more and more people towards him.

The popularity of AAP is growing day by day, as more and more highly literate people are quitting their jobs and joining the movement to make their social contribution. Perhaps, they are seeing it as a golden opportunity to revive this nation from the clutches of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, who have been sucking the financial resources of the country.

I read an article somewhere, which said that India was the richest country in the world till the end of the 16^th century. Since then India has been plundered by many foreign invaders and rulers. An uproar against this

unfair foreign domination, resulted in our freedom struggle. So many martyrs have laid their life to set the nation free from the clutches of the foreign rulers and ensure peace and prosperity for its future citizens.

Unfortunately, this plundering has not stopped after independence. In fact, it has increased manifold, in the name of corruption. Corruption happening in our country is beyond the understanding of a common man. The number of scams exposed over the last few years is enormous, and the amount of money involved is unimaginable. We have succumbed to so much of

unfair governance over the years. The people of the country, have become really fed up with the existing system and lost faith in the Government, because no matter which party comes to power, corruption continues to happen.

It is in this scenario, the initiative of Social Activist, Anna Hazare's, “India against Corruption” has been a welcome change. I like many of you, have been keenly watching the developments. His demand for a Jan Lokpal bill, through his periodical hunger strikes, got the attention of the public. Many joined him in the cause, including key personalities like Kiran Bedi and

Arvind Kejriwal. Though there has been huge hue and cry, an effective bill to combat corruption did not seem to materialize. It is only then did Arvind Kejriwal, decided to take a political route to push the cause. This did not match the ideology of Anna Hazare, which in turn has caused a visible split. However, the truth remains that both of them have taken different directions to reach the same destination, of “Corruption free India”.

Well it is time for another war. A war against corruption. Let us join hands, and support this. I personally feel that, the fight against corruption, is going to be much tougher than the fight against British rule, because it is comparatively easy to fight an external enemy, rather than an internal enemy. Just like how, a doctor would find it easier to treat an external wound, rather than destroying the virus inside our body, our country too is infected by a virus called corruption which is damaging our nation. If this virus is eliminated, the country will bounce back to prosperity.

All, we need now is a fair and transparent Government, who will be able to lead this fight. It is time, we get hold of the corrupt people and bring back the money they have swiped away from the country. AAP looks like a

blessing in disguise for this country. Election is the only time, the citizens of the country have a right to express their voice. Now is the time. If not now, when?

Happy Reading,

D. Senthil Kannan

Article Dated Feb 2014