CORRUPTION – ARE WE ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?

Corruption – the word has been rocking the nation in the recent times more than it has done in the past. But the fact remains that it has been there in the society even before we actually got on the streets, and fighting it became a household discussion. Right from the times of ‘Shree420’ and ‘Anari’ to ‘Roti, Kapda aur Makaan’ to the more recent ‘Rang de Basanti’ and ‘Aarakshan’ , it has only multiplied in its magnitude and proportions so much so that it has gained public acceptance. And owing to the external locus of control that we Indians are known to have –blame it on the system.

While the Oxford dictionary defines it as an irregular alteration of the text, language etc., I understand it as having altered meaning of the same law for different people at different times. That’s what we see happening in public life – a behaviour is punishable if enacted by a ‘mere mortal’ but ‘no big deal’ when committed by the more influential and people in positions of power. In very simple words – when one is not doing one’s duty honestly and begins to believe that they are doing a favour and therefore need to be compensated for it, that’s corruption.

Do we see an end to it in the near future – the answer is a big NO.

I’ve my reasons for saying so – it cannot go because we’ll not let it go. Surprised ? But that’s true. Its so deeply ingrained in our psyches and our social fabric that at least in a 100 years to come – it is there to stay.

If we consider the psychological dynamics of the phenomenon we would realize that it serves a potent role in the lives of people. It starts with the assumption that some people are more privileged than others and that everyone is not equal. There are systems that relegate more power and prestige to some people by virtue of their sex, religion, caste and a number of fractions created for convenience of having control over certain segments of the society. Such power brings with it a social hypocrisy that bestows on them more privileges and the right to dictate terms at the cost of the fundamental rights of that group.

Unfortunately this happens not only at the national, regional and community level – it happens in families. Family the smallest and the most basic unit of a society – which is responsible for the formation of social and national character is at the seat of corruption. Families fail to give equal rights to certain members in the name of hierarchy, family honour and/or issues of security and protection – suppressing the human rights. Rights and duties are unequally distributed in the favor of the more powerful – who get to enjoy all the rights and duties are delegated to the not- so-powerful.

The ancient texts have clearly laid down the rules for the people in authority positions and the protector or as we shall call the head of the organization in modern times – the leader – to lead by example. Leadership is about guarding the interest of the protected and about motivating them for the efficient execution of the system. Family being a primary organization, the head of the family needs to protect and appreciate the interests and safeguard the dignity of the dependents. When families begin to give equal opportunities and rights to all its members irrespective of the place in the hierarchy and various other factors, it will start to show in the social fabric and then reflect on the national front. When the law applies to all with rather more stringent consequences for the people in authority, then we will succeed in bringing about a corruption free society.

So, on this women’s day I would appeal to all women – the bearers and rearers of the future generation – teach your children to be more just, more patient and tolerant of the rights of others. Feel more empowered and teach your children to be independent, teach them to be considerate and teach them to take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings and actions.