Under the Table

Hello everyone.....

We Indians, feel proud of being an Indian and so do I. I am happy and feel proud for the history we own, the present and the future as well. The pace of development has been extraordinary, better than any other country. But sometimes I feel sad about something, though its not being committed publicly but its slowly eating away the country. Corruption!!!

Being a native of India, it is very well known to us. We know that there are some rules other than the rules. Do not try to act differently as if you are a revolutionist, do what others do. We know that rules and regulations look good in rule books and public boards, they are not meant to be followed. What we need to follow is not decided by us but by the government officials we face in the process. Since India is a democratic country, almost every department is public. Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today. Hence you can not avoid them. I myself, have had many experiences when I have tasted the flavor of the Indian Procedural System.

The most disquieting aspect of the widespread corruption in India is the fact that it is not anymore confined to politicians or the government machinery alone. It is prevalent amongst almost every section of the society at every level. Today, if one would say that any particular Indian is honest to the core, it could only be a case of exception rather than a rule.

The study of world phenomenon on corruption has repeatedly branded India as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Unfortunately, this view has not disturbed most of the Indians at all and they do not seem to care as to what others think of them; so long as the existing systems and practices would allow them to make money and get things done in one way or the other.

As the practice of corruption is a dishonest act, one has to think that most of the Indians are dishonest, which could be different only in degree between the individuals. As the reason for the dishonesty is greediness and the desire to get things done at any cost one can think that most of the country men are greedy and do not anymore think that the means should justify the ends. This is not a flattering statement and many readers would desire that it would not be so and such statement could have been avoided. But, the fact is that most of the Indians are involved in corrupt practices in one way or the other, either due to greed or due to so called compulsion. In any case, the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of not getting involved in corrupt dealings is conspicuous by its absence amongst the most.

Earlier it was a bit difficult to adapt with it, but later on I learnt that its better to keep quite and go as per their way. There has been a fixed way or getting everything done for years in a government office. People have a different rule book, and try to follow it as it proves to be the best. I mean, I challenge you try going against the system and try getting the desired thing within time.

It will be much easy to get the desired thing done, if you know that Indian hands and mind work only when injected with a sufficient amount of fuel and that too “Under the table”. The cost depending on the intensity or the requirement of particular thing. For example, you are caught on a road by a traffic policemen, multiply your crimes by a 100 rupee note and pay him. Every man has his price. He won't even warn you and leave you free. And these policemen are so shameless, that if you are good at bargaining, you can bring down a cost of 300 rupees to 30 rupees. They won't hesitate, in accepting that too.

If not Olympics, India is at least top-rated in some list, and its the corruption list. As per the recently released list by Transparency International, India was ranked 84th in the list of 180 countries. We project ourselves as one of foremost competitor for very coveted positions, like being permanent member of UN Security Council or nuclear deals with various developed countries. But we fail in amending our morals and basics, taking the country down to a cesspool where there is nothing other then failure.

The most disquieting aspect of the widespread corruption in India is the fact that it is not anymore confined to politicians or the government machinery alone. It is prevalent amongst almost every section of the society at every level. The introduction of RTI, i.e. Right to Information Act has provided a very significant boost to common people to ask for their rights and question the government officials, in case there is any sort of delay in the process.
Now the big question arises, that is how do get rid of it. The answer is simple, enjoy your rights and follow your duties and I guarantee you that India, a true Indian imagines of, is not a far sight. Do not be a part of such an act because if not you, somebody else is there who has to suffer finally. Be proud to be an Indian and act like a true Indian.

Remember, "respect is not demanded, its commanded."