Corruption free India for a developed Nation

Corruption: dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

The popular definition of corruption is defined as a dishonest conduct by a person in power involving bribery. The person in power, typically gives another person / organization some undue favor in lieu of monetary or non-monetary benefits. In all the cases of corruption, it has two sides. One is the person who gives the favor and other is the person who takes the undue favor. Corruption cannot be prevalent if either of the parties does not cooperate. India traditionally is known to be a corrupt nation. India ranks 85 out of 180 countries in the Transparency Internationals corruption index in its latest release. Corruption is not limited to monetary loss of any particular being, but it has variety of implications in political, economic, social, environmental, national security. Corruptions among political leaders of the government reduces the trust public has on the government, public institutions and the electoral process. This seriously dents the prospect of an independent democracy. Economic implications of corruptions include reluctance of investors to invest in development of the country and even if they invest it is done at a higher cost which again reduces the affordability of the project. All these implications directly impact the GDP of the nation which affects the quality of life a person can afford, and a government can provide. If corruption has so much implication, do we have a system to prevent it? Yes, Government of India has prepared legal framework for fighting corruption. Various acts like Prevention of Corruption Act, Prevention of Money laundering Act, Companies Act, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Lokpal and Lokayukta Act have provisions to prevent and penalize corrupt practices. Further with GOI’s recent initiatives like linking Aadhar to Bank Accounts, Direct Benefit Transfer and Digital Payment have greatly helped in reducing corrupt practices.

 

But are these initiatives sufficient for a developed nation? Is it the sole responsibility of the government to reduce and prevent corruption? No, it is not. Corruption and its prevention are responsibility of all citizens. We have to pledge to not participate in corrupt practices ourselves even if this brings us uncomfortable situations to face. As stated, earlier corruption survives if both sides cooperate. When one side doesn’t then corrupt practices won’t survive. This is where a common citizen has the power to bring a major change. But for the growth of the nation, this is not sufficient. We not only have to stop corruption which involves financial exchanges but, for continued development of a nation as a whole generation after generations, we need to avoid corruption of moral and ethical values among citizens. With time, the definition of morals and ethics changes but some of the values, like honesty, integrity, and probity are timeless treasures. These are the things which is the foundation of any relationship, including the relationship with yourself. We need to be honest with ourselves and always do the right things irrespective of the circumstances were are in or whether we are being watched / supervised or not. When moral compass is good and we ourselves are the sternest inspector of our actions, then only our characters will be strong. Moreover, we need to cultivate these values among us as well as inculcate these in our children, which will make a lasting impact and pave the way for a developed nation. For a developed nation, let us pledge to be good citizens and be proud of our strong moral values and characters.

As aptly captured in a Sanskrit phrase “शीलम परम भूषणम”, let our Characters be our highest virtue.

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(This essay was my entry to internal essay competition on the title, which won the 2nd prize)

 

A worthy opponent competes with you or completes you?

Few days ago, Roger Federer retired. The final speech made almost all the spectators around the world emotional, including me and surprisingly, my wife (she is not a tennis fan). I was not this emotional even during Sachin or Dravid's retirement. I felt sad on both Sachin and Dravid's retirement but not emotional. But the scene which stole the heart was where Nadal and Federer were sitting side by side and holding each other hands. Both were teary eyed and it was difficult to find out who was consoling whom. What made it special and surprising is that Nadal is not just any other person or player. He was of course a friend but was also a fierce competitor of Federer and caused him many heartbreaks beating him in the court. But that day, they were just two humans expressing their uncontrolled emotions. Nadal, before Federer retired said that with the retirement of Federer a part of him was also leaving the tennis courts. It was surely the beginning of the end of the golden ear of modern tennis. The trio of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic had dominated men’s tennis for more than a decade and entertained us with some exciting play of tennis.

Looking at all the three tennis greats in the same European Team in Laver Cup, one thought came to my mind. Is it possible that if, all the three had played tennis separately in different eras, would they have been such good players as they became or they would have been a little less good player? Was Federer a great player or became great because he had Nadal and Djokovic as opponent? Some would argue that if he had not Nadal or Djokovic as opponent some one else would have been a worthy opponent, may be a better player than Nadal. It is a valid counter argument to a hypothetical situation. But still the question will be valid. So, the question is does a great competitor completes you? Was Arjun great because Karna was his opponent? Was Achilles great because he chooses to fight the Trojan War in spite of chance of him getting killed? In general, does a great challenge brings the best out of you?

I think the answer to the questions will be, yes. A fierce competitor or battle makes the win more worthwhile. It brings the best out of every one whether you lose or not. Federer lost 6 times in Grand slam finals against Nadal, but not without a fight (most of the times). Does that statistics make Nadal a better player than Federer? I think no. The greatest out come of the battles was that both players craved the best out of their human potential to compete against each other. In the process they both became the best version of themselves. I think that is what Nadal (and Federer) realized when he said that a part of him will be leaving tennis with Federer's retirement. That is why both were attached emotionally to each other because they knew they were incomplete without the other.

But for most of us, our battles are hardly against opposite humans. Mostly we fight situations and some other times the demons within us. Normally we do not choose the situations ourselves but we always choose to fight or not. So, the next time you face a challenge where you think you will fail, just remember that life has thrown a worthy opponent at you.

A worthy opponent will transform you and make you a better warrior in the battles of life, whether you win or lose.

Be a Stepping Stone

In January 2022, 2 things happened which really made me happy. 

One my juniors in Office, who I know since 2014 and has been working under me since then got promoted to a higher grade. For the promotion, he had to qualify a written examination and a personal interview. It was his third attempt and probably his last. He had narrowly missed being qualified for the exam in all the two times. I knew he had potential and was a sincere guy. We were constantly working together for the examination. But somehow he used to fail. In 2020, when he did not qualify for the written part of the examination, he was so demotivated and depressed that he did not have the courage to talk to me or face me. On a December morning that year, we had met in the park near our quarters and I had advised him not to lose hope and try again with an sense of purpose / mission. ('Junoon" is the hindi word we had used). In 2021 he got selected. He visited my house on 16th January and profusely thanked me for the small contribution I had made.

In the second incident, when I was in the Learning and Development Center of the refinery, one 22 year old came and greeted me by touching my feet. I was surprised to see him since he was a trainee few years ago under me doing his 1 year industrial training. He had succeeded his examination and was joining our corporation.

2 other person I know, always wish me on teachers day, every year since 2014. Both are working, one in Infosys and other in some government NGO. During 2013, I had taught them Physics, for helping them prepare for JEE. 

To be true, my contribution in all the above stories are minuscule as compared to the effort they have put. We all have persons in our lives, who help us climb the ladder of success. Some are with us throughout our lives and some are with us for a brief periods. They can be any one, your parents, teachers, siblings, relatives or friends. Sometimes you do not even know that they have helped. 

It is a great feeling to have helped someone achieve their potential or dream. Be that person. Start with your children & relatives and help them achieve excellence. Be a mentor. If you have a mentor, then also try to succeed in life since it will definitely make them happy.

The day my junior thanked me for his success, it made me immensely proud and happy, more than when I get promoted. The feeling is priceless. Another priceless feeling is when your mentors are proud of your achievement. One day in March 2020, one of my Primary school teacher I met in a function introduced me to her colleagues as a highlight of her teaching career. That compliment, till today, is the best complement of my life.

Always be a mentor and a mentee, because life is a process of learning and try to be the best version of yourself.

*****

Life is a Voyage

 

One day you will leave, safety of the harbor;

Into the ocean of unknowns and the knowns,

Waves of despair will come and go,

Tides of sorrow will be high and low.

But beyond the horizon it is a beautiful world,

Let your hopes keep the doors ajar.

Enjoy the sail along the way,

Even if you are cast away.

Life is not the ports you dock,

Nor it is the seas you cross,

Captain your ship in life's voyage,

Journey is what matters for us.

As you move ahead in life 

Keep in mind what you leave behind

When you face, troubled water;

Be calm Be patient & drop the anchor. 

Be like water, or a star

Guide fellow travelers, near & far.

Share your joys & spread the smiles

All around you and all the while.

*****

Happy 2nd Birthday Misha

Maa, Bapa

13-January-2022