INDIA’S SECOND REVOLUTION TO FREEDOM.

The term anti corruption has been the order of proceedings in the media nowadays. And the term “anti” comes onto picture only when there is a cause. This cause is the long prevailing corruption in our nation. Everyone in the ladder, or rather in the political and commercial hierarchy “contributes” to corruption in his own way. A small business man would try to cheat the common man while the rich lords do it in their own way. It all flashes out in the news in the name of scams...fodder scam, 2G scam, then the Commonwealth games scam. Suresh Kalmadi, Laloo Yadav, Nira Radia, A.Raja are sure to be remembered by all. We come to know only about the ones that get leaked (due to difference of in the ones involved in the scams itself). There are numerous such corrupted practices, going on even now, though only some of which would make the headlines in the future. Corruption has been like a disease with no drugs. Obviously what can one do if the ones who we elect, are the ones most deeply rooted in corruption. One can only do is to go along with it. Even the youth of our country would do nothing about it. In fact they see it as an easy way of livelihood. The huge wealth amassed by corruption is hidden in the form of what we call black money’. According to reports India’s so called black market has a worth equivalent to the whole American economy..!! The amounts of wealth Indians have in their foreign bank accounts are practically enough to run a small economy for about a decade or even longer. And most of these are famous Indian personalities, many everyone would find hard to believe. As per Swiss bank records, there are more UNLISTED INDIAN BILLIONAIRES than of any other nation. Names such as Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi and many prominent personalities would lead the list. Unbelievable stuff would come to light if proper probe is done into.

The country has suffered enough. People are in search of a new leader who would free them of this parasite, that has done nothing only but to further slow down the nations growth. If corruption is the parasite then we are the host; it is we who are responsible for the growth of this deadly parasite. It is currently headed by Anna Hazare, a 73 year old crusader and a Gandhian activist, and the, infamous Jan Lokpal bill.

 The first Jan Lokpal Bill was introduced by Shanti Bhushan and passed in the 4th Lok Sabha in 1969 but could not get through in the Rajya Sabha. Subsequently, Lokpal bills were introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2005 and in 2008, yet they were never passed. 42 years after its first introduction, the Lokpal bill is still pending in India.

The Lokpal Bill provides for filing complaints of corruption against the prime minister, other ministers, and MPs.

Anna Hazare  had started a fast unto death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding the passing of the bill. Hazare called off his hunger strike on the 9th of April, 2011 after the government issued a notification constituting a 10-member Joint Committee of government ministers and civil society activists, including him, to draft a bill for the creation of an effective Lokpal. Thousands of people from all over India, especially the youth, supported Anna Hazare's cause by candle light marches and online campaigns through social networking and other relating websites.

He was followed suit by Yoga guru, Swami Ramdev, who went on a fast for this cause for 9 consecutive days from 4 June - 12 June 2011. He wanted the Government of India to accept various demands which mainly included those related to the Lokpal bill. But he had to quit following the unexpected detoriation of his health and police interventions (by government).

Anna Hazare declared that he would restart his fast unto death on the 16th August if the Lokpal bill is not passed by the Parliament of India by 15 August, which is the Independence Day of India. On the 16th of June, the civil society reported that only 15 points of total 71 that they recommended have been agreed to by the Joint Committee.

As such millions are pouring in to support Anna Hazare in his firm resolve. For long Indians have wanted to be led by someone who can win them their freedom. The support is in various forms. Candle light marches, rallies and online forums where discussions take place.

 Is Anna Hazare the person whom Indians have been waiting for generations to uproot corruption from its very roots? Is this the last fast that we would have to see before corruption sees an end to it? Or would it turn out to be another one of the numerous fasts that have been held on for decades since the inception of this bill? Will we become finally independent in this SECOND REVOLUTION OF INDEPENDENCE? Millions are waiting to get freed from the shackles of corruption.

The answer is yet to be known and hopefully awaited. 

THE INTERVIEW ( A short story)....

 I work for a firm which was hiring new recruits then. i was the person assigned for the job of interviewing potential candidates. So this morning, i had a hell of a work to do.

This particular interviewee was a college graduate, fresh from graduation. Cool as a cucumber his body language suggested, a potential recruit. Just as a typical interview might be pictured there were a few people around a small round glassy table. The sound of papers shuffling was a usual and an air of gravity loomed around. The college grad opened the door, peered into the room, and out of sheer etiquette said “sir, can i come in...?” All of a sudden the eyebrows of few were raised and a quick look into each others’ eyes followed. The air of silence was broken when someone finally said,”Yes you maaaaaay, and sit down here.”(pointing out to the a common mistake committed in English)

The grad took his seat in a feat of hesitation and said “Good morning sirs..”.Again eyebrows were raised ,this time more than the previous one and this time their looks suggested as if they were making out something. “Good morning...hmmmm Mr. Sood”,one of them said. He started reading out his resume. ”First division in 10^th, first division in 12^th, merit in graduation....wonderful..”,”hobbies include creative writing, and...”.

“ Sir me choti choti kavita likhta hoon..”

The words were echoing through the room and the board was amazed, at least for a moment. A moment later they resumed their calm and normalcy was restored in the room.

“What..? hmm..yeah..”

“Please report all your answers in English..”.there was a look of hesitation on his face and he was dumbfounded. Finally after some break he spoke out..”sir mujhe thik se English bolna nahi aata!”

There was a sudden hustle and sounds of murmuring all around. The interviewers took to talking among themselves and then I finally said,” if you don’t know English then we can’t recruit you”

The newcomer got nervous and started chattering all out. ”sir ,i really need this job. I have no other way of make living and ..”(he started all in his broken bits of English)

But a stern voice(it was of me, the senior most  among us) suddenly stopped him” we can’t help  your cause. English is mandatory over here. You may leave.”

There was dead silence all around. The man was almost beginning to sob. It was evident that he dearly needed the job. He wasn’t faking. He got up from his seat and slowly started walking towards the main door.

The other persons were looking but they could not help. It was not in their hands.

The next candidate opened the door and entered while making way for the dejected man. He looked at the insiders for a last time and disappeared. The other interviews and proceedings were held normally. Finally the interviews were over and the office hours had ended by then.

We were discussing the possible candidates who could be selected. There were many promising souls offering to do everything for the company. I made my way towards the parking lot where i saw the interviewee who was rejected standing near my car. He was facing backwards. I shouted, ”Mr.sood ..what are you doing till now.” The person turned towards me and looked. He was not Mr.Sood. Oh god!! What had happened to me?? The person had etched himself on the frame of my mind. I was quick to reply..”Sorry, I thought it was someone else.”

I got into the car and started driving. I lit up a cigarette and started thinking. I suddenly realised that  the man had crawled into my thinking through the crevices of my mind. Why was I thinking all about him? Who is he? I had just met him for a couple of minutes and that was all. Why had he caught my attention..?

“Excuse me.!!”,someone knocked on the window panes. It was the traffic policeman . i was at the traffic signal and the policeman had seen me smoking in the car. This was even more frustrating. Even the car ac was operating at its maximum, lines of sweat were trickling down from my forehead to my cheek and then to my neck. “ why are you smoking? You know it is illegal to smoke here”. “sorry sir..”, i was quick to retort.

“This being your first time, i am leaving you. The next time i see you i’m gonna fine you.”

I was getting irritated at him. I could well have cited all his corrupt practices and all cases of bribe, that he used to take from the vehicle drivers. But considering the fact that i was disturbed and it was not wise to start arguing with a cop, i held myself back from the argue and apologised. He let me off after a few more of his cynical comments.

I reached home. There was no one in the house. My servant Raghu must have left early. “ these useless people, no work and only asking for increments in wage..!” i said to myself.

I took a shower. My post work habits are pretty well defined. After the shower i eat two sandwiches ( with extra mayonesse) , an omelette of two half fried eggs, and a glass of fruit juice (could be of orange or pineapple). After a two hour break I take a soup stick combo ( tomato and beetroot alternately). My dinner constitutes a curry with boiled fish or steak , parathas some rice and another curry of beans or other lenticels. 

The only reason that i still tolerated my servant Raghu , despite countless flaws he was dotted with, was that he exactly new what i needed. I need not to explain him about my dietary habits. I had also grown used to his way of preparing food. I had got used to the taste.

Although my habits are monotonous but i never get bored of it. Day after day i have the same food and i still like it to the fullest. But it was a different today. I did not like the food today. There was something that the food lacked. Maybe there was less salt or more of sugar or whatever; i did not like the food today. So much i disliked the food that i had to go out and get something from a nearby restaurant. I ate that whatever i could and then again i again lit a cigarette. There was something itching inside me that made me take the cigarette. I again was starting to feel guilty for the poor lad.

But it was enough. I had thought much about him. There was nothing that i could have done for him and that it was beyond my powers to exercise something that could have helped him. Thinking this i threw my cigarette in a haste and proceeded to my bedroom to sleep.

The next morning the results were supposed to come out. I had to address the new recruits on behalf of the company. I took a bath , dressed up in one of my tidiest attires, and drove to my office. I tried to think about the poor chap but he was gone, gone out of mind. I suddenly felt a feeling of satisfaction and a cool pleasance all around me.

The results had come out. Two had been selected. One of them was some Mr. Gupta the other was a Mr. Kumar. There was no Mr. Sood as usual. The names had been put up at the main notice board of the office. There were tensed faces all around who visited the notice board. Most of them returned with an expression of hopelessness and despair. I saw one who was happy. He was probably one of the selected ones. Then i saw something that i had never expected. Among the visitors there was he standing, Mr. Sood gazing at the notice board. And then and there the creepy feeling returned. He stared at me for a while. I could not match eyes with him. A moment turned into an hour. And then in the next moment suddenly he was gone.

I rushed out of my office to check him out. But he was gone. There was nowhere to be seen of him anymore. I tried hard to find him but there was none. I did not know why was i looking for him like a madman or that what i would do if i faced him right onto his face. It appeared as though he had the answers to my all sudden developed fits of madness and uncanny                                                                                                            hallucinations. I looked all around repeatedly with longing eyes but he was nowhere to be found.

I turned thinking that this story was finally over for the good. But as i was turning my head i suddenly realised that someone from a distance was looking at me. I turned with horror to find that it was him. He was looking straight at me. Motionless as he was standing, even the bright sun failed to light up his face. I could not see his face but i knew it was he. I stood there awestruck, sweating profusely. He did not move a bit. I wanted to scream for the guards but what was the point. He was doing nothing, not even on the grounds of stalking could i had got him all beaten up. Not that i did not want to call the guards but i felt it would be wrong if i did so. I was somewhat feeling sorry for the poor soul. He was still looking at me. I wanted to shout and say sorry but i realised that i choked. The words won’t come out at all. Finally i mustered some sort of courage and said as loud as i could “ i’m sorry”. Some of the people around looked as if i had gone nuts..!! I coldly looked at them so the situation would not turn into a mocking one. But my attention was towards the boy. He was there unaffected by my apology. He must have been cursing me for all the losses that he had ever faced.

He was standing even stiller then aver before. Now there was sheer serenity in his face which even shook me deep into my nerves. He wanted no apology. What he wanted was an answer. What were his faults. He was well enough qualified for the job except that his roots weren’t sunken in the soils if English language. He bent his head down, turned back with the calmness he already had and then slowly made his way towards the main exit, trying to face the world with the same innocence with which he had once faced a failed interview. Slow but steady he walked out of the campus and then after a minute or two he was gone..!! vaporised in the thin air. This time i was sure that he had gone from my mind, my soul and all of my universe. I felt a sense of relief and turned towards the office door. The new recruits were waiting. I had to mentor them about their future with the company.............

A NARROW ESCAPE...(or was it really an escape..)

It happened quite a long time back. I was returning home from the market. There was a scarcity of vehicles plying on the road, so i decided to walk. The light was dim and the whole scene was set amidst a misty winter evening. It was getting darker and chillier with each passing moment. I, not being in my proper winter attire was really feeling the chill. The lanes wore a soggy and dingy look due to absence of light. The street lights were ill maintained as ever and they provided no additional aid to the visibility. I had to carefully make my way through these narrow lanes watching my steps carefully lest they fell on a muddy area.

On my way back to home, there comes a turn where there are two paths. The road is bifurcated like that of the tongue of a snake. Both the roads have their own specialities. While one of them is shorter the other is significantly longer. As everybody else i used to take the shorter route. It was narrower than the other but was broad enough for someone like me.

That day something other than the usual happened. I cannot explain what occurred to me and by the time i was trying to figure out what had happened, i had already walked a couple of steps into the longer road. I was lazy to turn back and go around the other way. I continued walking lazily as i was in no such hurry to reach my home. I reached home some time later. My mother was running out of her house towards the way of the shorter road. I still remember the worried look on her face. It was usual for her to worry a little bit more than else but that day it was something else. It was as if she had just seen a ghost or something. She wore a horrified look and was more than just relieved to see me back home.

I screamed to call her. She turned, looked at me out of amazement and came running to me.

When i came nearer to her she gave me a tight hug, panting as she held me tight.

“oh ,i was so worried. I thought...”,the words wont come out.”which way did you come,huh..?”

“sorry i took the longer way around the colony,but what is wrong..?,i am just about ten minutes late or so..”,I said.

”what mama, what..,what did you think?” I  was getting curious. I knew that something was not right. Something that had given my mother shivers down the spines. She went inside the house and there an unexpected silence all around. I made my way to the kitchen and insisted. This time i was adamant.

Finally she said,”  some people have died. Some electricity wire has fallen down right on the road and the street was water logged and they got electrocuted........”.A felt a sudden chill on my palms. I was having goosebumps. Suddenly i realised that i had taken the longer road or i would been electrocuted as they were. The actual picture was complete by the next morning. All the people present during the moment in the lane, were electrocuted. It had rained unexpectedly and heavily the afternoon and the whole lane was water-logged. I was really feeling lucky to have escaped the jaws of death.

Many seasons have passed since the incident and it has been forgotten by all. A memorial had been built somewhere near that unlucky lane, the roads renovated and wires renewed. Street lights light up the lane during the evening. The face of the city has changed. But what still remains is the turn where the road still gets divided. It is as if the two roads at the turn, wait for people to make their choices.

 It was the juncture in my life that completely changed my way of getting on with life. But the event still remains fresh in my life. I have had many events in my life where i have escaped unharmed or unscathed, but what is the point. It is all about the decisions that we take in our life.  We all are given our own chances..fair, and unbiased. It is all about how do we take the chances and make our own choices.

But the point is that, what stopped me from taking the shorter route. The lure was there but i did not go for it. I think it was my instinct that saved my life. I took my chances and made the right choice. What do you think?