Is this the best we can do?

I frequent The Guardian a lot as they keep coming up with good, informative articles, but at times, it saddens me completely to see someone talk about their own land without hope, more so when its someone like Aravind who apparently has traveled around his country a lot. I'm refering to his article Indians' worst fear: the honest politician where he mentions that Indians not only accept corruption, but also fear and reject a novel or an honest politician, and has his own theory for it. Now, what really scares me is that these articles are different compared to their traditional print counterparts- they are accessible from anywhere in the world; they can reach many more people than any print editions could ever, and that usually translates to a lot of people who have never been to India and have probably never met the average Indian(someone living in India). What does it mean? You can screw up and spread a lot of unhealthy vibes really easy, especially, if you're someone who has got "an independent and a different yet interesting point of view" of looking at things.

For starters, I consider myself an average Indian, who lives in India and who IS INDEED really worried about and bothered by the corruption, and NOT by the lack of it, as Aravind mentions. If anything, his article would definitely be a pleasant and a warm welcome for all the corrupt people out there. If I'm a person with corrupt practices, I'd have definitely appreciated Aravind a lot for his article. But guess what. I'm not. Unfortunately for Aravind, I still think positively about my country. Lets take the case of the honest politician Aravind talks about that he won't be able to get anything done. Well, first of all, I've got three words for Aravind- speak for yourself! and secondly- who the fuck are you to say what an honest person can or cannot do?! If its out of your puny little imagination, or should I say, you're corrupt imagination, to think what such a politician can do, then STFU pal. At the very least DO NOT represent the billion people you don't even know about.

I must point out that this is not just against one person, but a few people out there who are infectious in all the wrong ways. They are like a disease and spread negativity around. What they fail to understand is the fact that _they_ are the root cause, not the politicians. I read a lot of such articles about our country by such like-minded people who glorify all the wrongs and yet somehow forget that they're responsible for the current state of affairs as well, but I rarely feel like venting it out since I am ashamed of myself for not contributing to the good of my country.

Look at the developed world- U.S.A, U.K, Australia, Timbuktu, take a pick. Do you think there's no corruption there? Do you think there's no bribes going around? So why are they still in a good state? Apart from all the technical difficulties and feasibility issues, the fundamental difference between us and them is that they really do care for their country. Every single person loves their country and is proud of it. They never lose hope, and even if they highlight their country's negatives, they ensure they do it in all their patriotism and their love for their country. Most importantly, they feel responsible for their country's health- be it economic, mental or physical.

Look at all the other countries struggling- Any African nation, any third world country- the difference is so obvious- people leave their own land for greener pastures. There is no sense of responsibility, none. NADA. Neh.

Take as an example, some irresponsible person from India- he would happily, carelessly, irresponsibly litter all over the place in his own town in India, but if you take the same guy and put him in Singapore or the U.S., he's all of a sudden scared to litter. Why? Accountability comes into play, and with it responsibility. Now, there is the involvement of public authorities to some extent in instilling that fear, but we cannot deny the sudden realization that sprung up in that individual, from no where. That is what we need to cultivate. This is just one of the many things that need to be done, and the best part of it all- they really can be done!

Over 45% of Indian population is 30 or below. I see hope. I see a new tomorrow where the young wont litter anymore, where our children will grow up with a sense of responsibility and accountability, and where people are proud of their motherland. And guess who's responsible for instilling those things? yes, you and me. If I tell my kids today to not litter around, they wont, and they don't need any public authorities for that. I have seen places where the public authorities are punctual in their chores because they are scared of the people living in those areas- those few residents remind the authorities of their responsibilities and their accountability to the society.

I'm not the one who will want to live with corrupt people and die silently so that my children will continue to do the same, and I'm not going to tell my children to accept corruption as a part of their lives. No.

Folks, spread the word, not the disease. Please.

Luv,
~H - an Indian who knows he's partially responsible for the current state of corruption, but who's not without hope.