The image that the corrupt can and will always have their way and therefore are an invincible lot stands demolished.
For far too long a series of scams and complex web of investigations had thrown a haze of helplessness in the eyes of public.
The Jantar-Mantar episode has managed to create the ‘magic’ that was much needed and dust that haze a little, at a time when the nation suffers from a severe lack of credible inspirational heroes and role models.
Hopefully it will change mindsets that let corruption fester.
That the veteran social activist Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption (his ‘fast unto death’ unless the process toward an impartial and effectual anti-corruption mechanism was initiated in keeping with demands of civil society) transformed into a massive nationwide movement and a rallying point for people from all persuasion and regions in a matter of a couple of days speaks volumes of the extent of disillusionment that had set amongst citizens over slothful governance and management of the country.
Of course it also cannot be ruled out that the immediacy of elections has been a catalyst in the government’s willingness to accede to Hazare’s demand, as the ruling apparatus tried its level best to play it tough.
Hazare’s adoption of the Gandhian approach may have resulted in some dividends but the movement has to be accelerated more than ever before.
This synergy of diverse socio-economic strata has to be kept alive, on its course, strengthened from time to time, properly channelized and pressures have to be exerted at appropriate intervals and moments.
The dignity of this crusade will lie in not letting this gain go waste as the test of any institution, ‘bill’, statute, approach or movement lies in procuring larger welfare of the lowest and weakest democratic denominator.
Past examples such as that of Maosim show that discontent of a beleaguered people can easily be manipulated and people’s movements infiltrated and hijacked by vested interests.
For the masses there are lessons from the history of corruption that politicians never learn that corruption has been one of the biggest causes for the fall of empires.
Tolerance of corruption by ruling dispensations has always legitimized this bane that has crossed the danger limit once again.
Culpability is definitely an integral in the growth of this menace but what cannot be overlooked is that the tentacles of this monster emanate from the higher echelons as the largest quantum of corruption happens here due to reasons like over-centralization of power, non-transparency and lack of accountability.
Otherwise, what else would explain the fact that the Jan Lokpal Bill has failed to see the light of the day despite being introduced eight times in the Parliament ever since 1968?
With human beings being the same whether in the making of a democracy or monarchy it is not surprising that clarion calls have meant mere replacement of one corrupt order with another.
Now with the creation of a conducive social climate, the agenda crystal clear, demands for participation of civil society in fighting the omnipresent corruption being granted it is to be seen how scrupulously honest, vigilant, zealous, morally strong, non discriminatory and indomitable will these ‘civil crusaders’ be in taking the task forward.
The image that the ‘corrupts are invincible’ may have been dented yet corruption in its worst manifestations remains at large.
Time will decide whether this movement is the last flicker in the flame of hope before it gets extinguished of its own or one that sparkles into brilliance and delivers the nation from evil.
