CORRUPTION - THE CANCER

Election is the time of the year when most of the Candidates and Voters think about a common subject, CORRUPTION.  Suddenly, the awareness is more, and many people become agitated and angry at this word, which is widely considered as a cancerous one in any Country.  Now the key question is, should this awareness and anger at Corruption have an impact only during Elections?

Corruption in any form and in any level, should be condemned always.  Blaming the Politicians alone for Corruption is ignoring the other party involved.  Those days, the acts of the Citizens were a reflection of that of the Ruler.  But now-a-days, in a democracy, it is the other way around.  The act of the Ruler is a reflection of the attitude of the Citizens.  Many things are done by the Rulers of the Democracy, namely those in the Constitutional Positions, Ministers and the likes, in the pretext of “People’s Demand”.  So, the Onus to remove corruption is shifted back to the Citizens. 

It should not be a subject that should be thought of only during the elections.  To find a cure, everyone should be conscious about Corruption, in their day-to-day life as well.  Corruption in any form should be discouraged, including Corruption of Mind.  We often find a laid-back attitude in people when it comes to corruption.  These people think that their individual behaviour alone will not bring in any change.  In a true sense, we are all contributors in one way or another in allowing this menace from reaching the present levels.

Corruption, like Charity, begins at home.  More often, we find some parents telling their children about getting them a Gift if they get good grades in Exams.  This is also a corruption, in a way.  There is a very thin line between motivation and corruption. 

There are basically 3 forms of corruption happening around us. 

1) To get some favours to do something that is beyond what is permissible

2) To get some favours to ignore some wrong doing

3) To get favours to do something which they are supposed to do.

The Worst form is the last one.  To pay something extra for something which one is supposed to do as part of the duty, is not good by any stretch of imagination.  The Children’s education comes in this category.  To start with, Parents should exhibit good practice in front of the Children.  One often one witnesses parents trying to bribe a corrupt TTE to get a Berth in a Train or offer a corrupt Traffic Policemen to get away from a Traffic Offence; all in front of their Children.  All this affects the Children in the Long-run.  Even small things like observing traffic rules, lane discipline and patients when one is travelling with children creates a positive impact on the Child, which augurs well for the future.

It is not enough if the parents pass on only the Family Traditions and Customs to the next generation.  The Parents should be a role model for their children and pass on the Civic Sense and Values that makes them a better Citizen of the Country.  It is a good practice not to allow Corrupt people get into power but at the same time one should be conscious about Corruption always and ensure one does not become a contributor to it, in any ways.

The seeds for Change can begin from each individual and it must be so.  This is the only way the menace of Corruption can be controlled, initially and eradicated totally.

(The above article was written for publication in Apr. 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)