Flawed Beauty: India at 64

Every year on August 15th, I blog about one event: India's Independence. Today, strangely, I'm a rather odd state of mind. I woke up this morning ready to rant on about what a proud nation we are. Independent,. modern and savvy. So why is it then, I find myself lost amidst negative comments from locals. Some call our independence an "illusion" while others question what the point of our independence is? Today is a day where we are supposed to remember the teachings of Gandhi. But what do we really have to remember? That we're independent of a country that ruled over us for years before we finally kicked them out? But over 60 years later, are we really independent? Till date, we hear of stories of the female infanticide, dowry, corruption and even caste discrimination. Not really independent from our mentality or thinking.

This word, "independence" is totally taken for granted. Physical independence was the initial problem. And so through brave hearts like Gandhi and Nehru, we drove out the British. That act in itself was a foundation for what should have followed. However, here we are 64 years later, still reeling in issues that are rather sticky. Ultimately the problem is simple: a lack of education. And let's not confuse education with literacy. There is a huge difference.

But is it fair to blame all the above issues on the uneducated/illiterate? As educated Indians, we too have a responsibility towards our country. The first of course is simple. Vote. The illiterate do not know the difference between their politicians. They're hungry for anything and thus, will place their vote in those who provide them with empty promises. Every time a metro voter chooses not to go out and vote, you allow one more corrupt politician to gain another illiterate vote.

The youth have a responsibility to get involved. It's your country, your future. If you're sick of the system, then get up, get out and do something. There is no point sitting on your young buttock watching your country falter at the hands of ministers who are filling their pockets. And if you're told you don't know what you're talking about, bachche ho tum and all that jazz, then instead of shrugging and walking away, take a stand. The power of the youth should never be underestimated.

Look to say we're not an independent strong nation is totally false. This is one of the reasons we're attacked by terrorists regularly. They fear the pace at which we're progressing. But this is not a reason to back down. In fact now more than ever, we need to get it together. The time is now. Our freedom fighters say, "This is not the India we fought for." It's now time to make it that India.

Today happens to be one of my most favorite days of the year. I miss my summers in Bombay where I'd run down to my building podium in my pj's to watch the tricolor go up. A moment of pride would fall over me. And even though I'm on the opposite hemisphere today, my heart beats saffron, white and green. I am and will always be a proud Indian. Jai Hind!

Anna Hazare: New Age Gandhi

Corruption is a part of India's DNA.
India's Corruption Curse.
Corruption: Threat to India's Economic Development.

I don't even live in India and I cringe every time I read headlines in the news regarding India's corruption. In 2011, India is considered a future superpower. "Watch out for India!" people are always saying. And for the most part, I smile, seena taan ke, proud to be Indian. But who am I kidding? No one but myself. Corruption in India is hardly a matter that can be swept under the carpet. It exists and there is no denying. But when it starts to affect the future and the growth of the country, then you seriously have a problem. While the Middle East is looking to change the way their nations operate within their governments, we hardly have that issue. India is one the most democratic countries in the world. And yet, we are one of the most corrupt.

It has taken the likes of a 72 year-old Anna Hazare to come out and fast-unto-death, he says, in order for the country to stand up and take notice of this issue. At first, much like the rest of the country, I too thought to myself, "Yet another publicity stunt." But today, I look at myself as nothing but as an ignorant fool. Ignorant because I allowed myself to look down on a man who is out to make the biggest change that will hopefully come to India in last decade. An activist, Social Worker, an soldier for the Indian Army and man who is out to change the face of India forever, Hazare has done what only Gandhi could have done perhaps. While the former is out to rid the country of a "bacteria" better known as corruption, the latter is the Father of Nation and gained India freedom from the British. Anna's accomplishments thus far, and we're talking about a 72-year-old man here, are immense. It all began with a small initiative: to eradicate alcoholism from his village. From then on, he went on to make bigger and better changes including building the first secondary school in the area. And all this not by force. Anna educated his village and encouraged to volunteer to partake in modernizing their village. His dedication to social work and to the country is beyond words.

This isn't the first time Anna has gone on a fasting strike. Back in 1991, the social worker fasted until corrupt forest officers, who were duping the country of Crores, weren't bought to justice. The otherwise sleeping government was forced to wake up and take action, which they did.

"So what does he want this time," I asked. The answer: to fully eliminate corruption from the country altogether. While it does sound farfetched and impossible, it is possible to lower corruption rates with his bill better known as the Jan Lokpal Bill. And when you read what the bill has to offer, you are immediately excited at what it could do for the country. For starters, institutions all over the country, known as LOKPAL, will be set up in every state. This ultimately becomes the hub for citizens who can bring all their issues regarding corruption to. There will be no ministers or beaureacratics involved in any investigations and all cases will be dealt with over the course of a year. But the best part of this bill is what it offers to the people of India. Irrespective of how big or small your corruption issue is, LOKPAL will take care of it. Passport or ration card isn't being processed in time, head to your local LOKPAL center, file a complaint and they basically take care of it. The accused will be handled quickly and punished swiftly. And to ensure that no members of the LOKPAL themselves are involved in any corruption, all transactions will be kept "transparent". In addition, as an Indian citizen, you need not worry about being victimized because you have chosen to be brave and stand up for corruption. LOKPAL will take care of you and provide protection to all those to speak out over corruption.

The bill has been presented numerous times to a number of regimes only to be sidelined and ignored every single time. Realizing that the situation had hit the roof, Anna decided it was now or never. So here he is giving up his life for the country in the most peaceful of ways.

The benefits are immense and will only help India grow into a country that is truly ready then to become a superpower. What's most interesting is how the yuva (youth) of India are standing up for Anna.Just over the internet itself, Indians from all over the world are standing up to support the activist virtually. One only hopes India's big brother, Anna's fast breaks to a new dawn in India; one that is free of dirty corrupt politicians, one that allows the country to grow and one that will change the face of revolutions. Are we headed for our very own Egyptian revolution? It sure smells like it. Jantar Mantar is now officially India's answer to Tahrir Square. The face of the youth and corruption is about to change in India. All this courtesy of one brave bachelor whose life has been to change India. Irrespective of which part of the world you're in, if you're Indian, it is your ultimate duty to back this man because if we lose him, we'll not only lose a man who could have done heaps for the country, but will tell our youth that there is no hope for India. Is this the lesson we want to give to the youth of India? This is your moment to shine young India. Stand up now and show them you care and will not allow them to ruin your future. Wake up India. Wake up.