Whither India??

I met a senior bureaucrat today, and asked him, if all that is appearing in media about corruption in high places is credible or concocted, and this particularly in reference to the Coalgate scandal. The reason is simple, media sometimes relies on arm-chair journalism and not investigative journalism, and of course it is not incorruptible also.

But this bureaucrat in quite a matter of fact-like manner ascribed complete credibility to media reports. In fact I was quite amused by his monotonic admission of crony capitalism and corruption in high places.

Today, the situation is so bad, the honest cower at home and corrupt roam around with impunity stemming from none less than smug contempt for the rule of law. An in-corruptible bureaucrat like Khemka had tears in his eyes as he prayed for the safety of his family.

In the age of Monarchies, the King would often roam in disguise to understand the problems of the subjects, and also what the hoi-polloi thought of his rule. This was the kings’ way of respecting public opinion. Though he ruled by virtue of divine right, yet benevolent despots did not disregard public opinion.

Today, modern politicians have their own way of manipulating public opinion. What else could explain the impunity with which they perpetuate their maverick ways?

The latest 2G auction has been a damp squib, and all the spokespersons of the Congress party that faced flak for the initial allocations went in overdrive mode to take a dig at the CAG’s assessment of the notional loss to the exchequer. Miffed and mauled by the disclosures of such devastating dimensions, this face saving is the best strategy that a decadent Congress could have resorted to.

I only hope, a veteran like Vinod Rai will continue the good work that he has embarked upon unabated. His tenure would go down in history as one of fearless discharge of his duty regardless of the injury that it may have caused to his political masters. I am sure if he would comprise somewhat or deviate from his principles, he can certainly be assured of a good Gubernatorial assignment post retirement.

I have never been able understand why the Indian bureaucrat is so weak in the knee when it comes to taking on the political masters, despite the steel frame in which he is cast, precisely to protect him from political witch hunt and shenanigans.

A cursory reading of the preamble of the constitution of USA tells us how insipid it is. If you would read the bill of rights, it also tells you how backward the original settlers were. Blacks were denied franchise - could not caste vote - till 1879 amendment. Even then there were several states which did not ratify this amendment guaranteeing blacks the right to vote, including the state of NY which ratified this amendment only in 1970.

Women could not vote till 1919, and many states of USA resisted ratification of this amendment also till many years later. But though the US constitution may have been weak in the letter, the in-de -fatigable spirit of the Americans that held us upheld the sense and sentiment tall and sterling.

In India on the other hand, the constitution is a beautifully drafted document, a piece of fine artwork, meticulously and studiously compiled and it stands tall in the letter but weak in spirit, the latter often supplicating to the whims of people in power, in stark disregard to the power of the people.

Whereas some of the above may be generally true, this country yet does not cease to produce Hazares, Khemkas and Kejriwals in surprising numbers also. What a contradiction?