Corruption has been continuing in a sustained flow. Everywhere the voice against corruption is rising. In meetings, committees, and election campaigns, discussions revolve around corruption. For building a corruption-free India, the general public periodically changes governmental responsibility through elections. Many hopes and aspirations are spread for the eradication of the root of this grave evil. Yet corruption itself keeps smoothing and extending the path of corruption. Where corruption exists, how corruption operates—investigations and audits all take place; still, no one can truly see or recognize corruption.
Recently, during the outbreak of the coronavirus, everyone fell ill and many lives were lost; yet no one could see the virus. Similarly, around us and within our very breathing exists corruption—everywhere corruption—yet we cannot see it or fully perceive it. What exactly is corruption? India has become free from the incurable disease of polio, but not from corruption. When India will become free from corruption remains unimaginable.
For years, personalities who call themselves patriots, lovers of the nation, and ardent nationalists assert their dignity at different times and inwardly take pride in themselves. But where is corruption? Who will catch it and deliver appropriate punishment? From every place heaps of corrupt money (currency notes) are being found; even the ashes of burnt notes are discovered. We feel proud of being highly educated; we consider ourselves leaders of society, great personalities—yet still corrupt. But what kind of corruption is this? Who will explain? Though corruption exists everywhere, no one can seize it. How can it be seized? Whether through scientific methods, natural upheavals, or modern institutional systems—everything appears astonished and helpless. Essays on ethics, newspapers, and examples of virtuous individuals are ignored while corruption merrily continues before us.
Who will say where corruption occurs? Within the machinery of government, highly educated and sharp-minded officers and the elected leadership guiding them often function as one. Yet corruption openly asserts its presence. Corruption itself seems to become truth, auspiciousness, and beauty—this is what ends up being accepted.
Corruption exists in our own everyday example. Senior officials at the central level may casually tell a senior state official verbally: “My children and family will visit this tourist place; please take care of it.” This informal verbal request becomes reflected in the obedient sense of duty of the state officer. The state official then instructs subordinate district officers verbally to make all arrangements smooth for the senior officer’s family trip. The district officer, using clever administrative methods and the abilities of block-level officers, employs verbal persuasion and coordination. Thus the family tour arrangements are successfully completed.
At the root of such successful arrangements lies the need for money. For this, block-level officials collect small amounts through subordinate staff, which rural citizens pay as bribes. In this way ordinary citizens are exploited. Even elected representatives, though themselves drawn from the public and having experienced hardship, join with higher officials to enjoy an improved and modern lifestyle, continuing the cycle collectively. From this arise social distress, public suffering, poverty, and economic hardship. In many such ways, corruption plays out its many forms and spectacles.
This is indeed:
Truth, Holiness, Beauty
Corruption is for eternity
Basudev Behera
The writer is a Company Secretary by profession and a writer by passion. He resides at Sundar, Astaranga, Puri district of Odisha. He can be contacted on +919650540363.
