If I were Anna: A Personal Response to the Anti-Corruption Movement

Anna Hazare and Team Anna highlighted corruption and demanded a law to eradicate it in India... a lofty ideal. If I were in Anna’s position, along with his team, what else would I have done?

I would begin with personal examination.

Am I corrupt? Do I uphold my own standards... let alone the standards expected by God? I may not be corrupt in terms of money, but am I corrupt in terms of power or ego? Am I intolerant of others? Do I condone violence as a means of correcting people?

I would pay all my taxes regularly and sincerely. I would not buy anything in the market if the seller did not provide a receipt. I would not engage in land or real-estate transactions involving cash; all payments would be made by cheque. I would pay my taxes in full, as a responsible citizen.

I would refuse to pay a bribe... however small... to any police officer, government official, or politician to get things done. This may involve delays, loss of privileges, or missed opportunities, but I would accept those consequences.

I would neither give nor receive dowry for the marriage of my children, nor would I participate in weddings among relatives or friends where dowry transactions have taken place.

I would resist consumerist culture by not frequently upgrading my phone, car, or other gadgets. I would not switch to newer versions of phones, laptops, or vehicles until they genuinely stopped functioning.

I would not mobilize volunteers through hate... such as “hate politicians”... but through love: love for the nation, society, and all citizens, including Dalits, Tribals, women, and minorities. I would not donate to any political party.

I would select volunteers for the movement only after they affirmed and took an oath to follow these values in their personal and family lives. From among them, I would choose leaders with the highest moral standards and credibility... people known for integrity and transparency.

Before demanding new laws, I would mobilize volunteers at the grassroots level to ensure that the Public Distribution System (PDS), Public Health Centres (PHCs), and government schools function optimally, regularly, and consistently. If this were sustained over five to ten years, there would be no illiteracy, hunger, malnutrition, or poverty.

Instead of spending ₹80 lakhs to glamorize a fast, I would have adopted 80 rural schools... ensuring they were whitewashed and equipped with benches, blackboards, and toilets.

Perhaps what is required of each of us is self-evaluation... leading to positive, constructive, and nation-building ideas that genuinely contribute to the progress of our nation.

About the Author

Mr. J. N. Manokaran is a speaker, teacher, trainer, and writer involved in ministries around the world.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAMILY MANTRA.