So, in the class today my Prof. tells us a small story he came to know... rather an occurrance :)
As a part of the MDP programme conducted in our college, a police officer, three time presidential medal winner has been invited to our college for an interview. While the Prof started telling this I thought we were in for some inspiring stuff!
He told us an excerpt from their conversation- With the topic of corruption coming in, the officer says that in the start they were all uncorrupted! He says that there was once a Lok Adalat meet in the early part of his career when he was in charge of organising- providing lodging and boarding for the members presiding over the adalat. He recalls that, for the provision of lodging and boarding for 12 dignitaries a budget of Rs2000 was allocated. Considering the implausibility of the situation, he had assigned a localtie to arrange for the lodging and boarding. Then he says, "When I asked for a favour, I had to return this favour within time."
In another instance where it was the wedding of the IG's daughter and the DIG wanted to present a Refrigerator as a gift and calls upon this officer to purchase it. The DIG also clarifies saying that he will pay the money needed for the refrigerator and hands him a cash of Rs5000.There is no higher irony as a reasonably good refrigerator costs Rs15000. He says that he purchased it , and reckons how he slowly got adapted to the corruption prevalent. He also jokingly mentions that the next time he went for this kind of purchase he hints the shop keeper to keep aside an item for his home too. (Ya.. Why should the superior have all the fun!!)
When our Prof. was narrating this story making jokes and winking, it was all fun. Then, I thought how conveniently we were ignoring the piteousness of the situation. This is how easily corruption creeps into a persons life. What choice did he have in organising the adalat! He could have paid from his own pocket or asked for the favour from a friend. Then again the debate starts as in WHY should he, as it is not an obligation. Hasn't the problem itself started from the meager allocation of budget..?
Again, Is it the IG's fault? or Is it because along the line he also had to cater for his senior officers? The thought process goes on.. there is no end to it. Some say, that wiping off these issues is impossible. I still believe there is hope, may be my belief is lessening by the day but still.. there is hope. May be the bottom member of the organisation doesn't have complete control over the issue, but if the top most person is sincere enough, he can definetely alter the situation.
"Why is it that just because you had to go through something, everyone on the path has to go through the same?"
Mayb it should be more like,
"Because you had to go through something, you don't let anyone go through something like that again!"
