Anna Hazare’s Crusade – It’s not just about the Jan Lokpal

India has witnessed a massive public unrest against the corruption. The last 5 days have etched themselves in the annals of our nation’s history. As a patriotic Jan of India, here’s my 2 cents on the entire episode.

While the Government has made a complete mess of the issue, presenting themselves as one of the worst crisis mangers, team Anna has managed to score on every quarter of this issue. By arresting Annaji, the government has only added fuel to the fire. I’m quite sure that the entire episode wouldn’t have reached its boiling point had they allowed Annaji to carry on with his fast and then negotiating with him. I should take a minute here and thank the UPA for arresting Annaji and adding another feet to their grave.

Another interesting aspect that caught my attention this week is the comments by Nandan Nilekani on team Anna. The fight for a powerful Jan Lokpal bill, in my opinion is only the first step in the crusade against corruption. Although I agree with the fact that no single bill can be perfect in itself, and the Jan Lokpal will not whitewash our system, the attitude of Nandan ji and his like leaves a lot to be desired. His comments are not only disappointing, but also show how he lacks far-sightedness. Here’s a question for him. When he started with his company, was his agenda for the first year consisted of developing his company into a billion dollar empire, spread all over the country and beyond? I’m sure he must have set goals which were attainable on short term basis, and based on the development of his business, plan for bigger and better things. I don’t you see any difference between this and the strategy adopted by team Anna. The Inquilab (revolution) has just begun. It’s only wise to set a few short term goals and achieve them first and then go ahead with long term goals. The Jan Lokpal bill is only the first step to clean our country off corruption. What team Anna are doing is nothing short of clear thinking and analysis. They can’t do it better.

I can't think of anything more fitting than Robert Frost’s lines:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep.

And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Now that we are wide awake after a 65-year slumber, we've indeed got miles to go before we sleep. Inquilab Zindabad! Jai Hind!