I am a drop of water in the wave of change - I matter
“Hands clasped together, united we stood and created a wave of change – the kind that leads to a revolution. It was no longer imagined – but real, in flesh and blood as we walked inside Freedom Park, faintly absorbing the sound of Vande Mataram from a distance,” shares Komal Singh, writer from Bangalore, about her experience of participating in the anti-corruption rally in which Art of Living volunteers took part.
Many share the same sentiments as Komal – the need for a revolution against corruption. From a feeling of ‘What can I do?’ to ‘I am an agent of change,’ many citizens have felt empowered and responsible.
Physically challenged, but empowered by values
“I was amazed to see 300 physically-challenged children on wheelchairs supporting the movement. From advocates in black coats to auto rickshaw drivers, teenagers with ear piercings to social activists – it seemed as if the whole of India had come out on the streets in support,” says Delhi-based Gautam Vig, an Art of Living teacher.
Ami Patel, fashion editor for L’Officiel India was on an April sojourn to the Capital for the Wills Fashion Week, but inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s support for the movement, she dragged a few designer friends and went trotting in pencil heels to the rally. “I’ve never seen such patriotism in my life, the air was filled with this one passion. There were people shouting slogans, yet doing it with nonviolence.” Those moments left their mark; today, months after the rally, Ami is a vociferous supporter of the anti-corruption movement in India.
The small beginnings of change
Apart from the long-term changes that are expected, the movement has also brought about some immediate changes. “After our anti-corruption drive, I was surprised when a registration officer in Margao (situated on the outskirts of Goa) gave me a certificate in two days without asking for extra money,” exclaims Arman Banker, an anti-corruption campaign volunteer in Goa. “This is the same officer whom I avoided for years since I didn’t want to grease his palms, now says he wouldn’t take extra money henceforth and a plaque behind him now reads that he is against corruption.” Just like Arman many volunteers had gone in groups to government offices distributing small plaques with the words written, “I am against corruption. Are you?”
The cause became larger than life. The Lokpal Bill, the citizen’s watchdog Bill to keep corrupt officers in check, became a household name.
Today, we need to come together for a big transformation, a new direction, an awakening amongst our people,” says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji. “Everyone should speak out against corruption. Fight against injustice, but without anger or violence. Fight with a calm and serene mind. The spiritual values of ahimsa (non-violence) and truth transcend time and work everywhere, even today. When you make your mind strong with a conviction not to be corrupt, people will also change.’
Rallies and plaques dot India’s map (view slide show)
Inspired by Gurudev's message, youth volunteers of The Art of Living began organizing and participating in peace rallies. From maidans in Mumbai to gullies in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; Bangalore’s Peace garden to the roads of Indore: youth from all walks carried candles and led satsang-filled marches, reverberating with a passion to bring change. “Each of us felt like we represented the anti-corruption cause,” shares Aarushi Goyal, an event manager from Indore.
The Antidote to corruption (read complete article)
Gurudev says that corruption begins where a sense of belongingness ends. “You draw a circle of belongingness around you and corruption begins only after that. Politicians need to be more spiritual, by spiritual I mean have a sense of belongingness with people. That spirit is somewhere going down. That is why we feel that corruption or unethical business have all sprung up. We need to inculcate these value systems in our youth. The youth are ready for this, they want it!” he says.
With more and more people taking a stand against corruption, volunteers continue to speak out. To join in the movement, fill up the form next to this article to pledge not to take or give bribes and to show your support for anti-corruption. To help spread the word among local government officials, supporters can take up a project of distributing stickers or notices in government offices with the words, “I do not take a bribe.” For more information, contact webteam.india@artofliving.org