Ending corruption begins with you and me, says Hyderabad

“We were sitting and discussing the Jan Lokpal Bill and realised that while the bill would help curb corruption, all fingers were pointed at politicians, bureaucrats and officials. Nobody seemed to think that these are people who were once, one of us,” said Jawad Ali, one of the seven people who decided to walk from Kanyakumari to New Delhi in an effort to put this message across to the people.

He clarified that they are not against the Lokpal Bill. “A strong Lokpal Bill will definitely help curb corruption. But then, if we really want a corruption-free India, we need to make an effort,” he said, adding: “India is not going to be corruption-free as long as the common man continue to offer bribes. If we want to have an honest India, we need to be honest first,” he says.

Vivek Reddy, another member of the group, said: “The objective of the walk is to propagate the concept of personal honesty. When we think about it, most of us are not very honest. How then, can we expect our leaders to be honest?”

“We want people to define what honesty is for them. Perhaps, once we realise the difference in our own terms, in what we say and what we do, we can then make an effort to be different,” he said.

“Maybe we will understand that it is not so easy,” he said, adding:

“Now, every time I have to download songs from the Internet, I think twice. I can no longer jump a signal.” “Sure, by doing these things, I may not be lying, but then I am not being honest either. I think people need to realise this difference and start being honest with themselves, in their daily actions,” he said. The group began its journey from Kanyakumari on December 18. “During these 18 days, we have tried to live on the `32 the Planning commission suggested is poverty line cut-off,” said Jawad. “It is not easy. Even a banana costs Rs8.”

The experience has been challenging and fulfilling, said the members. “On the way, we have met over 3,000 people. I feel more Indian now,” said Vivek. “Earlier, I was a Hyderabadi, but after meeting all these people, travelling this distance, I am just Indian now,” he added.

He said cynics have told them: “It does not matter how far we travel, when we come back home, there is nothing that can change India, our people are always going to be the same.”

“There are some who suspected us to be terrorists and complained to the police. But then there are other people who believe that change is possible, they supported us and encouraged us,” said Vivek.