Africa Diary - Chapter 1

6th Sep 2011, 3:00AM took a my first flight to Nairobi and to any African countries. I was excited to be on the lands of emerging markets and see up close countries that is touted as next big thing in world or business and growing economies.

As i was boarding the flight i found obviously lot of Africans, but was amused to find many Indians, who were kutchis and gujrathis largely. In fact one of the guy beside me  was holding a bag that had a name of the company printed on it that was Indian and address some place in Kenya. So obviously there are Indian businessmen who are well settled. That was it... with the thought, that i would find more about the roots of Indian presence in Africa later when i land, slipped into my sheet with some cushion. ZZzzzz

Woke up with the announcement of flight landing, wiped my face with hot towel and stretched my arms to get ready. The view of outside from the flight looked misty and felt good of the anticipation of good weather. Thudd, The flight landed, quickly got my visa on arrival, took my luggage and stepped ahead, saw the person standing with placard. He escorted me car but the walk till that was really pleasant....It was.I didn't expect such a weather and had thought it to be warmer and humid.

We snailed through the traffic to reach the hotel Hill park in the upper hill, but the journey other than the traffic was really pleasing. On my way, saw a man leading the herd of cattle, Eric(name of the driver) told me that he was a Maasai, an old tribe popular in Kenya and Tanzania. But their number is decreasing due to several government initiatives and desire among the tribe to grow and settle in the town, I was told. Eric was driving the cab for me, but he was apparently son of the owner of the transport company and he helps his father when they are short of drivers.

People's draft of anti-graft

Finally people’s draft of anti-graft passed as resolution in parliament just a while ago.

I praise this man vociferously for standing tall. He stood tall till there was enough certainty in the cloud. I hail this man as he ensured that all the important conditions that represent people and affect people at large are brought into the government’s draft. I cannot think of any word that can describe the manner in which he led the entire motion with utmost tranquility. (And I say this because he was called a goon smeared in corruption even before he started his movement and was arrested a day later in morning even before he stood his ground). I salute Anna and celebrate as citizen of this country, as this evening I am feeling a sense of assurance that going forward we may not find ourselves in ‘lachari’ by these ‘Sarkari Karmchari’. But while I rejoice, there is still a wave of wind that takes away my hat leaving me with a question – “How long does it take for a resolution to pass through both houses and be enacted as a bill?”

I am keeping my fingers crossed, and this act of mine only reflects the degree of trust that has been shaped by this government. The nation has witnessed in recent times the dillydallying on an issue of such national importance which directly is related to the so called ‘aam aadmi’. Yes, we have to wait and watch and I hope this entire effort of Anna and his men do not end tragically. In fact, I learned today that Lokpal Bill was passed in the year 1969 but even before it could be passed in Rajya Sabha the Indian National Congress split that year which led to dissolution of government. The rest is a painful history. Our country has witnessed an impasse on this subject since then.

Now, I hope that parliamentarians and the member of standing committee honor this man (they have done the entire day in words). But action is what shall counts in the end. I remember one the senior member of parliament and honorable minister recalled the oath taken while assuming the power to protect the constitution and law, but i would like to state that the same oath proceeds into devoting time into well being of people and servicing them. Everybody involved into taking this resolution forward and making this a reality should do it earnestly and quickly. That day will the real day of victory for the citizenry of this country.

Is Ombudsman or Jan Lokpal Bill enough?

Is an ombudsman, who can investigate independently on a complaint against government officials or a strong Jan lokpal bill sufficient to eradicate corruption? Yes and a No.

Yes, as it is a step forward towards eradication. The body would not only directly function to curb corruption but it would also investigate and act for complaint of corruption which would further instill a sense of fear in the minds who would want to bribe.

No, for the simple reason that no law can actually eradicate evils that exist in society. It can only help in reducing the crime to an extent. Thus, it will just be another body or forum which would help to reduce corruption but may not eradicate it completely.

I have recently come across an incident which makes me feel that will take serious time before we see a nation where government officials serve their citizenry. And I state this with deepest sentiments since this incident marks a serious dent into my mind that believed that every individual, other than officials inside parliament, carry similar national sentiments as that of Anna. For all these days, i have only seen people who are deeply touched by Anna Hazare's act and his sincere effort towards ensuring a corrupt free nation.

For the first time, i came across enamored individuals dastardly attacking Anna'a action with words. Abusing the purity and serenity of an individual who always addressed his supporter and followers at maidan with broad chest and smiling face envisioning a nation that shall prosper with its richness.

For these officials (comes under central ministry of .....oh yes government officials) Anna's movement is leading to a serious revenue loss on a daily basis. They feel government need not feel insecure as it has all the ammunition's (bhais bhi hamari and lathi bhi hamari phir kaisa dar referring to CBI & Police) that can protect and shield their action even if a strong lokpal exists. I was astonished at their extreme views as one of these officials felt that he (Anna) must be assassinated as his movement's growing fervor would lead to national awakening taking away daily bonuses of these crooks.

Their entire conversation has left me bewildered and i kept wondering with several doubts cast over my mind about the effectiveness of Jan Lokpal Bill. May be we do not need a Jan Lokpal Bill, if we all commit to ourselves that we will not involve ourselves into any illegitimate profits. But then we may not need any law either, if people do not commit any crime.

Back on the roads of Mumbai

It felt good to be back on the roads of Mumbai after long two weeks away from hustles and bustles of the city. This is something that I am used to and probably every mumbaites who has to travel the length of the city. If I do not hit its road it gives me a sense that something is missing in my life, a sense similar when i am no in town too. Not that I adore the crowd and traffic or dislike peace and calm of cushion. In fact it is other way round I detest the traffic the most, and love to be under the pillows, but yet not hitting the roads takes away the very element that triggers a sense of doing something on that day.

While I stayed away from all the actions, there is lot that happened last week and the action is still on. I followed Anna Hazare and his campaign in bits and pieces and I must first salute this man who has swept the entire nation. His clarion call has been taken very seriously and is really heartening to see that people are supporting his campaign wholeheartedly. Now that he has now finally moved to Ramlilla Maidan it would be interesting to know what follows suite.

It has been a cat and mouse game between government and Anna so far and Anna has had upper hand since the beginning. Always a step ahead as though he was aware of government's each and every move. An experienced campaigner, which he is, showed his class and might and also demonstrated that he had been part of Ramdevji's campaign he would have made a difference. Obviously, there are certain dissimilarities between the campaigns, his being more precise and restricted to an agenda, the Jan Lokpal Bill.

Jan lokpal bill demystified

The foremost thing is to understand exactly what this bill all about is?

The bill is aimed at creating an anti-corruption redressal system with two critical objectives 1. keeping away elements that interfere and thus delay the process of getting accused convicted (to create effective deterrent against corruption) 2. safeguarding the identity of person who assists the function in getting the accused convicted (effective protection against the whistle-blowers).

The other aspect is to understand what stands good as corruption. One can complain against government official if,

• he indulges into any form of misconduct beyond the call of his duty.
• activities performed by him is punishable under Chapter IX of the Indian Penal Code or under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• he violates any rules or law to himself benefit of directly or indirectly help others to benefit

This bill is aimed to aide in prosecution of the culpable corrupt officers (Government Servant, Public Servant and Public Authorities) bringing in every individual within the ambit of democratic system. Thus lokpal shall be a body that would have powers of civil courts to prosecute offenders. The current draft if enacted or passed in its current form would end up being an ineffective and abusive system for following reasons:

1. The matter raised by complainants shall be taken over by Lokpal after a specific approval of public servant or is referred by government.

2. The investigation against public servants with respect to any action should not affect its action and related duty of public servant

3. Lokpal shall have rights to ask public servant other than ministers to step down from their duty only after he is satisfied with allegation, for the rest recommendation shall be made to president for decision, PM is exempted from this.

4. Delhi Special Police Establishment shall assist lokpal in its investigation

I did not get into the details of the administrative & management aspects of this bill which may not have direct impact on establishment of guilt. The above salient point indicates how this bill has been drafted to safeguard the government representatives. In fact it does not serve overall vision and objective that have been set out. In its current form Lokpal would not be able to achieve its result and would be a system equivalent to PAC or even JPC wherein judge is a member among the bench who spend days in sessions clamouring and shouting over issues until the matter is lost in oblivion. The democracy as we have learnt is system of the people, by the people, for the people; however Lokpal would be system of the government, by the government, for the government in its current form.

I remember Mr. Anand Mahindra Tweeting "Don't worry as huge mob on street are not people revolting against corrupt government, they are celebrating Indian Cricket Team World Cup victory". In less than a week his premonition turned into a truth. Hope this effort by Anna Hazare and movement across the country gets this bill in a shape and form that helps our country eradicate corruption in totality as our weakness is not establishing lest in implementing to achieve the desired objective.

“Jai Hind”

Hail victorious world champions

The start was nothing less than dramatic, confusion leading to suspense and ultimately the climax that bewildered many and even raised doubts as to how one can forget the call that he himself called few seconds before. The anticlimax though was re-toss. To the disappointment of many, islanders took away the advantage. In the moments after, anything less than audacious was at the display as Indian fielders behaved like clawed feline leaving nothing out of their claws. But the somber approach by islanders continued until the end of their first innings when they cut loose and ended up with a total that was more than competitive. At half way stage there was battle going on inside every Indian I would imagine between their minds and souls, and with couple deliveries bowled they were left shocked as the Delhi bomber left the ground. Maestro was at work and it looked he was determined as ever to be there in the middle until a delivery snicked. Stunned!!! Heart started sinking but the desire, will and wish was still not shattered. Repair work began and from then the soul and heart were better off over the mind. Every run was cheered and every dive wrecked minds as one could see despair and pain on spectators on & off the ground. Belief took upstage with every run taking the chase closer to the target. With runs less than half a cent and two men with steely resolve at crease meant India would drive home easily but then past history of power play in this mega-event itself would cast doubts. But these unflappable heroes were on the job flawless and one glorious hit brought glory that nation waited almost endlessly. And when the wait was over the scenes were unimaginative. First the euphoria and then the ecstasy, such was the emotion of every Indian around the world on the Saturday night. A night, every Indian would remember for long, long time to come. What even I saw just outside my home on the streets was less than extra ordinary. Scenes I could have imagined only after India's military victory on their envious enemy. People thronged the streets, studded commotions, wavered national tricolor and chanted victory slogans. Yes, India triumphed and not just the cricket team was delirious about this victory, it was entire nation that was filled with emotions that seldom one experience. Sentiments that is incomparable to any laurel in any sporting event across the world, only vindicating the fact that how much we as a nation admire, follow, scrutinize, criticize and chastised cricket than their administration would do to them. Ah!! It is fascinating to see how one common thing can act like a thread and weave the emotions of entire nation together. Joy saw no bounds last night and may this cheer last long, but every one knows real life beckons at far end of this hallucination.

India v/s Pakistan Mohali

It doesn't get bigger than this with two sub-continent nations yet again pitted against each other in the quest to make it to finals of the almost month old cricketing feast. The adrenaline were already rushing even before winning runs were scored against australia and talks about stature of the contest in waiting. The international cricketing body would not have asked for more, a clash that appears to be scripted well. The result now ain't that important for anybody other than cricket frenzy individuals, the team and boards as only a victory would be a better sign off for them. For the rest, they are already victorious.

Playing Bandora at Bandra

A week saw two disasters of its kind, one at island nation and the other at an island city. Both these disasters were of different nature and any comparison would be an injustice. One was a natural calamity of scale that would test any nation's resilience and would peg the economy back anywhere in the world. The other not yet clear whether it was an accident or conspiracy that lead to an inferno in a slum that is still reeling in a shock. As I said comparison would not be just but it needs a mention about how as a country we still do not care about lives of individuals irrespective of their class and are grossly ignorant about many civic responsibilities starting from avoiding disaster, managing disaster at the time of occurrence and managing rehabilitation after disaster. I was distraught as went through the lane from Bandra station to get an auto up to BKC. Mind you I had to risk my own life by crossing the railway track as the bridge was furled by fire and there is no alternative as yet to commuters who would want to cross over. A five minute walk up to rickshaw stand was not just disturbing to mind but it left me with many questions!!

1. How long as nation we still have to worry about basics food, cloth and a safe abode?

2. People are responsible for their state of affairs largely but can the government, civic body and public officials be held responsible and accountable for civic state of nation?

3. India is a growth story for entire investor world and efforts abound are made to improve lives too, apparently fragmented and hence does the sweet transpire down really is something one must talk about?

4. Talk about resilience this city has oh, editorials are filled while the metropolitan witnesses any crisis but is it resilience in true sense? Not quite sure.

A week after the incident no real effort seen on ground to bring back the life to normalcy, get to hear that authorities are still figuring out which official body is directly responsible for rehabilitation Railways or BMC!!. Questions and doubts of who should actually be bearing the cost are primarily delaying the rehabilitation. And then theory of conspiracy looms large, in this situation how can things turn around when investigation goes on!! Tie up all these together and you get an answer!! A nice bandore at Bandra is being played by all civic and government agency together.