Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Journey so far

One month has elapsed since the (very!) hyped “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” was launched. There were pledges, publicity and of course our celebrity PM, to kick starts what was considered a game changer! But has it turned out to that way? Has anything changed?

There are some reports that some societies have taken it up wholeheartedly. There are also reports that most of the govt's “not so tidy” offices have turned into clean heavens. But unfortunately, most of the nation is still sleeping in her deep slumber. The “Business as usual” approach still holds the maximum share and the evergreen "Who cares?" attitude still holds its ground firmly.

(Src: inbministry)

In a nutshell, the movement has been a mixed affair (like MNREGA et al). So, where did it go right and where it didn't? Some important lessons –

1. Attitude - The success stories are mostly coming from places where people have been vigilant even before the movement. Call it Media's conspiracy or a govt's trick, most of the places which have been getting coverage these days have been that way before as well. So, how much change has happened is anybody's guess.

2. Govt's clean offices - There have been some monitory mechanisms put in those places and some serious caveats handed over that if during any check they are found guilty, there will be some serious consequences. So it's basically the "fear psychosis" game played. Proving effective though!

3. Also, with the checks, certain uncertainty has been maintained by colouring it with "anytime" colours i.e. no fixed checking schedules set. Simply put, some surprise visits in store!

"Leading the way!" (Src: DNA)

4. Since, it was launched by one popular leader and has been endorsed by many celebs across the spectrum (with many actors uploading their "with the broom" selfies on twitter, FB etc) it has gained a certain brand. Good lesson for future schemes.

Most importantly, these are not just any adverts (like polio campaign), these are some celebs at work which gives a message to the common man who's in awe of these - "If they can, why can't we?" So again, more effective!

"Cleaning, not dancing!" (Src: ABPLive)

5. Last but not the least, the importance of leaders in this movement has been felt like never before. In some RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) in Delhi, the heads have been leading the way. Unfortunately, our nation has remained sick with its "Herd" mentality for ages now, but here it's proving to be quite handy. This is similar to the celeb effect mentioned above but at the grassroots level which has some serious implication.

All in all, it's important that the people of this nation change their attitude and keep their surroundings clean, healthy and alive otherwise not much will be changed just like the women's safety situation which has already given us a bad name the world over. Jai Hind. #SwachhBharatAbhiyan #1MonthPast   

Kashmir - A long way to reconciliation!

Off-spinner Parvez Rasool on Sunday became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in a One-Day International when he took the field against Bangladesh in the series-opener! This calls for a reality check on how much the rest of the nation been receptive to the call of "Inclusiveness" when it comes to the region the talented cricketer represents.

(Copyright: AP)

Before the celebrations/hype begin, let's look at some socio-political-historical-sports’ facts first,

- When was the Instrument of Accession signed? About 65 years ago! 

- Since when Indian Cricket team playing tests? About 83 years!

- In terms of share, representation of J&K in all sports? Probably, 0.0001% 

- How many regions have so far been represented by the Indian Cricket team? All but one (till yesterday)! Which One? Our beloved J&K! 

Also,

-Everyday, scores of youth are implicated falsely on terror-related charges.

-They are picked up, locked in a jail, beaten, tortured and (mostly!) killed in custody. Their bodies are never to be found. (All because of a draconian law in the region - Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), giving the army a free hand to do whatever they want, with impunity)

- In the lieu of investigation, their kin and kith (including the other sex) too get dragged into hell!

Despite all this crap, we say Kashmir's an Integral part of the nation! The valley has got used to bloodshed only because the centre hasn't been proactive in understanding the real needs of the region. Until, we make them a party to our success by giving them the right amount (say, on a pro rata basis) of opportunities (like the lucky Rasool), the kashmir issue will never be solved. 

Last but not the least, actions speak louder than words. So rather than shedding crocodile tears and making some empty promises, our leaders should work for the welfare of the neglected region and its people. Besides repealing AFSPA, imparting skills to the youth and giving them a Rasool-like "representing India" opportunity, can work wonders. It's great that Rasool got a chance but it has taken a lot of time (enough to alienate some brothers and sisters). So, to make amends the numbers need to be substantive. Just one won't count! At least, not for long.

Idols? Wait a second!

To all my friends, family, kin, kith etc it's no secret whatsoever regarding where my heart lie and for that matter where my mind lie too (Serving my nation! #UPSC). But I am not alone in this quest. About 3 lakh plus try their luck every year and only a select few make the cut (this year the number reached a new high of 1122!).

So what's the catch? What's the problem? Why this post? Well it's regarding a very deleterious trend that has some catastrophic potential. It's regarding the most fundamental qualities that a civil servant "must" possess. And it's regarding a trend that has probably outlived many patterns, procedures, methods etc that UPSC has tried its hand at, to select the very best playing the game.

So, here it is! Every year, right after UPSC declares the final list for the services, there's a gamut of advertisements in various forms of media by various coaching institutes regarding their results. So what exactly the problem is? The problem is with the claims made by them and the part played by the successful candidates in the process. Just look at the following set of adverts (and the encircled spaces) taken from a reputed daily and you will understand the game.

The man under scanner here is none other than the AIR 1, UPSC 2013, Mr. Gaurav Agarwal. He and his likes are easily the most suitable candidates for becoming idols for millions. At the same time they are also the most apparent targets for the sharks cohabiting the ocean called "IAS Coaching market" (as everybody wants the topper coached by them!). This is where their true test of character lie. It's no rocket science that one candidate cannot study at so many institutes simultaneously. It's also no rocket science that given the resources (time, money etc.) available, one cannot be associated with so many institutes (even if he/she happens to be an alien or possess a time machine!) at once.

So how does this happens? Yes, you guessed it right. It's all about the damn money. These candidates get paid to sell their name! One can only wonder how much but that's not the real issue.

The main problem is that if they are cheating the same species (IAS aspirants) to which they themselves belong then what will they do with others. After all they have been selected for some of the most important posts which make them responsible for many! At the same time, this raises some serious questions about the selection procedure (as the UPSC itself couldn't catch such mentality in the candidates!) and their activeness (as they do not question the candidates on such acts).

This so-called business and in turn trend is only becoming stronger by the day. Wonder when will someone take any action. It's important someone raises his/her voice. And I am not going to remain mute.

In between, let me say that the successful 1122 are my heroes. They've achieved what I desire. But the above mentioned act by some is simply unacceptable to me. Nation expect honesty and integrity of the highest order from them. Hope they and with them, the trend will change. Last but not the least, if I get selected one day then my picture won't be occupying much space in media for sure! That's something I know and can guarantee. That's one quality desired from our representatives. In the meantime, the black clouds persist. Unfortunately! Jai hind.