From K to C...

Most newspapers these days scream with headlines of corruption, laundering and fraud. Frankly, its a very disturbing sight when the first thing you see after waking up is some criminal's face grinning at you as he's led by the "protectors" of law. I had almost given up on reading newspapers because of this, but that would be tantamount to me acting like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand. Corruption has become the most frequently used word in newspapers and discussions anywhere.We seem to have a newfound infatuation for the C word after Ektaa Kapoor's last decade K-approved reign.

Ask a kindergarten kid and he might spell C for Corruption instead of the usual Cat word.

Corruption seems to have become the pet peeve for the ever frustrated and disgruntled middle-class.Even B-school group discussions eventually stray to this topic. The recent spate of controversies have served more than one purpose. While it has successfully in some cases exposed corrupt politicians, it has also made us realize that we are very good at pointing fingers at others. Political bashing is probably the favorite time-pass in this country.No wonder, media houses keep unearthing, manufacturing and printing such news. When there is demand, there is supply!

I don't have any qualms about exposing corruption but making a melodrama out of it is a new low for a country which aspires to be a super-power and takes pride in the "India Shining" banner. It would do us a lot of good if we allow room for optimism. Lauding our heroes at home for commendable work should also be a priority. A policeman dies while chasing a thief and the news is probably buried in some corner of the inner pages. A hero is only a hero as long as he is recognized and commended for what he is.26th January and 15th August are probably the only excuses for remembering our heroes.

We crib about policy failures at grass-root levels. How many of us are actually willing to spend some of our leisure time towards activities which require attention?! We crib about not getting our rights but don't care two hoots towards fulfilling our duties. This nation needs and deserves more than our sympathies and complaints. Its time we start recognizing people who matter.Otherwise, we are just a saas-bahu saga for the rest of the world. Noisy, but not to be taken seriously.