My friends and I have been participating in the Candle March every evening to express support for Anna Hazare and the Jan Lokpal. When I saw waves of candles moving on both sides of the street, it struck me that Anna Hazare has mobilized an entire nation but more importantly he has brought a major mind shift – in a country where it was considered cool to say ‘I am not interested in politics’ to a country whose youth are now discussing the Lokpal (alias Jokpal) and the Jan Lokpal. “A sleepy India is now awake, the youth are ready to take responsibility for the country,” says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at Freedom Park, Bangalore while addressing a youthful crowd.
How Can I Deal with Corruption?
Sri Sri says, “Corruption is present in many levels of society; the first level of corruption is in the minds of the general public and that needs to be eliminated. So if the general public stands up against corruption by not giving bribes, then how will anyone take? So first we need to fix those people who give bribes.” When we returned from the march and placed our candles in a large circle, I took an oath that I will neither take bribe nor give bribe. I have heard about incidents where Art of Living volunteers openly told government officials, “I am from Art of Living. My Guru has told me not to take bribe or give bribe.” And guess what, their work got done without bribe.
At the level of the politicians and government officials, the Jan Lokpal will be effective to check corruption.
Power of Spirituality
"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.” Sri Sri said this and you can see this in practice at any of the protests or rallies that you attend. At Freedom Park in Bangalore, people moved in orderly lines without disrupting the traffic or pushing each other. The crowd was effectively managed by the IAC volunteers, sweetly and firmly. They ensured that the protest was kept apolitical and positive. When someone yelled out a few anti-government slogans, the IAC volunteers immediately stepped up and started singing ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ to defuse the situation.
The cynical may still ask, do you think lighting a candle, shouting slogans, marching on the streets can bring a change in the country? I want to tell such people, it can and has changed the mindset of people and a country is made of its people, isn’t it? How will you know your power, until you explore?
Sri Sri says. “To be truthful, you do not need to be aggressive or assertive.” Usually when I protest or disagree, I complain with feeling due to something lacking. This time however, we protested with a calm and serene mind. We got new ideas to create awareness and spread the message – some staged a play, others conducted a rock satsang. You can easily make out Art of Living volunteers in any group, you will find them smiling even as they protest! Their enthusiasm is infectious- catch it! Let’s work together. Jai Hind!
By Sylaja Kannan
