The body of a young IAS officer in Karnataka, known for taking the sand mafia heads on, was found hanging. Many don't believe that he killed himself, suspecting foul play. Today I dedicate this post to those I know are wronged, by the society and by The All Mighty. We have heard this proverb "Chastity without opportunity". It is very easy for me to criticize about corruption in India comfortably seated thousands of miles away. I have never been in a position in my life where I was offered bribes. So I salute those unsung heroes I have come across in my life who could easily have succumbed to easy money, yet never did so. They are a very rare breed in India, rarer than the rarest of Blends of Scotch Whiskey.
One of them was a friend of my father, who once was posted as a BDO, a lucrative position to make money in Govt Of Orissa. Millions of Rupees was handled by, without him touching a single Paisa. Always short of money, greasing his palm a bit would not have hurt him. But he never compromised on his ethics. He had plenty of of family issues, his married daughter's family pressurized him to steal some government money to help his son-in-law's faltering business. But this gentleman never ever faltered. He later died a lonely man, an unsung hero. The society, nor any of our 33 crore (330 million) Gods, the Benevolent and Merciful, The protector of the Just etc. ever came to his rescue.
Another person I knew, was the leader of the Worker's Union of a major industrial complex in Odisha who refused a few lakhs (1 lakh = 10th of a million) in cash graciously offered to him by his employers, a substantial amount in early 90s. It was during his sister's wedding when the management thought that he was vulnerable. Yet he refused. Right now he lives an unassuming life of sickness, not so far rewarded by the society or God. Not many mortals will do that, at least in modern India. May the soul of the whistle blower who dared to take on mafia Rest In Peace.
Wonderfully written Bro.
ReplyDeleteVery Sad indeed, an young, honest IAS murdered. While most incidents around us conspire to make us believe that the world is full of wrong people - People like DK Ravi, U, Sagayam, Durga shakti Nagpal etc.. inspire us to believe that there is still hope and the hope that everything is not lost yet. There are good people in every field. Some people are not vulnerable.
I had come across such a person recently. an SP, CB-CID.
A very nice gentleman, true to his duty and helpful. For the first time he is someone who made me believe the Police department.
Salute to you Mr. Ravi. May your soul Rest in Peace. May your tribe flourish and crush the corruption that has murdered you. That will be the true vengeance of our loss.
Thanks Surajit.
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