When in India do as the Indians do

3 attempts.
1st) 6 hours in line. 1st counter: cleared. 2nd counter: rejected. Result: 2+ hours sitting on stairs thinking what to do.
2nd) 2 counters: cleared. 3 verifications: negative. Result: 2+ days sitting in dark thinking what to do.
3rd) Bribe (read ‘donation’). Result: Passport in hand.

Lesson learned: “When in India do as the Indians do”. Welcome to India Ro!

I know most of the people reading this post will say, “It is alright, Ro. It happens here daily. And after all, all is well that ends well”. Agree.

But this was one thing which kept me worried for over a year since I took the 1st attempt. When I first filed the application for my passport 12 months ago, I had doubts in my own mind but someone vowed me his strong back-support (what was the word: “contacts”). And the words after the result, “Come back, let’s plan the next attempt”. I vowed, “I won’t with you”, and I didn’t. 3 months back I filed again through an agent (the word this time: “care”). And the words after the results, “You should have made some offerings too”. I talked to myself “I have never done it. I don’t want to either. Let’ see if things can be done without dirtying my hands”. Then came the third attempt with the same agent a month back; the weapon this time: bucks. And it worked. Congratulations!!!

Even still today I am unable to believe that I did such things to get things done. And I don’t know whether I should feel happy or frustrated. I had heard it many times that in India (at least) you need to pay the officers some money ‘too’ to seek happy ending. But I thought that there are only few people who expect such. But I was wrong. All men are same. I don’t know if I have got this mentality of donating injected in me now, but at least I will not be showing a cold shoulder to it if needed. Life has again been very educating through these attempts.

And today when I am writing this post, one of my friends is suffering the same problem. No offerings have already resulted in a negative feedback. Time for another warm Indian welcome, hun?

I was reading an Article in the Times of India (Newspaper, India) last week. The front page headline read “India: World’s No. 1 Bribe Payer”. No wonder to me as India has always been at the top of these lists. But this time I said to myself, “I am also a part of it, now”.

I contributed just for my passport. People do it for so many other things, everyday, everywhere.

Corruption is far dangerous than diseases like Cancer and AIDS today. Rather it would be a foolish act trying to make any comparisons. We all have read it so many times in printed media and have seen on electronic. But what are the reasons behind such bribing all around us? Who are responsible? Let’s check out the viruses:

Virus I: The Politicians. Every 1 out of 3 politicians today are charge-sheeters. No wonder that they are great inspirations to the public. And it seems like we love them so much hence re-elect most of them.

Virus II: Judicial System. 365 days in a year, 730+ scams. Lots of hearings, lots of accusations and lots of escapes (read: clearance). No big player goes to jail. Another great source of motivation.

Virus III: Population: Everything in India can be cursed to population. Too little jobs and too little average household income. Most of the people in public departments are not paid properly; hence they are forced to take bribes (officially?). Too many applicants and fewer seats; hence they are forced to make bribes (officially? Yes.) and get in. Officially because institutes/schools call it “donation”. Bribe got this official name long long ago.

Virus IV: You and Me.
Most of the people today have “I don’t care” attitude. It seems like we have become used to it. We don’t really care anymore and are ready to pay bribes as it would speed up our work. And those who don’t or can’t bribe, never raise their voices against it. I hear people say, “Who wants to take the pain of shouting, is it worth? I will find another way myself”. Seems like we all believe in system at first, don’t we?

I won’t quote lengthy on this topic because everyone knows how things work or how to make things work. So I am skipping those great stories here.

Though I personally feel (read: believe) that there is no solution to this bug but if there is any it has to be a change in our attitude. Not just me, not just you, everyone.

Time for self-check: Have you ever bribed someone in any way? (I can already see you nodding yes so many times). Feel free to share your brave endeavors with us here.

Right now, I am also in a fight with an apex Educational institute. Once it’s over, I will share the story.

With the hope that our ranking goes down.
Signing off.