By Agam Dhingra:

Anthony, a young enthusiastic student aimed to be successful and make his parents proud. He belongs to a middle class family with his father being the sole earner. Having scored 98 percentile in high school examinations, he was certain about gaining admission in a college of his choice. However, his hopes were dashed when he could not gain admission to the best college because of certain eligibility requirements. What saddened him more was that a few of his peers, in spite of having scored lower grades, were granted admission to the college by bribing the college authorities!

Instances like these are common in almost every part of the world. The power of money spells doom for intelligent students like Anthony and other hardworking, wise and honest men. While the rich and powerful continue to take advantage of corrupt practices that have plagued institutions and countries across the globe, the magnitude of corruption differs owing to the situation and circumstances.

Collaborative efforts between citizens and government can help weed out the problem of corruption while ensuring proper enactment and implementation of rules and regulations. Youth, often called the harbingers of change and leaders of tomorrow, can also play a constructive role in establishing a corruption free society.

Self-restraint is perhaps one of the most effective ways of tackling corruption. Self-restraint does not call for leading an ascetic life but taking decisions morally and prudentially while analysing the consequences of our decisions. For instance, it might seem tempting to bribe an official at the driving license office to help fasten up the procedure but it encourages the official to indulge in such nefarious activities. Another important thing to be kept in mind is that change begins with oneself. Mahatma Gandhi had beautifully said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” The youth must themselves refrain from indulging in corrupt practises before they expect the world around them to be free from such evil practises.

Education can help enlighten the youth about the ill effects of corruption and the urgency to tackle this problem. Educated men and women can not only differentiate between what is right and wrong but also encourage others and show them the right direction. The onus of completing one’s education lies on oneself for it helps to widen one’s horizon and lay the stepping-stones to a greater future. Education eliminates the need to rely on corruption for getting things done in life.

Another role that the youth can adopt is to actively participate in the nation building process and show a keen interest in how the country is governed. The judiciary and those elected to power formulate policies and enact laws for the common good of the citizens. Such rules and regulation have long-term implications. Thus, the youth can help solve the problem of corruption by assuming positions of responsibility in politics and earnestly perform their constitutional duties.

Raising awareness and drawing attention of fellow countrymen towards corruption by organising seminars, road shows, orientation sessions, etc. Such initiatives can make people aware about the available remedies in case they have faced corruption and also help bring about an attitudinal change in the thought process of many individuals. Thus, motivating them to refrain from adopting corrupt practises.

The youth must play a decisive role in helping resolve social evils such as corruption so as to establish a moral and just society. There will arise situations when they might have to face obstacles or failure but they must adopt a positive approach and remember that failure is the fog through which we can get a glimpse of triumph.