On Raju Narayan Swamy, Systemic Change and the Long War

Many of you may have seen this photograph of Raju Narayan Swamy, IAS 1991 circulating on the internet with the title, “Every Indian Must Read and Share This. Pls Share”

The note accompanying the photograph mentions, among other things how…

After a decade of meritorious service in IAS, today, Narayanaswamy is being forced out of the IAS profession.

Leaving aside the fact that it is practically impossible to force anyone out of IAS, let us continue with the note (emphasis added)..

…Mr. Narayanaswamy is on the verge of leaving IAS to go to Paris to take up a well paid United Nations assignment. The politicians can laugh thinking another obstacle has been removed. But it is the helpless people of this country who will lose – not Narayanaswamy. But you have the power to support capable and honest bureaucrats

…You have even the power to replace such politicians with these kind of people dedicated to the country. The question is will you do the little you can do NOW? At least a vote or word in support of such personalities?

The bit about the “helpless people” got me going.  I have often lamented the loss in confidence and fatalist attitude resulting from six decades of pathetic leadership and governance. This was the latest manifestation of that..This is what I wrote in response:

1. Raju Narayan Swamy continues to be in the IAS*. This year, he will complete his 20th year in the service (he is from the same batch as me). If I am not mistaken he is currently a Secretary in Dept. of Youth Affairs in Kerala.
2. In a democracy, the “power” lies with elected representatives – as it should be.
3. It is up to us – the voters – to make them do our bidding and up to us to stand up to them as citizens and make them accountable.
4. “Helpless” people of the country lose because most are unwilling to participate in public life, in civic discourse, in political affairs.
5. “Politics” – the noblest of all professions has today become a dirty word. And most people have zero interest in any discussion on “politics”
6. We – You and Me – are responsible for this state of affairs – not the politicians. We elected them – they have not descended from heaven.
7. My final point: If you – and your colleagues, friends and supporters in IAC are serious about political reform and systemic change, we will have to do more and go deep…beyond facebook, twitter, fasts and marches..We will have to prepare for a political career…

Here is a an invitation to all of you…Join me at 8pm on 26th Jan for an online discussion on “What can You and I do to bring about Systemic Change?”. Are you ready for it? Do you have the fire in you to prepare for the long war? If yes, join us in this fight…Jai Hind, Jai Bharat! – Shantanu

P.S. There have been a few other notables from my batch. Pl google for “Marie Lou Fernandes” and you will know what I mean. * I know at least half a dozen colleagues from IAS from my batch who left the services..Marie Lou left too..and I did as well.

A day after I left this comment  on IAC Indore’s wall, I saw this on IAC’s wall (apparently posted around 10pm on Sunday):

There is..need for political movements tht can change national consciousness

Finally, wisdom appears to have dawned on IAC. Better late than never, I think.

Related Post: Now, not just worried but also angry with IAC and Anna

P.S. Stay tuned for more details of the chat on 26th Jan. It is very likely to be in the evening, most probably from 8pm – 930pm IST.