Young Indians prefer to be role models than to do 'Gandhigiri'

Bangalore, Oct 19 (UNI) Young people who attended a session of 'Integrity India Campaign' here today preferred to be role models to fight corruption than do a 'Rang de Basanti' or 'Gandhigiri'.

The large number of students who attended the Campaign, organised at a city college by CII and Young Indians (YI), came overwhelmingly in support of being role models by practicing a clean life that they hoped would eliminate corruption deeply entrenched in the society and reform corrupt officials and politicians in the country.

This was preferred to a angry protest as done by the protagonists of Bollywood film 'Rang de Basanti' or the persistent but peaceful fight against corruption as suggested by another Hindi film 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai'.

The popular opinion was expressed during a panel discussion conducted by moderator Arun Maira, Chairman of Boston Consulting Group, as part of the Campaign to kick off a national debate, create consciousness and positive action to inculcate the values of transparency, accountability and efficiency in spheres of economic activity.

While less than a fourth favoured angry protests against corruption, the same number thought 'Gandhigiri' could be effective.

However, the rest agreed that one who rejected corruption in his own life by developing a strong character could best help reform the society.

The panelists too were divided over the ways corruption could be fought in the country. While Mr N K Dhand, CMD of Micromatic Grinding Technologies, a practicing Gandhian himself, felt Gandhigiri could be effective, Mr R Panchavarnam, Chairman of Panruti Municipality in Tamil Nadu, said it would not work as the country was neck deep in corruption.

The other panelists, award winning entrepreneur Hema Hattangady, industrialists Uma Reddy and Sandeep Maini, and Christ College Principal Fr Thomas C Mathew opined that youth should eschew corruption and lead a simple life that would help reform society.

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