Mike Pouraryan
"Outsiders" V-Thought 4 the Month (III): 8/29/2011
It has been a very interesting month, to say the least. I have been writing and reflecting upon it.
The one profound development I have been fascinated with is the emerging Anti Corruption Movement in India. Just like millions in India, I have been very impressed with the emerging Anti-Corruption movement in India. I have had a special affinity with India since I had the good fortune to visit India and see the Taj Mahal.
Ever since I heard the name Anna Hazare, I wanted to find out who he was. As I read the accounts of his agitation against the Government, I saw how people start rising up. When he refused to leave prison, I saw his legend grow. When he went to the park to begin his two week fast, my eyes nearly popped out when I saw him sitting in front of a large portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. spoke up for truth and justice. He forced the Indian Parliament to debate this issue.
He is one of those courageous souls that is surely needed now. Just like Dr. King did in the 60's and Gandhi in the 30's and 40's, he has spoken up for those voiceless who had given up all hope. I was especially keen to see who had influenced him: Swami Vivekananda. The link to NDTV's profile of him is available here in this "write-up".
There are many who have apparently questioned his motives. He has to be congratulated for speaking up for a country who can truly dominate if this endemic cancer is eradicated. I have to truly wonder why the politcal class in India has been so against this. If Anna Hazare had died and they had not relented, who knows who may have happened.
When any change happens, the process that leads to that change is fraught with difficulty. I am sure Anna Hazare remembered this admonition from Epictetus:
Difficulties show men what they are.
In case of any difficulty,
remember that God has pitted you
against a rough antagonist
that you may be a conqueror,
and this cannot be without toil.
The one profound development I have been fascinated with is the emerging Anti Corruption Movement in India. Just like millions in India, I have been very impressed with the emerging Anti-Corruption movement in India. I have had a special affinity with India since I had the good fortune to visit India and see the Taj Mahal.
Ever since I heard the name Anna Hazare, I wanted to find out who he was. As I read the accounts of his agitation against the Government, I saw how people start rising up. When he refused to leave prison, I saw his legend grow. When he went to the park to begin his two week fast, my eyes nearly popped out when I saw him sitting in front of a large portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. spoke up for truth and justice. He forced the Indian Parliament to debate this issue.
He is one of those courageous souls that is surely needed now. Just like Dr. King did in the 60's and Gandhi in the 30's and 40's, he has spoken up for those voiceless who had given up all hope. I was especially keen to see who had influenced him: Swami Vivekananda. The link to NDTV's profile of him is available here in this "write-up".
There are many who have apparently questioned his motives. He has to be congratulated for speaking up for a country who can truly dominate if this endemic cancer is eradicated. I have to truly wonder why the politcal class in India has been so against this. If Anna Hazare had died and they had not relented, who knows who may have happened.
When any change happens, the process that leads to that change is fraught with difficulty. I am sure Anna Hazare remembered this admonition from Epictetus:
Difficulties show men what they are.
In case of any difficulty,
remember that God has pitted you
against a rough antagonist
that you may be a conqueror,
and this cannot be without toil.
