India Renewed - Yes, we can

This past year has probably seen a record number of scams exposed in India. On one hand, it is perhaps a good sign that these are being exposed and seeing the light of day, but on the other hand, is anything really being done to bring the culprits to justice. All of us know that something needs to be done so others' will think twice before engaging in such shady activities. But, for how long will we wait for this 'something' to be done by 'somebody'.
That said, I am inspired by what my friend, Rajesh says over and over again, that we cannot be blaming the Government, the so called leaders, etc etc., for all the pitfalls in the country and it is about time each of us takes responsibility in contributing towards a positive change. Lets do our bit and do it consistently and everyday and be the change we want to see.
Its been about 5 months since we moved to India and there are few things that really bother me, but am somewhat optimistic because I feel all of them are areas that we, the common man can make a difference ourselves without waiting for 'somebody'.

1. Corruption at every step - Like I posted before, corruption and taking bribes just to do what you are supposed to do has become such a norm, that people tend to forget where the system ends and where this parallel system begins. 
2. Lack of professionalism (Chalta Hai attitude) - People have very low expectations from each other, from our leaders, from the 'system'. So, be it in maintaining timings, setting proper expectations, completing work as promised, etc etc., there is this easy going tendency and the accepted norm again  is that you either have to bribe with additional money or use some other carrot like a well known contact or some other threatening mechanism to extract the value you rightfully deserve
3. Cleanliness in public places - Gandhiji said 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'. We are such a God loving/God fearing country by and large and yet the basic civic sense and cleanliness that our people follow in public places (Railway stations, Roads, Public Bathrooms, Hospitals, etc) is nothing but pathetic.

I am concerned, I am concerned especially for our kids, the next generation. Lets step back and think if this is the country we want our kids to grow up in, be exposed to. I don't want my kids to accept this or get frustrated and go away to the faraway west in quest of 'greener' pastures. That is just accepting defeat and accepting to just be a BYSTANDER a.k.a Fly on the Wall. In all of the above, yes there is a systemic issue that needs correction, but that correction WILL NOT come unless we make those corrections ourselves one step at a time, one day at a time. 

I want to try and take control and do my bit and wish you all will join too:. Here are few things I can think of and would like to propose. Please add/edit if you have more/better ideas

1. Corruption: I know it is hard to live and even get simple things done as soon as we refuse to bribe anyone. This extreme action may be hard to digest, but at a minimum lets question and ponder before we blindly engage in these activities. Lets start talking to kids about the ill-effects of corruption and maybe start cutting back on bribes 1 or 2 things at a time until we gain the strength to push back fully.
2. Professionalism: Lead by example, set expectations and start holding people accountable. Yes, they will think you are a pain and may avoid you, but just the questioning may spark some thinking and will slowly bring some change
3. Cleanliness - Lets start treating these public places like we treat our homes. Spread awareness about it. Need ideas for this though. I know friends of mine who had posters put up all over the state reminding people not to litter, use public bathrooms, etc etc., I would like to invite some of my artistically inclined friends to create posters that we can use all over the country and volunteer to put them up wherever you see the need.

Here is the  facebook group I created, please join, add more ideas/discussions so we can spread awareness and build a pyramid of socially responsible citizens. Let us Save our India.