March against Terrorism and Corruption
When & Where?
Date: 1st March, 2009
Place: Parliament street, New Delhi
Why?
Corruption in India is shockingly rampant. India has the dubious distinction of belonging to the category of the most corrupt nations in the world. The World Economic Forum Survey 2003 ranked India 45th out of 49 countries based on the honesty of its officials. A study conducted by Transparency International India estimated that Rs. 883 crores in all, was paid as bribe by BPL (below poverty line) households in the year 2007 in availing 11 public services. The wealth of the nation is unlawfully concentrated in few hands, and the tax paying public has not been provided even basic amenities and opportunities in life. The disrespect corrupt practices demonstrate for the law has giving rise to - poor standard ofliving, increasing crime, lack of secuirty and social evils.
Thus, to recognize the need to root out corruption, which is the main hurdle towards nation building and to build a strong public voice against it, the idea of organizing a march was thought of, a march where youth from all across Delhi-NCR and all of North India had a chance to come together and take a public stand against corrupt practices. NGOs, civil organizations, business groups and individuals became a part of the unified stand for a terrorism and corruption free India.The focus was to unite all such individuals and groups that are like-minded in their support for this cause and create public awareness of this unity through media such that the voice of the citizens can be heard loud and clear from a single platform.
The sessions were conducted by the Directors of the programme itself, i.e Mr. Khurshed Batliwala and Mr. Dinesh Godhke. Utsav, a four days programme with four hours session each day, was scheduled from November 20 - 23, 2008 at Noida.
What?
Several small events were organized as a lead up to the march such as a conference of NGOs at Blind School campus, Lodi estate and an awareness campaign entitled 'This year my country is my Valentine' organized at several public places including Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, PVR Saket complex. New Delhi.
The event was started off with some rousing patriotic songs by the WAYE team singers and musicians that set the mood for the afternoon. Addressing the crowd, the director of WAYE Mr. Dinesh Ghodke and senior faculty Ms. Atika Dhandia spoke about the need for everyone to come together towards nation building irrespective of personal, communal and economic differences.
The 10,000 strong gathering of youth representing all parts of north India, from varied universities, different communities and economic backgrounds bore witness to a new awakening in the people on standing up for the nation. The gathering was addressed by a stellar selection of speakers - Mr. Prahlad Kakkar, advertising whiz, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, noted social activist; author and champion of the RTI legislation in India, Mrs. Kiran Bedi, Magsasay award winner for her tireless work for prison reform, Mr. Darshak Hathi, WAYE Director, Mr. Khurshed Batliwala, Dr. Kaushal Mishra, Youth for Equality and Mr. M.S. Bitta, president of Anti-Terrorist Front of India.
The afternoon concluded with all those present taking a pledge against continuing or supporting corrupt practices, and standing up, speaking out against anyone doing so. Voices rose in union to sing the Nation's anthem, after which the youth proceeded in smaller groups to India gate as a concluding ceremony. The event was supported by large no. of NGOs and covered quite extensively by electronic and print media.
