Whither Gandhi’s heirs in Indian public life? India awaits an uncompromising crusader

By N.S. Venkataraman* 

Traditionally and culturally, Indians have held in high regard those who make personal sacrifices for the sake of social upliftment, national causes, and public good.

In the pre-independence era, under the inspiring leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, many individuals such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, and V. O. Chidambaranar left lucrative professions and dedicated themselves to public life. In doing so, they faced imprisonment while upholding the national cause and striving for India’s freedom from British rule. There were also numerous lesser-known men and women who sacrificed comfort, careers, and even their lives in the struggle for independence. 

Inspired by Gandhi’s call for a non-violent movement, their contributions were no less significant than those of their well-known contemporaries. The sacrifices of these known and unknown crusaders set extraordinary standards in public life.

After independence in 1947, as the pre-independence crusaders gradually passed on, the standards of public life and politics began to decline. 

Today, there is widespread concern among citizens that the commitment and integrity of many in public office have reached alarmingly low levels. Several leading political leaders and ministers face charges of corruption and nepotism. While some have been convicted, many others continue to face trials on serious charges. What is most disturbing is that many of them, despite such allegations, still manage to hold on to power.

Against this backdrop, when highly qualified young professionals resign from prestigious government or corporate jobs to fight for integrity and transparency in public life, they attract wide public attention. Their speeches and initiatives are followed closely by citizens, even before they prove themselves as effective leaders. Many people across the country wish them well and hope they will rise to the occasion and pursue their objectives with fairness and determination.

However, when such crusaders actively oppose corruption and nepotism, they often find themselves powerless to bring about visible change. Their frustration is palpable. Soon they realize that power is essential to achieve basic reforms and that activism alone is insufficient. But when they contest elections as independents—without the backing of political parties, money power, or large organizational support—they usually suffer heavy defeats.

This compels some to either form their own political party or join an existing one aligned with their values. Yet, in doing so, they must share space with leaders entrenched in vested interests. In family-controlled parties, in particular, crusaders often face the pressure to compromise, gradually losing their independent identity. Over the years, India has seen many promising young leaders who entered politics with public goodwill but eventually became disillusioned or themselves faced allegations of corruption.

Nevertheless, there are still a few crusaders today who refuse to compromise and remain unaffiliated with any political party. Unfortunately, many of them end up as “misfits” in the prevailing political climate. India is yet to witness a leader who, with lifelong dedication to probity and public cause, not only refuses to compromise but also succeeds in eradicating corruption and nepotism from both government and society.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai