Last Among Equals - A book review

In India, especially in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, corruption is a way of life. It is an inalienable part of governance. However, everyone agrees that corruption is a hindrance to progress. But, can it be stopped?

When we talk about stopping corruption, a few questions come up:

• How will that happen?
• Is everyone corrupt?
• Who is going to make that happen?
• What are the stakes involved?
• Has it ever been done?

Like every concerned citizen, you may have felt frustrated with the current scheme of things. You may have also thought about doing something to end the menace of corruption. But then, the following doubts may have cropped up:

• Has anyone tried that?
• Can I do it alone?
• What can I achieve all by myself?
• What do I need to start?
• Does it involve a life threat?
• Who will support me?
• What sacrifices will I have to make?
• What will I get in return?

I recently read an enlightening book,?Last Among Equals, written by?M.R. Sharan. It is enlightening because it answers all the questions raised in the preceding paragraphs.

Satyamev Jayate, the famous serial hosted by Bollywood Superstar Amir Khan,?showed?the story of Sanjay Sahni from Bihar. Sanjay, barely literate, working as an electrician in the Janakpuri area of New Delhi, stumbled upon the site of?MGNREGA?at a cyber cafe adjacent to his shop. The book traces the journey of Sanjay from that moment to the 2020 Bihar assembly elections, in which he contested as an independent candidate.

The journey of Sanjay, narrated in an engaging style by the author, will answer most of your doubts or questions about the development and governance issues that affect our country. Along the journey, you will also know about the evils of the caste system, how it imperils the lives of Dalits, and the role various institutions, including the courts, have played in maintaining it.

Do Read.

#bihar #mgnrega #governance #caste #development #policy #publicadministration #india