Why Bribery and Corruption Are Never Virtues

Have you ever been tempted to pay a bribe or use your connections to get ahead? According to a recent tweet by Hardik Rajgor, these actions may seem like shortcuts to success, but they actually reflect a lack of integrity. In his tweet, Rajgor points out that people who engage in these practices are not victims of unfair treatment – they are simply breaking the rules and facing the consequences.

Paying a Rs300 bribe after running a red light or using your “contacts” to expedite a bureaucratic process may seem harmless, but in reality, these actions contribute to a culture of corruption and dishonesty. Instead of taking responsibility for our actions and following the rules, we resort to underhanded tactics that erode the foundations of a fair society.

Rajgor’s tweet serves as a powerful reminder that “setting lagana” (bribing or using influence) is not a virtue, but rather a sign of moral bankruptcy. By engaging in these practices, we not only compromise our own integrity but also perpetuate a cycle of corruption that harms everyone.

Breaking the rules may seem like a minor offense, but the costs of our actions can be far-reaching. From eroding trust in institutions to perpetuating inequality, the consequences of bribery and corruption are severe. Instead of seeking shortcuts to success, let’s commit to upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of our lives.

Next time you’re tempted to pay a bribe or use your connections to get ahead, remember Rajgor’s words: “It is what slimey people do.” Let’s strive to be better than that and contribute to a society built on integrity and fairness.

People who pay Rs300 bribes after breaking signals, or use “contacts” to move files, obviously think “setting lagana” is a virtue. It is not.

It is what slimey people do. We have not been treated unfairly. We have broken rules. And there are costs to breaking rules in the world. https://t.co/DGdGzSVNDL

— Hardik Rajgor (@Hardism) August 8, 2024

Have you ever been in a situation where you witnessed someone paying a Rs300 bribe after breaking a traffic signal, or using their “contacts” to move files ahead in a queue? Do you think that these individuals believe that “setting lagana” is a virtue? It’s important to address this issue and understand why this behavior is not acceptable.

Breaking rules and taking shortcuts may seem like an easy way to get ahead, but it can have serious consequences. When people resort to bribery or using their connections to bypass regulations, they are essentially undermining the system and perpetuating a culture of corruption. This not only erodes trust in institutions but also creates an uneven playing field where those with power and influence can manipulate situations to their advantage.

So, why do people engage in these unethical practices? Some may argue that they are simply trying to navigate a system that is inherently flawed and bureaucratic. They may feel that they have no other option but to resort to such tactics in order to get things done quickly and efficiently. However, this mindset only serves to perpetuate a cycle of corruption and dishonesty.

It’s important to remember that there are costs associated with breaking rules and engaging in corrupt practices. While it may seem like a small price to pay at the time, the long-term consequences can be far-reaching. By condoning or participating in bribery, individuals are not only compromising their integrity but also contributing to a larger problem that affects society as a whole.

Instead of taking the easy way out, it’s crucial to uphold ethical standards and hold ourselves accountable for our actions. By following the rules and regulations set in place, we can help create a more just and equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed. It’s not about cutting corners or using “contacts” to get ahead – it’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

In a world where corruption is all too common, it’s up to each of us to stand up against unethical behavior and strive for a better future. By refusing to participate in bribery and other corrupt practices, we can help build a more transparent and accountable society. It may not always be easy, but the rewards of integrity and honesty far outweigh the temporary gains of taking shortcuts.

So, the next time you’re tempted to pay a Rs300 bribe or use your “contacts” to get ahead, ask yourself – is this the kind of person I want to be? Setting lagana may seem like a virtue to some, but in reality, it’s a slippery slope that leads to a culture of dishonesty and injustice. Let’s choose to do the right thing and uphold the values of integrity and transparency in all that we do.

Sources:
– https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/corruption-in-india-causes-effects-solutions-1785342-2021-03-10
– https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/opinion-why-are-we-so-corrupt-11594529736627.html