Perhaps, the great poet Bernard Shah was right when he said “World is a stage and we are all actors.’ But, many of us, who are hypocrites only, chose to criticize politicians, day-in and day-out, for their unethical and immoral acts. Did we ever dare introspect what way we are different from an immoral or unethical politician?
The other day I happen to attend a function of an NGO firm with which I was associated for quite some time. The NGO firm was started by none other than once icon of state IT industry-turned alleged economic offender Ramalinga Raju of Satyam Group. For genuine cause, he floated Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) to help save lives of those who get trapped in various life threatening situations. Although, this great concept was developed by a committed medical and social practitioner, Dr A P Ranga Rao, Satyam Raju had heart and courage to take it further.
He got the toll-free telephone number 108 through former Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and pressed few Ambulances into service for this unique charity work. Later, the state government headed by late Dr Reddy took the initiative under Public Private Project (PPP) and took it to greater heights. Being major fund giver of the scheme, the Rajasekhara Reddy government, not only increased the fleet of Ambulances vehicles from Raju’s 70 to PPP operated to 802, but also, ensured engraving of their beloved leader Rajiv Gandhi’s photo on all of them. This not only helped derive maximum political mileage in electoral battles, but also otherwise. Now, nine more states too emulated the concept and executing it to perfection. Two more have signed MoUs with EMRI.
That being the backdrop, during its fifth anniversary celebrations of the unique services, a function held with Chief Minister K Rosaiah as Chief Guest and others attended, what surprised me was that of the four speakers at the function, except for the Chief Minister, even for name sake took the name of his predecessor as well as Ramalinga Raju, the main architect of this unique project. All of them conveniently avoided to eulogize the person (or persons) who created and started these great services in the state.
Today, Ramalinga Raju, who is just out on conditional bail after being in the prison as an under trial for the alleged floundering of funds, is yet to be convicted by the special court. In such a scenario, does recalling his good work done become a crime?
Aren’t those whom he trusted and given an opportunity to take this unique concept to greater heights now scared to take his name even in their wildest dreams? If this is not hypocrisy, then what else is? I can understand if Rosaiah, as a seasoned politician had not taken the name of a tainted member, but what prevented others to pick up courage and acknowledge the man who helped them to form part of the unique scheme or service?
What amazes me more is that some of the speakers taking the name of former President Abdul Kalam as visionary of the scheme? But, who brought Kalam on the board of EMRI? Wasn’t Ramalinga Raju? Surprisingly he along with few more Governing Board members deserted EMRI after Raju’s propelled exit as its chairman. Why these guys shy away from this fact?
Does the Chief Minister insist the organizers of the said function sought a categorical assurance that they will not take the tainted Ramalinga Raju’s name as a precondition to preside over the function?
Apart from this, as a former consultant of EMRI and to the best of my knowledge, Ramalinga Raju never ever neither craved to call it Satyam’s 108 nor ever insisted to engrave his company’s name on these ambulances.
Contrary to this, today, the other major corporate giant, GVK, which came forward to fund the scheme as private partner, chose to have company’s name on these 108 service vehicles. Whether it was GVK’s insistence or the government’s gesture, none of us are aware of it!
The CEO of EMRI, who in the past quite often used to mention how he got entangled into this unique scheme showering praises on its founder Ramalinga Raju, too, conveniently ignored to take his name at the function. Even the video film which had shown August 15th, 2005 launch photo covered Raju and shown others! Hence, I wonder what way are we different from politicians? Does Shakesphere’s statement stand testimony, at least in this context!
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