Confronting corruption

The time has come when we need to leave treasures of values and ethical practices for our children, instead of money, averred Shailesh Gandhi, Central Information Commissioner and keynote speaker at the meeting of the Lions Club International District 323A-1 on September 4, 2011 at the Hall of Culture, Nehru Centre, Worli. The meeting, organized by Lion Percy Buharivala, District Chairperson Anti-Corruption jointly with District Chairperson Twinning Santosh­kumar Chau­han, had as its theme "Corruption — The enemy within.” An e-mail received by Parsiana from Zarine Commissariat notes that the hall was packed with representatives from 21 Lions Clubs in the District.

Lion Percy Buharivala (left) and Shailesh Gandhi

Gandhi, who had come from Delhi for the event, spoke of the need for transparency and accountability at all levels. He urged the Lions to take up issues of extortion and corruption with government agencies and be instrumental in getting more persons arrested for accepting bribes. There is a need for more good people to become activists in order to address the challenges and issues facing the larger community, he stressed.

Chief guest Pradip Kapadia, District Governor, Lions District 323A-1, deplored the greed of politicians and bureaucrats who are amassing wealth enough to suffice for the next seven generations, at the cost of national interest.