Mysuru like any city in India has been suffering from bad governance. Lack of civic amenities and unauthorised constructions pose a threat. This is due to corruption in every government office. None of the stakeholders – judiciary, political leadership, government officials, media and even the citizens – have shown an interest to resolve it. Everyone feels it is, mission impossible.
Having failed to find solutions, Mysuru Grahakara Parishat (MGP), a consumer and environmental protection NGO decided to try an out-of-the-box innovative strategy. A modified satyagraha to suit current conditions. Over the years, MGP had organised several protests in the city for wide ranging issues that include: demand for uninterrupted power supply, better water supply, proper function of consumer redressal commission, to halt vandalisation of Chamundi Hills, to prevent felling of trees, to stop the construction of coal power plant in Chamlapur, etc. PILs have been filed to prevent the construction of buildings in different parks of the city and encroachments of lakes, etc.
Satyagraha to suit the times
Having failed most of the time (there have been few successes), MGP decided to organise a satyagraha for a day. The rules were simple. People were requested to assemble at a nearby park and the participants were requested not to use private vehicles, visit restaurants or shops. The aim was to participate and introspect on where and how the city had been betrayed. Soon after MGP announced satyagraha and media published the details, there was overwhelming support. Noted personalities, business men, politicians extended their support to the novel idea.
By some measures, the satyagraha was a success. It was observed by more than 15 groups across different parks in the city. Several observed by staying at their homes too. Yet the number of participants who turned out was way less. For example, in one of the largest parks, in the center of the city, Cheluvamba, more than 100 had agreed to participate. But only 15 showed up.
People’s indifference
Thousands of professionals and many retired people live in walking distance from that park. Almost everyone were aware of the satyagraha. Still there were very few. This raises the most important question, why are people, though educated, still indifferent?
One cannot expect the poor to participate as they have to worry about their next meal. On the other hand, thousands of professionals could have participated. They suffer daily, because of poor governance. Research has shown that, if a small percentage of 3.5 per cent participate in any peaceful protest, then it would be a success. Still why did this innovative protest fail to attract even such a small percentage is a question to ponder. What must be done differently to invoke people’s attention to such problems, must be studied and understood.
Swami Vivekananda said, “So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every person a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them!” In this case, the indifference of the literate class, not participating in election, lands corrupt, incompetent and often even criminals as our leaders. This in turn results in bad governance. Do we then have the right to blame them?
It is mostly the well to do people who readily pay bribes instead of fighting. If only a small percentage (need critical mass for the tipping point) make a small sacrifice, we can bring about massive change. Mysuru’s satyagraha is a hope that other cities will also adapt such peaceful protest strategies.