With each passing day, there are tensions all around.  Runaway inflation, which is now a real threat, seems to be simply zapping away all the energies of the middle class and the poor.  We do not have any respite from increasing oil prices, and this leads to further misery.

All talk of a below par monsoon, adds fuel to the fire.  It is in this context that we need to really take stock of our present situation.  Most have a temptation to blame everything on the "System".  This is actually a very easy out.

In fact, such a justification of the System, as it were, only helps to cut corners, or simply justify whatever mistakes we do.  We become corrupt and then blame the "System" for all our crimes and mistakes.

The question is : how then do I beat the "System"?  The answer is to look for alternatives.  For increased possibilities, in any given situation.  Once we open our eyes in such a situation, there will always be alternatives which can be used to our advantage.

Let us take one small example.  There is a rat race in our so-called educational "System" to get one hundred percent marks in the core subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology.  Well, a small percentage of students do succeed in getting this, and make it to the Government colleges for engineering or medicine.

Unfortunately, those who secure a bit low, for example, seventy marks or eighty marks, do not get into the Government colleges.  In fact, there is only one option for the parents.  Either pay a donation of even up to seven hundred or ten hundred thousand rupees for a secure seat in an engineering college, or even up to fifty hundred thousand rupees or even more, in a self-financing medical college.

That such huge amounts are paid is very much common knowledge, and is in the Public domain.  So, the "System" demands it.  Really? 

Well, there are a huge number of intelligent alternatives.  A relative of mine, a couple of years ago, had a similar problem.  Fortunately, a cousin of his, who had settled abroad, advised him to put his daughter through a good graduate course in microbiology, with the same marks obtained in the plus two examination.  He had to just pay the fees required to be paid, as per rules.

Today, the girl is so much interested in the subject that she plans to do the post-graduate course in the same college, and then go abroad, for higher studies.  So, a very intelligent alternative emerged from within the "System", without breaking any rule.  Most importantly, without contributing to corruption of a tall order.  In almost every single case, no receipt is given for the money given, and such money is black money, that gets positively invested in some building or some asset, under some trust and some accounting, that is basically devised to beat the regulatory authorities and their rules. 

If only every parent were to look for such alternatives, there will not be any corruption at all, in education.   

In certain cases, influence from some quarters needs to be taken, and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the job is done without corruption.  For example, for registration of a piece of land, the concerned official demanded five thousand rupees, through they were just doing their duty.  This five thousand was termed as "incentive".

My friend, who was not willing to pay this amount, took the help of a higher official of the Police, who was his relative.  A single phone call from the police, threatening action was enough to bring the official to his knees.  The job was not only done, but the official had to apologize for this behavior.

So, for every problem of the "System", there is a solution.  For matters like lack of water supply, irregular breaks in power supply, lack of proper sanitation and so on, the public of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have devised a very good method, and also a very peaceful method --- social action.

A group of one hundred or even five hundred of affected families, simply block the road, and the Government is forced to act.  The local press reporters capture everything on camera, and things get flashed in all newspapers.  The collector comes running, or the Chief of police comes running.  Action that is promised, normally gets done.  This sort of social action is very much desirable, and should indeed be put into action.

The Government is itself coming up with some Systemic solutions. For example, the PF accounts have been completely computerized. Henceforth, it will become very easy for the person to even transfer PF accounts from one place to another, without any corruption.

One is told that the situation is really bad in some States like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.  However, the people of such States have to compulsorily resort to social action, to get their politicians and officials reformed. 

It is always up to the individual to explore possibilities.  There are now a huge number of alternatives in many areas.  For example, the corruption in the Government-controlled telephone department, is now a thing of the past.  Land lines are now being surrendered, and the same Government department, is now forced to give incentives, thanks to private sector competition.

The 'System" had in it, a very highly irritating behavior of the bank officials, who simply took the public to ransom, and often demanded bribes for any action.  Thanks to private sector participation, and the advent of information technology, the behavior of staff of public sector banks has improved a great deal.  One can use internet banking and the ATM to withdraw money.  The customer interface is not only so easy, but is really good for us, the customers.  It is up to us to make us of the advanced facilities.  

There is another aspect of the "System".  What do very young people need to do, to tackle the issue of price rise?

The answer is simple -- become highly skilled in one or more areas.  And reduce conspicuous consumption, and save the money in small recurring deposits, for ten years.  Pump whatever little money is available, in good savings avenues like the Public Provident Fund, where one can save for fifteen years or more.

To conclude, let us not keep blaming the "System" all the time.  We do have alternatives, to change, to lead honest lives.  If we need to enter into social action, let us do so.  

If we are just, we do not need to fear anyone.  The "System" can then take care of itself.  In fact, this ought to be so, for ever.