Friday, April 15, 2011

Should I resign as Mumbai coordinator?

"Sunlight is the best disinfectant".
One Ravi Nair, has been posting in various FB pages, that I should be removed as Mumbai coordinator as me and my family are involved in corruption worth crores. I kept on ignoring this rant for the last two days. But last night, I thought that I owe it to my new friends to explain my position and take their opinion.
Activism:
I come from a middle class family, who had started his own small business. The amount of corruption, injustice and indignity that I had to face in my life and the similar state of affair for my countrymen, especially the poor, made me get into activism in 2002. To improve the system, so that the next generation does not have to pass through the same travails . While I was active in opposing the emergency as an activist, I had got busy in making my two ends meet since 1979. But in 2002, because of some incident in my life, I vowed to spend part of my life in nation building.
Since then, I have worked with various activities like the Right to Information Bill (was with Annaji in his 2003 fast), Nagar Raj Bill (was working with Loksatta and Dr JP), Transfer laws, transparency measures in Govt etc. But, always at the back end. We had an excellent experiment of direct democracy by electing a Citizen Candidate (Adolf D'souza) in Juhu (Feb 2007). But during that time, the infighting and tussle by some of the groups, made me leave activism. Due to my spiritual pursuit, I could not stay in atmosphere of negativism and pettiness.
The 26/11 attack on Mumbai and the spontaneous public response shook me up and I again re-entered activism and formed the Jagrut Nagrik Manch (a platform of over 60 NGOs of Mumbai) to take on some burning issues. Arvind Kejriwal, whom I know for many years, asked me to take on the coordination of Mumbai for IAC on this 22nd Jan. After that, many NGOs, activists, groups and extraordinary individuals came forward  and we all crafted a well thought out movement to force the govt to form a joint Jan Lokpal drafting committee.
Work:
My cousin uncle was the Chairman of a Public Ltd Construction Co in Mumbai. This company is mostly involved in affordable housing projects and was one of the first to go public, to only take cheque payments and similar. The collapse of 4 old and dilapidated buildings in the Island city of Mumbai and the death of around 100 people during the 26/7/ 2005 torrential rainfall shook him. He thought of a scheme for cluster redevelopment of old and dilapidated building (there are around 30000 such buildings in Mumbai housing 25 lakh people, who are living under the shadow of death).
He approached me and asked me to join him in this noble venture, in Oct '06. It suited my temperament too. We started the Remaking of Mumbai Federation (RoMF -a NGO consisting of over 40 stakeholder associations, NGOs and institutions) for the purpose. Then we were joined by some of the most eminent people in India including Justice PN Bhagwati (ex- CJ of India), Narayan Murthy (Infosys), Girish Gokhale (ex- MC of Mumbai), Padmashree Nana Chudasama, Sri Sri Ravishankarji and many others. The local people were involved in this grass root movement with over 17200 members and various associations of stakeholders involved. Global NGOs also lent support to the cause and we prepared a scheme to create a win-win solution for all stakeholders including the city, including change in the urban policies of Maharashtra for cluster redevelopment. (www.romf.org).
Because this construction company has taken the initiative for this movement, I represent this project of Remaking of Mumbai in the company as an Independent Director. I am not involved in any of the other business and commercial activities of the Company. With the untimely death of my uncle, last year, it has become my responsibility to take the project of Remaking of Mumbai forward.  
Present position:
When Arvind met me, I briefed him about my status and told him that the movement may become vulnerable because of my involvement in a construction company. But, he insisted that I take on the responsibility, as he knew me and my commitment to the cause.
Now, the construction company, especially after the demise of the erstwhile Chairman, has been in some kind of cash crunch. In one of the projects in Andheri East, it has not been able to deliver the flats on time. There are discussions happening between the company management and the customers. I am not a party to those discussions because I am not involved in the business and commercial side and am only an independent director, looking after RoMF only.
Ravi Nair, whom I know of, started posting strong messages in the FB around a month back, regarding the delay in giving possession of these flats - calling it corruption etc. I told him that FB is not the forum for personal messages and that he should phone me up and gave my number. He called and I told him to fix up the time of the customers and I'll ask the management to talk to them and find a way forward. Nothing. And now suddenly in the last few days, he starts posting these messages calling me and my family corrupt and asking that I be removed from the coordinator's position.
My view:
I am only a tool to serve my nation, and so are Annaji, Arvind, Kiran Bedi and the IAC platform. The bottom line is "India". If my removal from the coordinator's position helps the movement, there are enough excellent people in Mumbai to take on the role.
Friends, please tell me
In the interest of the IAC movement, should I continue as coordinator of Mumbai or step down?
Continue or Step down?
I will be posting this blog on the India against Corruption main FB and the Mumbai one, every day till Monday, the 18th. Mumbai volunteers are meeting on 18th evening and I'll put forth the above to them too. By Tuesday morning, even if over 33% have said Step down, I'll handover the charge to someone else without any rancour or ill-will. Please respond.
"The country is much bigger than each of us, individually and collectively"

142 comments:

FREEDOM said...

not as long as you work with awareness

Anonymous said...

you want to live a servrage uncleaned.. still there are mater not in Mumbai bt all over India that ought to be clean in time .... we Youngsters are not handle it more ... the biggest of thing is bribe on lower level which is getting in blood from a lkg student to uper most level ... Papu ke Papa (rishwat ke neta ke baccehe officers) ko marna hai to w have to be there.

Sujata Suri said...

Why must you step down? You have clearly told your story - it is for all to see and judge for themselves. I hope Ravi Nair is man enough to come forward and tell his story - something that we would surely love to verify on ground. Good luck Mayank!

JS said...

If only people who had never committed a sin were to be eligible to be coordinator, then there would be none. What's more important is that you are committed to changing yourself to coordinate a movement for change. JS/Bangalore

being sweetu said...

you want to live a servrage uncleaned.. still there are mater not in Mumbai bt all over India that ought to be clean in time .... we Youngsters are not handle it more ... the biggest of thing is bribe on lower level which is getting in blood from a lkg student to uper most level ... Papu ke Papa (rishwat ke neta ke baccehe officers) ko marna hai to w have to be there.

Vidyut said...

... Then they fight you, then you win....

I don't know you and I don't know if you are corrupt or not, but if you are seeing a smear campaign in recent times, I'd bet good money that there is a reason for it.

They may have dug up real dirt, or they may have manufactured it, I want to say that the movement is of the people if they smear every one, so be it. It doesn't stop the need for the bill.

On the contrary, it highlights how essential the bill is!

Lost in SQL World said...

When you see helpless people around and you feel for them and extend a hand of help, continue otherwise I would say quit.

commodity said...

You shouldn't
! as we all know that Our Country still unclean/dirty politics !

Ruzai said...

As Long As Your Conscience Is Clear And You Can Look In The Mirror Without A Blur Just Forget Him, You Can Carry On. The Best Other Possible Remedy You Have Already Mentioned Was To Sit Across The Table And Discuss Which He Is Ready Sort It Out Else Maintain A DIGNIFIED SILENCE Which Will Hit Him All The More.
If You Are Doing Good And Thinking Of Well Being Of Others PLEASE Carry On
God Bless!

Unknown said...

I am not at the age to advice you, if you feel you are guilty step down from the position. When I went through your blog it is clear and evident that you haven't done any mistake. Be true and trust your heart and mind. Act accordingly. My last opinion would be continue your job.

Nitin Sharma said...

How easy it would be for someone to find any small discrepancy in any of the frontrunners in this campaign, be it Anna Hazare, Bhushan's, Arvind or Kiran Bedi, and cover it up with lies and manipulate it to make them look like the symbols of what they are fighting against. You want to set a precedent where they will resign if any thing comes up against them. Hell with what others think. Think whats best for the movement and deecide yourself not by votes from people who know only what has been shown to them. If we do the same, media would be the ultimate decision makers and am not fine with it. Decide for yourself.

Indian said...

India Needs You !
lets unite to fight against Corruption/dirty politics
Common India !
Let's not run away from our duties !

Anonymous said...

Keep the good work going.... But let us be transparent of any past sins if any?

nivedita said...

if ur conscience is clean u need not to resign..u will face many ravi nairs in d future.jst carry on the good wrk u doing

Anonymous said...

Don't quit..

Paddy`s Blog said...

Every sinner has a future and every saint has a past. Even if you are a sinner-- y need not resign.

MPa/MLAs and Ministers who have been looting the country to their teeth are expecting the society to support them in their loot.This has to stop. We need to fight together.

gamathepsicop said...

think this question from yourself once...you will know the answer...this india...gandhiji ko bhi ek ne goli hi maar di thi...to aapki kya baat karein...if u feel passion in what u r doing...n feel its right..to fir duniya mein kisi ki mat suno.....go on :)...good luck

Sunita Bhagatjee said...

Hi. I just want to say that this is just the beginning. All the people involved in 'Anna's fight' so to speak in making India Corruption free will be subjected to much more than this. Do you think the people who have been thriving on corruption will let you start building a corruption free India so easily? Some of you will give up and cannot blame them as the tactics will get more intense. It will take people of extra ordinary courage to stay on the course. Congratulations to you for throwing open this discussion, only an honest man can do that I think. So hang on,

Anonymous said...

You were clearly not a part of this project then how can u be corrupt??? Its like saying that just because u are associated with a company which may be corrupt, u become corrupt... Its preposterous. Then i think we all become corrupt because we are related to India which is definately corrupt... U continue the good work that you have been doing. This Ravi Nair has not done anything for this movement, just come in as a media seeker or a jealous individual... Sadly, we do have such cowards in our country... "Forgive and Forget for they know not what they are doing" Jesus

Anonymous said...

not if ur intentions are pure......

Saurav Kumar said...

Hello,

I came across your above post while web-crawling, and i "read" your part of the the story. I am not sure about the opposition are saying? Are they simply alleging or asserting ? I dont know.

But from your words, it seems that may be you shouldn't step down. Steeping down might indicate/enforce what opposition are contemplating. It is often said that silence sometimes means affirmation. If certainly that's not the case, then i would respectfully suggest, you should keep the post of directorship and fight these people who "just" alleges. Because we all are part of this system and today if you step down knowingly that you are not wrong, then you are already reducing the probability of an event such that an honest person holds the director sheet.

If you are with truth, then I am sure the present agitation must have been led and inspired be non performers.I trust, hope and pray that Goodness triumph over evilistic designs as it has always done, the history is witness. Rest since you are a spiritual person, i would again respectfully recommend talking to your heart (you will honest with yourself) and if you feel something, you can do it . However still if you dont have an answer, fight for truth and rest leave it to GOD and hope for the best. Nation will become stronger if each of us start valuing discipline, truth and honesty. I hope you will make a right decision , thinking above points in mind.

However, as my mother says, listen to everyone but do what you heart says. :)

shabdarnav said...

wah path kya pathik kushalta kya jis path par bikhre shul na hon, mere mitra, age badhen, apni energy ko waste na karte hue.

Saurabh (IAC Lucknow Coordinator) said...

Dear Mr. Gandhi
With the start up of the movement, we all knew that if this succeeds, we'll be targetted. It's something which comes free with all the responsibilities renewed and with people knowing that we all are soldiers of new India. Now sir let me take this liberty of saying that ur name is symbolic to something much bigger than these petty issues. U've handled the movement very well and ur efficacy is proven and certified by ur work as well as arvind ji. This phase of the movement require more enthusiasm and zeal and ur quitting at this stage would serve no good at all. Gandhi ji (Bapu) struggled not only the britishes, but also waged a hegemonic struggle which aimed at uprooting the very philosophy of controlling mindsets of subjects as in acceptance to fate of slavery. We need to let our work speak for us. Nothing else. I am preparing for civil services and since most of the bureaucrats are Corrupt, will u advice me to either quit preparing or quit IAC? Similarly, ur being director of a construction company doesn't stand u culpable. Ask the malicious campaigner that does he think u r socrates as pressing for jan lokpal bill would be gulping poison if anyone of us is actually corrupt.
Regards.
Saurabh upadhyay
IAC coordinator lucknow.

Subrah said...

You need not post this, since you did it, I see transparency. This is the need of the hour. We (people of India) need you. Don't quit.

Anonymous said...

India Needs You. Don't quit.

Anonymous said...

Pls Don't resign...We all need you..

Anonymous said...

Most good comes with opposition.......... cross hurdles with strength from well wishers..... after all its how many speak of one after they leave the earth than when they live .....Its a challenge u will cross with ur spiritual backup...Good luck, work with ekaghriha, towards nation building

ashu said...

i havent read this article by you , but have been reading the earlier ones.. you dont have to resign. when you think you are honest why the hell do you care about the dishonest people, no matter what they say.. just keep going.. best of luck!

regards
ashu

dave said...

Make your property details public. Show them what all you own and how you have earned it. If possible show all the property details of your relatives. That way you can shut a lot of mouths. If you resign you would have made the allegations come true.

Pooja said...

Giving in to Critism is like rowning into the pool of dead.They say that if ppl are accusing u and are trying to derail u from the track it means that ur doing good.
Sir, i wud say that plz continue to do what u wer destined to and im sure its worth giving a try!!
never say die attitude is the core value of activism and We would fight for it till the end..
All the best!!

Kanchan Goel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sunny said...

It should be up to you to decide and you alone. How ever much you explain, no one other than you can actually see the situation to the full extent. If you are certain that you are not doing anything wrong, I'd say... don't bother.

Anonymous said...

If you quit, we all quit... You are not corrupt is evident and just because u are an employee of a company that may be corrupt, u do not become corrupt... I repeat again IF U QUIT, WE QUIT

sajhamorcha said...

keep going Mayank Gandhiji. You are open enough to offer your removal so openly and selflessly. Your endeavor should remain your driving force. Let the cynics do what they do their best. Remain honest to yourself and to the cause.

Karthik (Bangalore) said...

Hi, I don't know you personally but follow your blog and admire your activism. You say "I am not involved in the business and commercial side and am only an independent director". But a role of independent whatever should not excuse any employee from checking whether their employer is doing something bad. So, I feel you should check up on these other business and commercial activities, and if your conscience tells you something dirty or unjust is happening there, you should resign - NOT from your post as IAC coordinator, but from this company.

Anonymous said...

I have never seen anyone who does such good work as i have seen you do. You are the co-ordinator and u must continue to do this. If mayank gandhi quits then god help us

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
anil vaidya said...

i am sure you understand the gravity of the present situation, unless one goes through the corrupt system one can not understand,what corruption means. if going through this system is a fault or amounts to corruption then no one can lead. please do not leave the fight,we are with you

Ritesh Singh said...

Absolutely Not, Mayank ji. For God's sake please don't. You are indispensable and absolutely uncorrupted. I fasted for 4 days for Jan Lokpal and I will fast again if you resign because your continuing is almost synonymous with getting the Jan Lokpal.

Unknown said...

dnt quit.... This movement needs u....

Krishan Jaglan said...

If you step down, this will be a great disservice to the nation. This is a very critical time and all corrupt and evil powers are doing propaganda against this movement. We the people of INDIA know very well that who is wrong and who is right. so, if you have a little faith and confidence on the youth power of this great nation we have to fight till we eradicate this evil from this rotten system. So i would request pls. never pay attention to this mudslugging. We all are with you.
Cheers

Prasath said...

mayank bhaiya, we take up the responsibility to carry forward some work..........most importatant is our conscience.......if we have done nothing wrong, as per our conscience, we need to go ahead with our work.......no stepping down........we are with you......thanks and regards. Prasadh, Chennai.

Anonymous said...

DO NOT QUIT... THE NATION NEEDS YOU

Anonymous said...

I have met you and I have heard you and have seen you work. Please do not even think once about quitting. This movement of IAC has to be built on the able shoulders of people like you. Your purity, spiritual guidance and force is needed. Remember this IAC is a dirty fight. When you fight the pigs in the mud, it is going to splatter on you too the only difference is that the pigs are going to love it. DO NOT QUIT. IF YOU DO, THEN THEY WIN !!.

Anonymous said...

Who the F@%# is Ravi Nair??? If he has the guts then ask him to come to the monday meeting. He will not go with his head on his shoulders. Mayankji, i have the highest respect for you. Its a shame seeing such a leader in such a condition. Ravi Nair, if u have the guts, then come into the open

Unknown said...

Dont quite.. Forget about those jealous persons like Ravi Nair.. They are just tryng to bring attraction.. Nothing else.. Go on... Good luck...

Kanchan said...

ow that the wind for anti-corruption movement is blowing so hard across the country,some dirt might get into the eye and irritate! You just don't stop moving ahead because some dirt is irritating the eye

People intimidated by Jan Lokpal bill will sling mud..and this shows their vested interest...
they detest corruption free India as they obviously have something to hide....

they would like to create suspicion,division...Beware!

Let all of us only focus on the goal with awareness !

AGNI K East JAAG said...

MAYANKJI HAS OPENLY SHARES HIS POSITION N VIEWS REALLY LIKED AND APPRECIATED SIR TO HEAR N LISTEN YOUR VIEW. I HAVE ALSO REQUESTED SUNIL BARETTO TO SHARE HIS VIEWS N POSTION ON THE SAME HAS HE N HIS MEMBERS AND GROUP ARE AT THE RECEIVING END ONCE AGAIN TKS FOR PUTTING YOUR VIEWS VERY OPENLY REALLY APPRECIATED. I WILL SEE TO IT THAT THE OTHER GROUP EITHER CLEARS THE TOPIC OR DONT TAKE UR NAME WHEN THIS SUBJECT ARISES

AGNI K East JAAG said...

I thought n feel that its an open forum so whatever information i had after the discussion with the group where my friend sunil baretto has also invested a huge amount i shared on an open forum and really mayank ji had shown the grace n frankly came in open n put his view will defenetely take up this issue with the group n members who think that mayank shud hv done some thing or is in this... i have also requested sunil to share his view n position -- really appreciated mayankji way of coming out n putting his word n bringing full transperancy -- RAVI

kabrasumit said...

Gandhi ji there is a quotation in Economics I quote in hindi " kharab mudra achi mudra ko chalan se bahar kar deti hai" . so u r being targeted .
kindly do not bow in front of these people.

Anonymous said...

Each and every person involved in this movement are important. we cant afford to loose a single person. Be true enough and be clear to your conscience. Its our movement together. Be this the fire and ignite others too to fight for this movement.

Arbind Gupta said...

If your concience is clear and the leadership has trust in you, then please continue. The opponents are going to use this tactic to smear all good leaders (we see for Anna and Bhushan already!). Quitting will only serve their purpose and weanken the movement. This battle will be a dirty one and politicians are going to spread all kind of rumuors. the need is to continue.

Anonymous said...

In a clean cloth its very easy to spot stains. dont worry. work. and rmember nothin else is worth ur peace of mind. so give priority to that and decide.

Aswin Nandakumar from Cochin

Unknown said...

PLS DONT QUIT.. WE NEED YOU

Raymond Fernandes said...

No!you are doing yeoman service for the nation and the movement needs you. "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone " If Ravi Nair has some grievance he should just not resort to making unsubstantiated claims on face-book but provide irrefutable evidence. You have given your version - let him now refute it.

We in Mumbai definitely need someone of your caliber and experience to guide through the movement. So NO - stay where you are and together we shall deal with Corruption and the corrupt.

Unknown said...

WHEN RAVANA WAS KILLED BY RAMA.... AT THE LAST MOVEMENT FROM HIS MOUTH HE SAID "shree ram".... TILL THAT MOVEMENT HE WAS A BAD MAN... ONCE HE RELEISE THAT WHAT HE HAS DONT WRONG, THEN HE IS A GOOD PERSON...... I THINK U R THE ~~~~~~ RIGHT PERSON TO WORK HERE ~~~~~ AS NOW U WILL BE WORKING WITH 200% EFFORT......

WE NEED YOU MAYANK... PLS DONT QUIT

saurabh ghosh (b'lore) said...

dont quit, I support u.

Rajesh kumar said...

sry to say but

agar app khudko chor ki terha socoge to duniya apko chor he kahegi.....

so plz
...if you are clean at your heart.....do not give explanation to anybody...just work for nation....
and nation will appreciate you...for your good work

Anonymous said...

I trust you completely, but I would suggest you to step down ethically as there is a clear conflict of interest. You have to raise the bar higher, if you want to be a part of anti corruption movement. Rest is upto you.


As my opinion is against all other comments on this blog, I am posting this as anonymous and do not want people to start hounding me.

Anonymous said...

No

deep said...

Mayank,
Look at yourself in the mirror, look into your eyes and see your soul. Be truthful to yourself. Is all in order? Then carry on....

It would have been easy for me to say "carry on", but you and only you can answer this question for yourself! No one can judge this better than yourself. Any movement like this will have its detractors, and will face trial by fire. If you are not able or willing to face it and come out a winner, then don't do it. And if so, then go for it.

Legally Speaking said...

I believe that some people dont understand meaning of corruption. Corruption is prerogative of those employed in Govt service. Mayank Gandhi is not a Govt servant at any rate. At the most, the company in which he is a director, may be guilty of breach of laws of the land, to which appropriate remedy is court of law. Mayank should remain.

AGNI K East JAAG said...

now its time for suni baretto and his group to come forward n put their views n position and clear the same so that the topic is cleared and mayank gandhi name should not be taken if he is not wrong -- come on sunil n group be has brave like mayank n come in open thats what we all need today - RAVI

adnaan said...

Serving a nation is a duty for every Indian. But taking care of one's family is a bigger duty. I am sure the corruption charges against you are misled. But I think you should step down if you feel you are not doing justice to your family business.The delay in flat possession must be troublesome for the families because of the trend in this sector of late deliveries. And if you can fix that issue, it still counts as service to the nation. You can continue to be an activist without holding a position of responsibility. Please don't take a decision based on the hive-mind because in the end you will have to face your demons alone.

Aravind said...

Now ask Ravi Nair to post his version...!

DIYA, Hyderabad said...

As long as your conscience is clear you should carry on the current role.
All the best Mayank!

Amit said...

If what you said is correct and you are true to yourself and to the country then I don't see any reason for you to resign.

And if you believe that you can make the difference and your karma will be in right direction then let the people talk. I will just say,
Kuch to log kahenge logo ka kaam hai kehna...
Humko jo taane dete hain woh khoye hain khud rang raliyon mein...
so don't worry about these people and continue with this, All the best

adnaan said...

I speak of family because a respected family member is involved. And respect is all we have.

Adrift said...

Just one thing...who did not get criticized, Mahatma gandhi, Lincoln, nelson mandela, Lokapal bill or Hazare sir..
One thing is very clear, people will try to pull you down when you have higher responsibility. It's time to show personal growth, Stand against criticism and stand for a cause.
I never know you but after seeing your work, It become so obvious of what ever i have written above.

So just chillax...When Arvind Sir has shown trust on you, who is this shit guy to blame you..

I appreciate your concern as individual, My only request is, you do what ever do, just be committed to cause..rest all is story.

Unknown said...

No, with a clear rider to people like Ravi.

He is free to pursue corruption cases, and law, being free and fair and without discrimination, will take its own course.

And your work with IAC will continue

Unknown said...

No, with a clear rider to people like Ravi.

He is free to pursue corruption cases, and law, being free and fair and without discrimination, will take its own course.

And your work with IAC will continue

Unknown said...

No, with a clear rider to people like Ravi.

He is free to pursue corruption cases, and law, being free and fair and without discrimination, will take its own course.

And your work with IAC will continue

AGNI K East JAAG said...

mayank -- you had told ur version in open clearly n got a thumbs up -- really appreciated -- will see to it that the andheri group doesnt take up your name n clear the matter- once again appreciated your openness in which you came out very frankly......... RAVI NAIR

Anonymous said...

please stop posting your picture on IAC Facebook Community Page.

Anonymous said...

stop promoting yourself under IAC Banner by posting your picture and using a blog with your name. We will have more respect for you. And acknowledging others in Mumbai doing IAC work will make you look humble. I'm sure you don't mean to do anything intentionally but it is coming across as such.

Anonymous said...

Mayank Gandhi cannot be corrupt simply because he was not part of the deal... So y this discussion. We know u are clean, so u must continue

Anonymous said...

Ab please emotional blackmailing mat karo.

Anonymous said...

It is refreshing to see someone defending himself by telling his story and not by accusing the character of his accuser in India. Good people like you need to be encouraged and promoted to bigger positions.

Kiran Bindu said...

Look does this person have an axe to grind against you? If i were u i would take up the matter with this person offline. See what his issue is, most people who post comments online are very different when you meet them in person. I dont think u must resign, the fact Mr Arvind asked you for help gives you crediability. At least you are being transparent so stay the course buddy!

mayank gandhi said...

Ravi Nair - appreciate your comments. If Sunil Baretto has any problems and it is not related to India against corruption, please call me up and i'll try and resolve.

Pankaj Jangid said...

You should not resign from your responsibilities. Country needs people like you.

Dinesh Rana said...

If you are not wrong than no need to step down.It is your duty to fight with it and prove yourself.Your victory will inspire others.

Anagha Varma said...

As long as your conscience is clear, you should not resign.The movement needs you.

Unknown said...

NO WAY.....To Build our national we don’t have to resign from our job... it’s pledge from our heart...& we have to be on it... & to Build our nation we don’t require too much time... if we give only 01 hr in day by each one &it’s more than enough but honestly by each one.... because if we give honestly 01 hrs by each one too our build our country... it’s mean 1210000000hrs in a day... we have to wake up..And show our honesty... towards our nation...we have to really build our....we have to just WAKE UP

AGNI K East JAAG said...

mayank ji - tks n really appreciated the way u took this n ws open. i wll defenetely talk to them n close this issue - u got a thumbs up in this ---- i wll stop raising this issue on FB - i really thought it ws an open forum n i cn share whatever information i had. once again appreciated the way u came out in open n put ur views n position so clearly. RAVI NAIR

AGNI K East JAAG said...

Agreed with alll - mayank ji got a thumbs uppp - n majority.... :- He came open b put his position- I will defenitely see to it that the matter gets cleared from the other side....... RAVI NAIR

MAK said...

You shouldn't...

V M said...

What I told some other volunteers also, and what I tell you too - do not take ownership as a given. Once the mission is done OR a timeline has passed, let go, it is like releasing your children to take wings when they grow up. Please set a specific target achievement at the Mumbai Coordinator position for yourself, set specific guidelines for future coordinators like (a) no repeat tenures (b) maximum duration of tenure and (c) foolproof system of voting/selecting the next coordinator.

And work as well as walk with your head held high. Valmiki wrote the Great Book, too, and there is no shame in having done something wrong in the past, true or false is not the issue.

Good luck. Whoever wrote the Bible, for example, was he more important or the message?

Same for you too. Place your clarifications, and move on, do and live your truths.

A bit tough, I know, but that's the road you have to take.

rajeev dubey said...

The road that you have taken was never meant to be safe... do not even think of resigning, fight against it.

Neelabh krishna said...

No need to resign on baseless allegations.otherwise it will help the anti-social elements to make their grounds firm.They should be asked to produce proof if they dont have they should be suited for defamation.

raviprakash said...

Never repeat these words again or else you will hear a similar statement from me, I ma hear for the cause and have confidence in you such defeating blog will demoralise me

Anonymous said...

Karmaneva Adhikaar aste, Ma faleshu kadaachana.

One way or the other, you are working. Its better to direct your threefold karma towards sattwik nature. It only can liberate you. One way or the other, you also should continue your sattwik karma. And this is not only right time, this is an opportunity for you to perform your karma to the best. Only few people are bestowed with the best of responsibilities because god finds them deserving. Still its all up to you to decide.

Unknown said...

if u r sure tht u will b able to give justice to d IAC while u r still a coordinator then go ahead. or else plz quit as the nation needs individuals lik u to fight against corruption

Meenakshi said...

As long as you know, you are truthful,please continue. It is the self conscience which should matter.

CoOL said...

please do not waste your time and energy on thinking about this issue...better invest it in making IAC work better...

if you feel you owe an explanation to any criticism you have faced...issue facts publicly (as done by IAC itself) and forget about it...

Cheers,

Sachin

Lok Satta Party said...

Dear Colleagues in this journey of Nation Building,

We personally share your anger and frustration. But we should not get discouraged by critisism. People will judge us for our consistency and reasoned debate on issues that matters the country. So called educated intellectuals in particular have dragged this country for centuries. In Amrtaya Sen's word "ARGUMENTATIVE INDIANS". So called educated people come to conclusions easily, without devoting enough time to get deeper on issues and start confusing others. We msut ignore these and go forward towards our goals.

Some of us have chosen public life willingly and we must be ready to face criticism. What is needed is that we must have ability to learn from what critics say and we must also have ability to ignore the (for lack of words - English is not my language of education) garbage part of criticism. What is also important for us is to stay focused on our path, goals and style.

So no despair!!! Keep it up !!! Mother land needs all of us and believe in yourself that you are in right company, on right path, and we shall prevail !!

Last 63 years have marked a remarkable and largely successful journey in building the most diverse and complex republic in a free society. Historically, this is a triumph. Now we need to make our republic the greatest in human history. It is difficult, but doable. I am privileged to share this dream with millions of my countrymen.

But let us keep in mind that we have a long way to go and our anger shall be converted in to informed citizen's assertion. Now the priority is to get effective, transparent, accountable Lokpal institution and let us also start work on improving the "Prevention of Corruption Act".

Having said that, Lone Lokpal bill will not bring the desired change but if it becomes effective Lokpal institution, it will certainly create conditions for further reforms in many areas of politics, elections and governance. This is another tool like RTI in our path to improve our democracy.

Let us not also forget that real change will happen when people themselves will show corrupt the door in elections.

What we as citizen need to do is as Swami Vivekanand said"Awake, arise and stop not till the desired end is reached"

Anonymous said...

After reading your BLOG, I will say NO. However am sure that what ever u had mentioned in your blog it would be accurate...

Athi S said...

As long you work for ppl, thr is no need to step down. All the best

Akshay Guleria said...

It is because of people like 'Ravi Nair" that we have a culture of pulling each other's legs down :)
We dont want to research or hear facts - just rant rant and rant. We need to hold someone accountable to justify ourselves. Thats all. I am positive he is amongst the 20% (20-80 rule) people in this world. So, you dont need to worry about him. Please continue your crusade. Let some of these roadblocks not deter you from treading on the right path. Good luck,.

Dushyant Verma said...

If whatever you are saying is true,,then you should continue to work,,,,,don't go by what others are saying against you,,

Anonymous said...

Dialouges do help out in such cases....Mr Nair shld come up to u and talk about his griviences rather than blaming openly in public...You shuld not resign from this activity as ur doing a great social work...

Narendra said...

Dear Mayank, I have a view that if your commercial activity makes you vulnerable to political pressure then you should either resign or be a part of multi member coordinator group where other 3 are not from mumbai. Case of kher has shown what kind of pressure will be used.

We need wider participative democracy in India where formal consultation with people of india takes place. Parliament has failed this role and we need to goto people at lower level like a person not representing more than 10000 person.

Very interesting point is system of whip in parliament. Any issue should be cleared by individual members but usually the high command decides the issue and then issue a whip. The real democratic way is to have equal vote to each member and then this issue is debated within the party and then taken to parliament.

Similarly Anna should not have announced the five members unilaterally. Though no harm has been done but for sake of show he should have consulted others. Even india against corruption must represent members and not the core group.

I will like you to push for right to investigation and the person being investigated should be able to demand alternate investigation because the police has powers to torture and jail any body for 90 days even if he is innocent. Similarly the person connected to ruling party should have investigation overseen by judiciary or lokpal.

East Indian Culture and Food Festival said...

Mayank, After reading your blog, my respect for you has increased. Keep up the good work. We are with you.
Gordon D'Souza

Ranveer said...

If you are true to your soul what you are saying..then so be it, Stand what you believe in.

Some one has to do a dirty job..some one has to enter in filth to clean it & when you enter you there you are bound to get some bit of it, accept it & move forward.

mayank gandhi said...

Thanks for the support and Ravi Nair's decency in taking back his issue. The matter has ended and I am overwhelmed with the sentiment of all.

Sunil Barretto said...

Part 3

We the flat purchasers, hold no personal grudge against Mayank. I was at Azad Maidan when the activists were fasting. I saw how Mayank kept everyone there informed about the situation in Delhi and other places. He jokingly called himself “Information and Broadcasting Minister” and we all appreciated his efforts. I went to Azad Maidan on the following two days also. I took a Pamphlet distributed over there which spoke of the movement and have now stuck it on the society Notice Board. I am not a big activist like Mayank but I do my bit in a small way.
My sincere request to Mayank is that he intervenes in this issue and helps us in dealing with the builder in getting us our flats. We have utmost regards for Mayank and the work that he is doing and think it will be a setback to the movement if he resigns.
Also it will appear that whenever things get difficult, Mayank takes the easier route out. He resigns.

Anonymous said...

No reason for u to resign from this noble cause. Corrupt civil servants and politicians and their chamchas will make all kinds of hue and cry against this noble cause.

Anonymous said...

I thank and appreciate u for being so humble n honest.If someone has the passion to do something for his/her country,no one can stop him/her from doing so.Obstacles may come,many may try to malign u by their stupid acts,but no need to pay any heed to those,and just move ahead.Truth always conquers.Heartiest Congratulations,U won!It's the victory of the Truth!

Manjula said...

I thank and appreciate u for being so humble n honest.If someone has the passion to do something for his/her country,no one can stop him/her from doing so.Obstacles may come,many may try to malign u by their stupid acts,but no need to pay any heed to those,and just move ahead.Truth always conquers.Heartiest Congratulations,U won!It's the victory of the Truth!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mayank,

I am one of the affected people of this Andheri E Project , which Lok Group has delayed for over 3 years now and is likely to delay for an additional 2 more years , I am totally frustrated by the attitude and the behavious of the company even after colelcting 40% of the flat cost.

As your mentioned your role was only limited to ROMF project , but what you have not highlighted that the RoMF project is worth more than 3000 cr in revenues to this so call cas strapped Lok Group. (read the news on Lok + Unity Projects bags redevelopment project).

So your efforts resulted in windfall gains for this corrupt organization. Am not sure whats your personal gain in this but the least you could do is be intervene to fix our issues .

Cleanliness starts at home first , I think rather than putting lame excuses and offering to quit etc , tell me as affected party how will you get my home ontime.

Blood they say is thicker than water , even if you say ur no longer assoicated I dont buy the argument that your incapable of doing anything ..please think resignation is easy ... but can you stand and fight for us.

Anonymous said...

reading the feedback from other makes me sad , desh ko sudhaar ne chale hai hum but ghar apna saaf nahin kar sakte... Maynakji pehle apne ghar ko corrpution mukt kar do phir hum bi aapke peeche hai.

I think u shud take this cae seriously if indeed this builder is cheating its customers we should raise the issue , remember builders lobby controls large parts of Mumbai , thay are the one that fund these corrput politicians during elections , remember Aaadarsh .... I think we should attack the source of this corrpution and we all know builders/ construnction companies have a large role to play.

Anybody who visit BMC-Building Proposals depts , can see wide spread corrpution there , files and plans being approved based on payments done , customers cheated by offering lower carpet area , why Mayank if u even goto the Registration office to register your flat of leave and license agreement bribery and corruption is openly rampant there ... where is IAC then ... why only morchas at Azad Maidan and big speeches ... why cant we have a morcha at BMC office in Bandra E or Registration office in BKC bandra W , guys who think that by distrubting pamphlets can change India , then we are seriously stupid .... if IAC has the balls let me see you making BMC ur target , they are most corrupt , Mayank r u ready to accept my challenege and reelected leader of IAC Mumbai

Anonymous said...

Chalo Mayank and his chamchas have won , and burning issue swept under the carpet ... best of luck may u make 1000's or more crores for Lok your deceased uncles company ... people who supported Mayank should read about how Lok has benefited from the Romf project,

Hiten said...

Hey Mayank,

I have no problem if you want to resign. But only on the condition that you are certain to be elected to the prime minister's post within 30 days of your resignation. :-))

Raunak said...

Dear Mayank,

I am one of the affected people of this Andheri E Project , which Lok Group has delayed for over 3 years now and is likely to delay for an additional 2 more years , I am totally frustrated by the attitude and the behavious of the company even after colelcting 40% of the flat cost.

As your mentioned your role was only limited to ROMF project , but what you have not highlighted that the RoMF project is worth more than 3000 cr in revenues to this so call cas strapped Lok Group. (read the news on Lok + Unity Projects bags redevelopment project).

So your efforts resulted in windfall gains for this corrupt organization. Am not sure whats your personal gain in this but the least you could do is be intervene to fix our issues .

Cleanliness starts at home first , I think rather than putting lame excuses and offering to quit etc , tell me as affected party how will you get my home ontime.

Blood they say is thicker than water , even if you say ur no longer assoicated I dont buy the argument that your incapable of doing anything ..please think resignation is easy ... but can you stand and fight for us.

Abhisek Poddar said...

It needs great courage and honesty to throw open the decision of life to the opinion of others. Though I am not aware of the ground realities, its quite evident from your post that there is nothing wrong on your part.... If you are up for a good cause you are bound to face many more Ravi Nairs.... Succumbing to such pressures and Quitting is never an option.

Sunil B said...

Dear Mayank,

I give up.. i tried putting up my side of the story but you keep on removing from the blog.

Only on Ravi Nair insistance, i agreed to write but if this is the attitude..fine..

regards
Sunil Barretto

Unknown said...

Please do not step down.Your conscious is clean.I have my suggestion,But listen to your heart.

saraswat said...

Mr. Gandhi, as long as you feel your heart is clear and you have not done anything wrong, you should not step down. You have chosen a path which most of us are reluctant to follow though we support the cause. and no one forced you in to it. so why care about what some people say? People even tried to malign the image of Anna and Sh Prashant Bhushan, Stick to the goal you have set, my best wishes are always with you.

Anonymous said...

Hundred Dollar Story

An Indian tourist walks into a curio shop in San Francisco.

Looking around at the exotic, he notices a very lifelike, Life-sized bronze statue of a rat.

It has no price tag, But is so striking he decides he must have it.

He takes it to the owner: "How much for the bronze rat?"

"Twelve dollars for the rat, one hundred dollars for the Story,"says the owner.

The tourist gives the man twelve dollars. "I'll just take the rat,you can keep the story."

As he walks down the street carrying his bronze rat, He notices that a few real rats crawl out of the alleys and sewers and begin following him down the street.

This is disconcerting; he begins walking faster. But within a couple of blocks, the herd of rats behind him grows to hundreds, and they begin squealing.

He begins to trot toward the Bay, looking around to see that the rats now numbered in the MILLIONS,
and are still squealing and coming towards him faster and faster.
Concerned, even scared, he runs to the edge of the Bay and throws the bronze rat as far out into the Bay as he can.

Amazingly, the millions of rats all jump into the Bay after it, and are all drowned.

The man walks back to the curio shop. "Ah ha," says the owner, "You have come back for the Story?"

"No," says the man, "I came back to see if you have a statue of an Indian politician in bronze!!"

SEKAR GURU said...

AS FAR AS YOUR CONSCIOUS IS CLEAR NOT INTERESTED IN PERSONAL AMBITION BY HOOK OR CROOK YOU NEEDN'T DIS-ASSOCIATE FROM THE MOVEMENT.

Datwani said...

Kya Mayank even on the internet your playing politics , keep deleting my entry before anyone reads it .... Guru ur smarter than the politicians ... Btw I think ur in the same mould as your deceased uncle u have responsibility not only to the people from this Andheri project but to all who have been cheated by Lok, dum hai toh start a fast demanding justice from ur brother Darshan Gandhi who now runs LOk let's see how much u can achieve and to all those loser who are posting messages in support of mayank let me tell you we flat owners don't have net connections or understand about blogs so ur hearing only half the story

Kapil Paraji More said...

We want you to continue ...Our support is with you ...As Anna has said one for the five things of a social activists is to have strength to digest insult/allegations etc..Out support is with you , pls be there for the nation...nation is more important than certain individual(Nair).

Unknown said...

Please continue as Mumbai Coordinator, don't resign, best wishes

Unknown said...

If all the people linked with the movement start thinking of resigning then very few would be left to carry on the movement.In this country it is impossible to survive as no work is done without bribes by the Govt.functionaries.In my view if you have to bribe for your legal and genuine work then you are not at fault rather you are penalizing yourself against your will.If the the corruption is eradicated and sure genuine work is done without harassment then who would like to be called dishonest and corrupt in his society and before his children.People who are fighting against corruption cannot be corrupt in the moral sense.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mayank & his followers,
If you guys are truly honest and believe in the constitution of India and in democracy, then please stop curtailing freedom of speech. Why are the comments of the grieving party being deleted?

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this RoMF. Mr. Mayank, can you please clarify till date how many people have actually benefitted from this charity work of yours?

Anonymous said...

This was quite a soul stirring blog that Mayankbhai has written. So much emotional outburst from the aam janta. I think he can do better if he reads Hitler's Mein Kampf and posts another dramatic blog. Instead of a wave he will generate a tsunami of sympathy votes.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to say this but Mr. Mayank if you were really honest, you would have first resigned as a moral obligation and then asked the verdict of the people. By writing emotional blogs you are just misleading the people. Only netas exhibit such traits when they want to retain their chairs. My guess is that you definitely have some stake in the Lok Group scandal.

Anonymous said...

Netas use the name of Gandhiji, Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose & other freedom fighters to gain votes.

Mayankji has used the names of Annaji, Arvind, Kiran Bedi and the IAC platform.

Mayankji what are you trying to prove?

Anonymous said...

Dr. Manmohan Singh is not resigning from his PM's post, because the ministers in his government are looting the people and not he. He is just a member of the pack with a clean image.

Dear people, Mr. Mayank Gandhi is conveying the same message. He has clean image. Why the hell should he resign?

Anonymous said...

Mayankji, you make tall claims about being a social activist and of remaking Mumbai. But you fail to help those very middle class people who have paid advance money of approx 40-80 Lacs each for around 120 flats. You call yourself an activist? a social worker?? You put yourself in the same league as that of Anna Hazare?? Shame on you. Resign first and blog later.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mayankji,
I wonder what Annasaheb will have to say when he comes to know that a "clean" activist like you is working for a scandal tainted company. Is Annasaheb unreachable for the aam admi? Does he interact only with "Social Activist"? 40-80 Lacs x 120 flats x 3 years is quite a big amount for a long period of time. If Sharad Pawar can resign so can you. He did'nt go asking his Baramati people whether he should resign or not. What you think you got a bigger than others image or what?

Jayashree - Lok Raunak said...

No. As many people have said...resigning is the easiest way out. Help us get justice!!!

Ilyas said...

Thank you sir for your great commitment to free our country from corruption. I was present at the rally yesterday at Bandra Kurla Complex, we were shouting anti-corruption slogans, we listened to your speech and sang the national anthem towards the end. It was a great feeling of patriotism!

priya said...

Dear Sir, You are doing a great job. Saw you in yesterday's maharally in Bandra. People like you are required to take take the charge of the movement. Pls keep doing it. Wish you all the best !!

Anonymous said...

Mayankji,in your lok everest in mulund a few members are being targeted & harassed by your company & the person who runs the place there for asking about not accounting for the money taken by LHCL many years ago under differnt heads for many unfulfilled facilities,their cars & 2 wheelers are damaged when they raise money matters to EOW & other authorities.Many other harassment also done Were you not aware of all this?

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