BANGALORE: The oldest freedom fighter from Karnataka, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, expressed his sadness on the rampant corruption in the state.
"Many people like to put Gandhi's photo in their offices, but they never follow the ideals and teachings of Mahatma," Chaturvedi said in reply to a question on rising corruption in the state.
The 113year old freedom fighter, who now resides in Jayanagar, used to write letters for Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle and is also one of the last surviving witnesses of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Further, he deplored the selfish attitude of people that has led to corruption. "There is nothing wrong in being selfish, but if it causes trouble to others, then it is," Chaturvedi said.
"During the struggle for Independence, we fought for 'swaraj' but today the people are left out of the decision and ruling, while there is absolutely no sincere effort to bring governance at the grassroot level to increase people participation," he added.
The veteran freedom fighter, whose surname Chaturvedi literally means "master of the four Vedas" was actually given the surname for his knowledge of the Vedas.
Chaturvedi in his speech after receiving a wheel chair as a gift by Lokayukta justice Santosh Hegde said though his body is weak, his will is strong. "And hopes live for 300years," he added with a smile.