Dr Jayprakash Narayan has been given the Spirit of Mastek award for his attempts to bring about change in the political arena

Politics in India is widely regarded as a cesspit, something that sane people should give wide berth to. Yet, the fate of the country hinges to a great extent on our politicians and the kind of governance they provide. When someone decides to make a difference to Indian politics and bring about qualitative improvements in governance, his or her efforts need to be given the fullest encouragement.

Dr Jayprakash Narayan is one such person. He gave up a comfortable post in the Indian Administrative Services to promote the cause of political governance. Dr Narayan has made a valuable difference by initiating work for a political structure that aims to create new and people-centered politics for the next generation.

In recognition of his efforts, Mastek honoured him with the `Spirit of Mastek’ Award recently. This award has been instituted to acknowledge the efforts of individuals from all walks of life (outside of Mastek) who demonstrate the ‘Spirit of Making a Difference’ and ‘Inspired Leadership’. These individuals demonstrate the ability to go beyond the call of duty and are an inspiration to those around them.

At a function to receive the `Spirit of Mastek’ award, Dr Narayan said: “If you remain a silent spectator to an injustice, then you are as responsible for it as the perpretator himself.” According to him, a major problem is the criminalization of politics, with politicians using money and muscle power to hang on to the reins of power. We need transparency and accountability in governance and electoral reforms.

According to Dr Narayan, there are two major sins. One is unfulfilled potential, when people are unaware of their own capabilities and potential, and end up being underutilized resources for the state and country. Another is avoidable suffering, when people feel they have no control over things and put up with miserable conditions.

A physician by training, Dr Narayan joined the IAS in 1980, and during his nearly 17 years of distinguished public service in various capacities, acquired a formidable reputation in Andhra Pradesh. He served variously as Secretary to both Governor and Chief Minister.

His experience in government convinced him that what India needs today is not merely a periodic change of players, but a fundamental change in the rules of the game. To translate his vision into reality, he resigned from the IAS in 1996 and worked with like-minded colleagues to form the Lok Satta.

Lok Satta emerged as India's leading civil society initiative and people's movement for wide-ranging governance and political reforms. The movement is driving the electoral and governance reform agenda of the country, with several notable successes to its credit. Lok Satta launched a national platform called VOTEINDIA in partnership with several organizations to spearhead the campaign for political reforms.

Dr Narayan was the National Coordinator of the Lok Satta and VOTEINDIA movements. After much thought and organization-wide consultations, the need was felt for a political presence, and the Lok Satta Party was launched in October 2, 2006, with Dr Narayan as its leader.

Dr Narayan was a member of the National Advisory Council, which, under the Chairpersonship of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, was set up to serve as an interface with civil society with regard to the implementation of the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) of the Government of India. He is a member of the Second Administrative Reform Commission, constituted by the President of India with the mandate of preparing a detailed blueprint for revamping the public administration system in India.