when i look at my poem written in 1964, i am almost ashamed of the rates mentioned therein. how ridiculously low, they were. see how we have progressed. we now speak only in terms of hundreds of crores. but here is the poem for all its worth.
To Sadachar Samiti
To give or not to give, that is the question
Money, they say, makes the mare go
This is also true for men, only more so
It is five months since I sent the application
And I have heard niether no nor affirmation
Three reminders did I send two months ago
Two representations have followed them also
One reply said, the matter is under consideraion
The other that they can not find my application
My friend, Mr Giver, applied just four months ago
His business has been flourishing for three months now
The mystery, said he, is not very deep
In getting things, open purse you should keep
A rupee to the peon, to clerk a fiver sent
For superintendent, fifty will be proper investment
Officer you need not then bother, if he is honest
If not give three hundred, come home and rest
Your license will reach you at your place
A peon will bring it in order to be in grace
If these things you do not like to do
License is the hardest mistress to woo
So take your choice, you have to do it now or then
But
To give or not to give that is the question
(Hoshangabad, 1964
A sadachar samiti was constituted which called upon all not to give bribes. Gulzari Lal Nanda was probably the instigator. It had no suggestions for the takers.)