September 21 has been the date set for rallies in many cities across the country, participated in by groups from all walks of life united by frustration over corruption. Different institutions have already pledged numbers of their members who are completely “sure” of attending. With the innumerable expected, the sight would certainly be powerful. Religious, transport, educational groups etc., have already planned their routes and where to meet.
According to reports, transport groups are even offering free rides for those who would attend the rally on Sunday in Luneta.
People find ways. The people of this country have found ways to survive natural disasters and corruption within their own government all their lives. They are not to be underestimated, they are survivors.
Especially the youth, when underestimated they are at their best. Within educational institutions one can see the abilities of the youth to connect people to a single cause, to organize a large student body to move towards a single goal. Even if they haven’t graduated yet, they can get the job done.
To be among these students, I have witnessed personally just how much young minds are capable of doing. Youths in Nepal have already shown they can topple their country’s government, elect a new leader, and be out on the streets the next day cleaning up the mess.
When September 21 comes, there is only one thing our leaders should do, listen. But if they, in their arrogance, simply dismiss the gathering as just that, then they’ll perhaps quickly come to find themselves handling a situation that is already out of their hands.**