History, particularly India’€s history, has shown us that people power can be a formidable force when pitted against the injustices of a dictator, regime, or foreign occupation. But how can these power dynamics be applied to struggles against a more insidious foe like corruption?

Parker Mah sat down with social reformer and innovator Vijay Anand at the 15th International Anti-Corruption Conference to talk about the Zero Rupee Note, one of the most successful initiatives developed by 5th Pillar, an Indian anti-corruption organization co-founded by Anand.

Vijay Anand is the founder of Fifth Pillar of India, a grassroots corruption watchdog that uses the power of a collective message to stand up against street-level graft. The group’s message to public officials: ask for a bribe and you’re asking for trouble.

Chennai: The Non-Governmental Organization, The Fifth Pillar, has introduced the concept of Zero rupee note to fight corruption. The zero denomination currency notes were introduced by the organization in 2007 with an objective to fight corruption.

Five years in the world’s most powerful city — Washington DC, USA — was an eye-opener for anti-corruption crusader Vijay Anand. The ease at which he could get things done there shocked him. With no corruption and red-tapism, visits to government offices was a breeze. What’s more, there was no disrespect or humiliation. Like many other NRIs, he too wondered why India hadn’t reached that level of professionalism.