8/11. What a greatday. The first individual gold medal for India in Olympics! The dream of a billion people fulfilled by India's authentic hero, Abhinav Bindra! Now, walking tall with high morale, we can move forward with greater confidence. Abhinav proved what we already knew - we are a first rate people.

But 8/11, in typical Indian fashion, was also marred by third rate politics. That was the day when CNN - IBN aired the tapes of the sting operation relating to cash-for-votes in the confidence motion in Lok Sabha in July. The crassness, perfidy, immorality and corruption of Indian politics was once again laid bare before the people. The emperor has no clothes, and it is now official.

How long can first rate people put up with third rate politics? Only as long as the educated, enlightened, decent, middle class Indians remain silent. Abhinav Bindra has shown what one determined, talented Indian could accomplish. Millions of determined, talented Indians can easily transform our politics and make us truly proud. We can do it. All we need is collective will.

But8/11, in typical Indian fashion, was also marred by third rate politics. That was the day when CNN - IBN aired the tapes of the sting operation relating to cash-for-votes in the confidence motion in Lok Sabha in July. The crassness, perfidy, immorality and corruption of Indian politics was once again laid bare before the people. The emperor has no clothes, and it is now official.