There is a clear pattern in the way a section of our "intellectuals" has reacted to the recent people’s movements against corruption – the Anna Hazare campaign on Lokpal and now Baba Ramdev’s agitation against black money. This section has bluntly brushed aside both the movements.

The point is not whether such movements will be able to achieve what they set out to do. Rather, we can take respite in the fact that this section has fallen flat on its face for casting aspersions on the efficacy of Anna’s fast unto death. However messed up such struggles for a corruption-free system might be, they are giving sleepless nights to the otherwise sleepy government at the centre. Even if the UPA government is busy dribbling around and passing the proposed provisions of Lokpal among their own, the ministers on the drafting panel of the bill know they can’t bask in the bliss of their inertia any longer.

Now, the same section is targeting Baba Ramdev, alleging that he is trying to gain “political mileage”. Two points need to be mentioned here.

First, what is wrong in Baba Ramdev's bid to gain political mileage, especially if he is taking up a public cause in the process? In the ancient Greek city-state,  the world’s first polity, the father of political science, Aristotle, justified an individual’s efforts to vie for power. He pointed that unless one is a ruler with authority, he would not be able to solve the problems of his subjects, that is he would not be able to govern well.

Interestingly, the same section of critics exhort Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev to win elections and in the same breath they hold them guilty of holding dharnas for their rightful cause. So, why grudge them their recourse to what is surely their democratic right?

Secondly, it is evident that these critics are shouting to be heard because they fear they are becoming redundant. To be counted, they need to comment, to criticise, to pull down anyone and everyone who tries to usurp their self-appointed role of devising solutions for societal ills. But they are fighting a losing battle.

Beware of these critics who thrive on cynicism. If you wish to avoid them, just don't go to a high tea, a seven-course meal party, a seminar at the India International Centre or the India Habitat Centre, let alone a five-star hotel, and  prime time discussions on English news channels.