Corruption: A Silent Destroyer of Dreams — Unmasking Injustice Through the Lens of Youth

 

Sunday, July 20, 2025,

This blog was created by hardworking second semester students of IIMS College. It explains how corruption quietly destroys the hopes and dreams of people and communities. We show how corrupt actions, often linked to power and privilege, damage public trust, weaken important institutions, and increase unfairness. Using real examples, data from the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), and comparisons of different government systems, we highlight how corruption breaks the dreams of young people. As future changemakers, we understand the need for openness, honest leadership, and active participation from citizens to fight this hidden problem. This article aims not only to reveal these issues but also to encourage everyone to take responsibility and work together for a better future.

Introduction

 

1.       Manasi Khatri

Hi, I’m Manasi. I care about how people feel, and I believe everyone deserves to be treated equally, but in this country, the opposite is happening. In this blog project, I learned how corruption makes life harder for people who are already struggling, and because of this unfairness, their problems grow instead of getting better. Writing about this made me realize how much change is needed and that change is possible when we all come together and start with ourselves. I believe honesty is a gentle but powerful strength, and if we all speak up together, we can have a better future.

 

 

2.       Rohit Chand

Hi, I’m Rohit. I like to think deeply and ask questions about the world around me. Working on this blog helped me understand how corruption quietly breaks the trust and honesty people have in society and our country. For my part, I looked at real-life examples that show how poor and ordinary people suffer when those in power fail them. I believe honesty is not just something we do but a value inside ourselves that we all need to practice. This project reminded me that every voice is important in the fight against unfairness.

3.       Samrat Mani Gautam

Hi, I’m Samrat. I care deeply about making fair changes in society. In this blog, I learned how corruption, which we may not notice at first, can harm people’s lives and take away chances, especially for young people. I helped by studying data and relating it to what is happening now. The thing that I learned is that knowing about the problem is the first step to change, and staying silent lets corruption grow. I hope our voices reach those who want to build a fairer world.

 

4.       Aayushma Aryal

Hi, I’m Aayushma. I believe that real change starts when we know about problems and step into action. This blog helped me see how corruption hurts not just governments, but also the dreams of students, workers, and families. I helped organize the article and connect it to what young people hope for. To me, justice and fairness are not extra; they are basic rights. This project made me sure that our generation needs to stand up with honesty and courage. They must show courage to step ahead to make this country better for the future.

 

 

5.       Kritika Phuyal

Hi, I’m Kritika. I strongly believe that education and ethics have the power to change lives. Working on this blog project opened my eyes to how corruption doesn’t just break laws, it also shatters people’s dreams completely and makes their lives worse. I focused on real stories and examples that show how injustice affects everyday life. What I’ve learned is that fighting corruption begins with holding both ourselves and our leaders responsible. What we write here is more than just words. It's a call for action.

 

6.       Nikhil Shrestha

Hello, I’m Nikhil. Mostly, I like to learn about social and political issues. This blog helped me understand how corruption works quietly and stops progress. I helped by studying how bad leaders affect public services and how people feel. I believe young people should not stay silent; we are leaders of the future. Through this project, I hope to encourage others to speak up and ask for more information.

 

 

 

Project timeline

July 1^st - July 5^th: Project Research and Planning

July 6^th - July 10^th: Introduction and Literature review

July 11^th - July 14^th: Data Gathering and Analysis

July 15^th - July 17^th: Findings and drafting the Report

July 18^th - July 20^th: Compilation & Finalization of Project

  

 

Type Of Corruption

Person (Isolated) When one official participates in corrupt practices, like taking bribes or abusing their position for personal gain, this is known as corruption. It does not entail widespread institutional complicity, in contrast to systemic corruption.

Petty corruption is when low- and mid-level public officials regularly misuse their authority when interacting with regular people, who frequently want to obtain necessities. Dewan & Co., A.A.

Grand corruption is the term used to describe actions taken at the highest levels of government that skew laws or the way the state is run, allowing powerful people to profit at the expense of the general welfare. Dewan & Co., A.A.

Political corruption is the practice of political parties manipulating laws, organizations, and procedural guidelines to distribute funds and resources decision-makers who misuse their position to maintain their wealth, status, and power.

When corruption is a fundamental and integrated part of the political, social, and economic structure, it is referred to as systemic corruption. It is widespread and deeply ingrained in governmental procedures. Dewan & Co., A.A.

 

Examples from the Real World

1. The Australian case of Ibrahim Helmy: 

Helmy, a former employee of Transport for NSW, is charged with manipulating contract awards to receive kickbacks totaling $11.5 million in cryptocurrency and gold. He is currently wanted for allegedly giving favored companies access to private information.

2. China’s Yang Wei Incident:

Following his daughter’s online display of pricey earrings, a junior legal officials came under public scrutiny. Even though he was found not guilty of embezzlement, an investigation revealed other violations, including unapproved business operations, which resulted in penalties and harm to his reputation.

Causes of corruption

Weak Governance and Institutions

Institutions that are not transparent or accountable are fertile soil for corruption. In jurisdictions with weak courts, poor law enforcement and opaque decision making, this corruption frequently goes unpunished breeding a culture of impunity.

Lack of Transparency

If citizens don’t know how public money is being spent, what policy decisions or resources are being allocated, it is easier for officials and power brokers to skim funds or abuse their power without detection.

Concentration of Power

Absolute power with little checking invites corruption. In systems with star-chamber type authority and little proof of individual dissent, voices (or the encouragement of dissent) can have influence misused by leaders with no detriment.

Low Public Sector Salaries

If government functionaries and public officials are poorly remunerated, they may resort to bribery or embezzlement to pay the bills. Corruption is portrayed as a “survival strategy” due to reminders of being poorly paid than as a crime.

Political Patronage and Cronyism

Nepotism-driven political systems create an enabling environment for corruption to flourish. Jobs, contracts or licenses are given out not to people on merit, but based on loyalty or kinship, making a mockery of fairness and institutional effectiveness.

Lack of Civic Education and Orientation

In places where citizens are ignorant of the powers that they have or of how the public sector should be run, they are likely to allow corrupt acts such as bribery, for example to become a regular thing, a part of daily life.

 

Impacts of Corruption

Corruption often hides quietly, stealing chances from those who truly work hard and deserve them. Imagine a student who studies all year but misses out on a scholarship because someone with connections takes it instead. Or a sick person who can’t get the care they need because the system favors those who can pay extra. These stories are not just rare, they happen every day, and they leave honest, hopeful people feeling lost and unfairly treated.

What makes it even harder is how normal corruption feels now. Many of us see unfairness around us in schools, hospitals, and offices and just accept it as part of our lives. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Corruption breaks trust, divides communities, and stops progress. It touches all parts of our daily lives, not just politics. If we want a better future, we have to notice these problems and have the courage to speak up, even when it’s difficult.

 

Who Gets Hit the Hardest?

Corruption affects everyone, but it hurts the most vulnerable and marginalized people the most. Here’s how:

 

Poor and Low-Income People

In developing countries, corruption takes money meant for public services like healthcare, education, and clean water. When bribes are needed for these basic services, poor people have to pay or go without.

 

Small Business Owners

Honest business owners face many problems like red tape, bribe demands, and unfair competition from those with political connections. This stops new ideas, investments, and jobs from growing.

 

Youth and Future Generations

When education systems are affected by corruption, young people lose chances to learn. Also, when governments borrow money because of corruption, future generations will have to pay it back.

 

Women and Minorities

Marginalized groups face extra discrimination in broken systems. Women may face “sextortion,” where they are asked for sex in exchange for a service or right.

 

Honest Officials and Whistleblowers

People who speak out against corruption can face punishment, isolation, or even lose their jobs or lives.

 

Corruption in day-to-day life:

These are a few instances of corruption that we frequently encounter.

1. Without following the law, people pay more to obtain their driver’s license.

2. To avoid paying fines, some people bribe traffic cops.

3. To pass tests or gain admission, parents or students occasionally pay money to schools.

4. In hospitals, patients are asked to pay more to receive care more quickly.

5. To expedite the preparation of documents such as citizenship, passports, or land papers, government officials may request additional funding.

 

Despite their apparent insignificance, these acts pose a significant issue. They establish a system in which wealth takes precedence over integrity, talent, or the law. Unfair treatment is meted out to those without money. Justice and equality in our society are gradually being destroyed by these minor corrupt acts.

Research background

Corruption remains one of the most pressing global challenges, silently undermining institutions, damaging public trust, and robbing individuals especially the youth of opportunities and dreams. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), over two-thirds of countries globally score below 50 on a scale of 0 to 100, signaling widespread corruption and weak governance structures. In countries where systems of accountability are lacking, corruption infiltrates every layer of society—from education and healthcare to employment and politics.

This research emerged from a shared concern among first-year students at IIMS College regarding how systemic corruption affects the ambitions and future of young people. Through the lens of youth, this blog investigates the subtle yet powerful impact of corruption on education, job access, justice, and civic participation. Drawing insights from case studies, CPI data, real-life testimonials, and scholarly articles, we aim to demonstrate how corruption disproportionately harms vulnerable populations and stalls national progress.

Moreover, we sought to compare governance structures, particularly democratic versus authoritarian systems, to explore which systems offer better resistance to corruption. Our research found that democracies, though not immune, are better equipped with tools such as press freedom, public accountability, civic participation, and transparency mechanisms that help detect and reduce corruption.

 

Research objectives

 

●      To examine hidden and lasting effects of corruption on youthful ambition and social fairness.

●       To assess the impact of corruption on obtaining education, jobs, justice, and other public services.

●      To identify the factors that foster corruption in various industries and societies.

●      To evaluate the position of good governance, transparency, and accountability as anti-corruption strategies.

●      To research how the various systems of governance (democracy and authoritarian) treat corruption.

●      To educate people about the  need to practice ethical leadership and civic responsibilities among the young people.

●      To encourage young people to start a conversation and act against corruption as a way of establishing a fairer future.

●      To motivate a reader to think about the costs that a society pays because of corruption and the role of integrity.

 

 

  Research methodology

To be effective in discussing how corruption can be experienced by youths, the study employed the qualitative and exploratory research approach where analyses of data and case studies were considered. The information was collected and analyzed with the following methods:

Literature Review

We have analyzed scholarly articles and reports prepared by organizations such as Transparency International, the World Bank, and UNDP, national and international case studies. This assisted us to learn the definitions, types, causes, and effects of corruption in various societies.

Secondary Data Analysis

We used the analyses through the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), governance reports, and global corruption rankings to analyze the situation and dynamics of corruption around the world and globally through the viewpoint of youth influence.

 

Case Study Examination

Prototypes of corruption scandals, whistleblowing stories, and anti-corruption movements led by young people in real life were also examined to show how corruption influences our everyday life and the perspectives offered to young generations.

Group Discussions and Brainstorming Sessions

In our first year at IIMS College, we discussed group issues where we learned some personal revelations, views, and complaints we had against corruption. This cooperation influenced our story and gave us a chance to introduce the subject through the perspective of young people.

Comparative Governance Analysis

We tracked down the efficiency of democracy over strong government in addressing corruption, discussing the elements of democracy including transparency, accountability and participation that can control corrupt behaviors.

Reflective Writing

There was a personal reflection of each of the team members, which combined research with personal observations in the real world to provide the blog with a certain relatability and youth-focused tone.

 

 

Findings and discussions

Key Findings:

1.Corruption adversely influences the opportunities available to youth futures.

We found that youth are disproportionately impacted by corruption in education, employment, and governance due to corruption regularly presenting barriers to accessing quality services and educational scholarships or limiting career development or opportunities for fair competition. These impacts were felt most strongly by youth from low income or marginalized backgrounds.

2.Corruption contributes to a loss of trust in public institutions.

Data sourced from Transparency International's CPI indicates that civic engagement in countries with reported higher levels of corruption tend to have less civic engagement and higher levels of apathy by citizens involved, particularly the youth will begin to lose trust in justice systems, government policies and leadership.

3. Democratic systems have more resources to counter corruption.

Democracies are never free from corruption, but democratic institutions provide tools to scrutinize and minimize corruption such as freedom of the press, separation of power, the right to information and an active civil society. These tools can provide a stronger resistance to corruption than authoritarian regimes.

4. Authoritarian models usually restrict transparency.

On the other hand, the nature of authoritarian-centralized power, silencing dissent, and curtailing the image of public oversight can produce a fertile environment for maintaining corruption. When there are no public accountability mechanisms in place, power tends to operate unregulated, and therefore governments can misuse public money systematically without checks and balances, and a more extensive system of injustices becomes normalized.

5.Youth are both victims and potential changemakers.

Although young people are likely affected by corruption, many young people are leading anti-corruption campaigns around the world demonstrating that youth-led activism, digital activism and digital education can confront the existing norm and insist for integrity in governance.

Discussion:

Although we often perceive corruption as a political phenomenon, our research highlights that it is a personal and societal issue that quietly steals dreams and circumscribes potential, with youths being disproportionately impacted. It is a stealthy and silent destroyer because it is typically not loud but creates ripple effects that can extend across generations.

Educational systems where education officials and teachers are extorting students under the guise of professional bribes; job markets completely distorted by nepotism and family connections; justice that is purchased and awarded to those who can afford to pay; for youth in this context, talent leaks and dreams and ambitions are denied not due to lack of ability, but rather due to a fundamentally unfair system.

The data also suggests there is light at the end of the tunnel. Where there are functioning democratic institutions, open media and engaged youth populations, there is heightened awareness, resistance and momentum to fight corruption, which aligns with our theory that strengthened democratic processes can overlap with more natural defense against injustice.

 

Self-reflection

Manashi khatri, University ID- 0382347

I feel very deep concern after learning about corruption and how it arises in different fragments of our lives. It simply does not just pertain to higher leadership or real big offices; it exists everywhere in our everyday behavior and actions, even if it is the small things. I feel very sad and worried about how corruption has hurt so many honest people and the injustices in our society, it is clear to see in our own country. It seems so unfair to me that hard working people have to bear the struggle when someone else can bribe, cut corners or create dishonest ways to gain access to advantages. I feel that change starts with us. We all need to, at the very least, choose to be honest, stand up against corruption and wrongdoing, and follow the rules. We can build our society with fairness and justice. As a young person, I feel it is important for me to seek honesty and to inspire those around me to stand up against corruption as well.

 

Rohit Chand ,University ID: 0382491

Now that I have a greater understanding of what corruption brings and what its effects are, I understand how serious an issue is and how deep the problem of corruption is in our society. Corruption does not just cause problems and hurt a few people; it destroys fairness and opportunity for many, especially the honest people who are living life according to the rules. I also feel that understanding the causes and impacts of corruption leaves me to believe that fighting against corruption is everyone’s responsibility. If we all choose honesty and fairness, we can develop a better future for our country.

Aayushma Aryal, University ID - 0382366

Having embarked on this assignment for the blog has made me understand how silently and yet how deeply corruption infects our society and robs hope from so many, particularly the young ones. I had previously understood the term corruption by general terms, but now I understand how it impacts the daily life of people, their future, and their concept of justice. It has led me to reflect on the value of doing what is right, even in the smallest way. I have realized that accountability and transparency are not buzzwords, but political slogans; they are values that we need to hold on to. This has also made me even more convinced that as a youth, I have a role to play in raising awareness, raising the voice, and contributing to the solution. Change doesn't necessarily begin at the top—sometimes it begins with someone not fearing to speak up.

 

Kritika Phuyal, University ID: 0382724

It's not just been a school project—it's been an exercise in learning and self-awareness. Learning about the effects of corruption taught me how unfair systems can crush dreams, keep people in check, and keep people stuck in cycles of inequality. I was particularly stirred by the impact corruption has on accessing education and jobs we simply take for granted. Through case studies and the reality of my experience, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of responsibility. Now I realize combating corruption is less about law or institution and begins with making truthful decisions, moral actions, and courageous conversations. As a future citizen and a student, I want to be a person who decides integrity even when it is difficult. This made me reflect on conscious thinking and critical thinking towards a better and more just society.

 

Nikhil Shrestha, University ID: 0382371

This blog project was an eye-opener and a thinking exercise. Before, I only correlated corruption with politics and high-profile scandals, but from this study, I've discovered that corruption is so complicated—some are open and some hidden in everyday systems. It was demoralizing to witness how it silently demolishes people's opportunities, particularly the prospects of young people who toil hard but are not given equal opportunity. This movement challenged me to ponder how much values such as honesty, justice, and accountability really mean—not only in governance but even in our lives. I have also realized how imperfect democracies are and yet, there is room for resistance and change. Being a youth, I am more conscious, more accountable, and more committed to working towards an inclusive system that compensates merit, is just, and transparent. This project has planted a seed in me—to never ignore injustice and to always choose integrity.

Samrat Mani Gautam, University ID:  0382992

As a bachelor student in Nepal, I am frustrated by a system that favors relationships and wealth over honesty and merit. Corruption is the norm in daily life—ranging from obtaining papers to getting hold of simple job vacancies. It hurts to see how this corruption culture stings potential, loathes hard work, and compels youth to fantasize about going abroad instead of developing their own nation.

But I am not quitting. I still hold on to the hope that change is imminent if we, the young generation, opt for integrity and raise our voices. We require systems with merit, transparency, and accountability. I would like to live in a Nepal where I could excel on the basis of honesty and until that happens, I will continue voicing myself, because silence only serves to benefit corruption.".

 

Social Media Campaign

Our team choose to show cause and effects of loosing integrity in entertainment means, when one person looses integrity, everything falls apart with his/her one mistake. 

To Watch the Interesting short movie

Click Here 👇

Echoes of Integrity: A short Movie on concept of Integrity

If you like the concept of our video project don't forget to like, share and comment for feedback.

Here is how we share our content and raised awareness about integrity:

   

Directly Sharing the video link to the people of our contact

 

Sharing in our social media stories

Conclusion

Corruption is not just political corruption; it is a social disease, it silently steals the dreams, honor, and the chances of some people. For the young people of Nepal and beyond, it is a powerful reminder of injustice: a haunting question mark over any kind of belief that hard work and honesty will guarantee us a better future. And as we learned throughout the course of this blog, corruption is a reality that trickles through every sector of society – from education and employment to government and infrastructure – and its lasting impact is crippling.

And yet, hope resides in awareness, engagement, and shared responsibility. Transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement are strong democratic values to use in the fight against corruption.

Youth must play an active role in reshaping the future by demanding fairness, standing against unethical practices, and fostering a culture of integrity.

Change will not come overnight, but it starts with a voice, a question, a refusal to stay silent. By unmasking the injustice around us, we take the first step toward a society where dreams are protected—not destroyed—by the systems meant to uphold them.

 

 References

Transparency International. (2024). Corruption Perceptions Index. https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi

World Bank. (2023). Helping Countries Combat Corruption: The Role of the World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/governance/brief/anti-corruption

United Nations Development Programmed (UNDP). (2022). Tackling Corruption for Growth and Development. https://www.undp.org/publications

Nepal Transparency Report. (2023). Youth Perception and Corruption in Nepal. Kathmandu: Transparency International Nepal.

OECD. (2021). Youth Empowerment and Anti-Corruption Strategies. https://www.oecd.org

 

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