If we are to build a culture where ordinary people are encouraged to come and fight corruption, and become the first respondents to scams, then we have to build a climate of security and safety for them. We need to have a system in place that encourages more people to come forward with the truth. There are plenty of uncontrollable factors — often the whistleblower has to combat his or her own demons before making the decision to come forward. Sometimes there is resistance from within the family.

While we may be unable to overcome such hurdles, the road has to be made smoother when it comes to external factors. First, there should be less red tape when a complaint is filed, so that potential whistleblowers are not held back by the thought that they will be snared by all the bureaucratic back and forth. Then, there has to be ambience of trust and confidence. Once you have the fundamentals in place, the next logical step is to file the complaint or be the first to expose the wrongdoing. The follow up on this is important. Working parallel to this is how we treat the whistleblower, during the investigation and afterwards, because that is when the danger starts becoming evident.

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The whistleblower needs to feel protected during the entire process, and should not have any regrets. One whistleblower becomes an inspiration for another, and yet another. That is how a culture of courage and morals is built.