In new age India where every citizen is busy for their own needs, wealth accumulation and power chase, have you ever pondered what drove this dhoti-clad 74-year-old ex army man to go on a self-inflicted starvation to clean India? The reason for his fight is corruption and the only weapon he has is his voice and the Lokpall Bill. In his crusade against ‘Corruption’, the big word that has almost become a part of our lives, he was joined by a crowd of people including noted reformist Swami Agnivesh, former IPS officer and activist Kiran Bedi and Magsaysay award winner Sandeep Pandey on one side, and the ‘Aam Janta’ consisting of young men and women; students, doctors, medical professionals, corporates, daily wage earners, labourers – every Indian who hopes for a better tomorrow. The follower of this modern-day Satyagraha Movement, as we coin it, is Young India.
74-year-old Hazare began his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi after paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. "I will observe a fast unto death till the government agrees to form a joint committee comprising 50 per cent officials and the remaining citizens and intellectuals to draft the Jan Lokpal Bill," Hazare said at Rajghat. Hazare went ahead with his agitation despite the Prime Minister's Office expressing disagreement over his decision to go on a fast unto death.
As we see Anna in his struggle there are questions in our mind-Can our government blame a non-violent protest march by a common man as a ‘Threat to Country’s Peace’? Can Indian government call this protest unconstitutional? Is it because the movement is against the government itself? Should we, the common man of India be concerned against omnipresent corruption in the society and government machinery or is it time for a second war of Independence?
The day has come when the nation demands answers to the questions hovering in the minds of every Indian, so can a leader only answer them or can we seek solutions from people on the streets? As these unanswered issues give birth to a revolution I think it’s time when we realize that “We the people Of India” those mighty words on our Constitution has far more power than a corrupt political system.
I feel proud to witness this revolution. Anna Hazare is not a name, he is Gandhi incarnated. His movement is timeless and an example to live a life of selflessness. We know that pen is mightier than the sword and a genuine weapon for us who love to write; so why not express a voice against corruption and join a part of this great movement. Pen down your voice India!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.
About the Author-
Srirupa Ganguly is Editor, WinCentre, Financial Services Hub, Capgemini "India",Hyderabad. Having a distinct style of her own and wide experience in writing for quite a period of time, she is known for her insightful view on events.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.
