The past week saw dramatic developments in India. Tired of rampant corruption in public life, one man stood up and India responded with vigour.
Anna Hazare, 72, is a social activist and a self-acclaimed Gandhian, who has stood up many times for local issues. The issue at hand now was the Lokpal (Ombudsman) Bill in the Indian Parliament. This legislation has been in abeyance for 42 years with successive governments of all political dispensations avoiding it. The civil society demand was for the Government of India to formulate a drafting committee for the Lokpal Bill with equal representation of Ministers (politicians) and private citizens. The GoI said it was not possible. Anna Hazare said he will fast himself to death until that happens.
Blackmail or force of conviction? Every protest is a form of blackmail. Indians everywhere responded in huge numbers. Thousands thronged to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the site of the fast. Thousands also gathered at India Gate, the symbol of our nationhood, every evening for peaceful protests, street theatre, candle light vigils and marches.
The issue was serious but the mood remained festive. People of all ages, religions, urban and rural, rich and poor, came to show support. The crowds were large but orderly. People helped each other, shared views and sang together. They stood by each other because corruption affects everyone.
Was it media managed? Yes, but why should it not be? Why should a powerful medium not be used for a good cause? The voice of the people had to be carried. There were also an estimated 4.4 million tweets in 3 days.
After 4 days the government relented and agreed to the demands. Now begins the hard work of drafting a tough bill that will make sure the corrupt get punished and that it happens with complete transparency and with speed. Only then will India’s real potential be unshackled.
It happened so quickly because the government listened to popular sentiment. A big reason is also the personal integrity of our Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. He is probably very deeply affected by the scams faced by his government.
Dr. Singh, rise to the occasion and follow your heart. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Anna, you have shown us the way. Continue to lead but beware of the opportunists in your ranks.
Here are some pictures from my trip to Jantar Mantar and India Gate on Friday, April 8, 2011. Feel the moment.
Jantar Mantar
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| The crowds descended at Jantar Mantar |
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| It included the young, .... |
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| .... the very young, ..... |
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| ..... and the old. |
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| They sang, ..... |
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| ..... helped each other, |
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| .... and made sure their focus was on corruption (not on kulfi-falooda, gulab jamun, etc. |
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| They packed the protest site ...... |
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| to listen to this man (not the one with the microphone, but the one in white). Anna Hazare. |
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| They signed banners. I signed the banner. Can you spot my signature? |
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| They hung corrupt politicians, .... |
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| .... but also remembered martyrs in the fight against corruption. |
India Gate
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| The tricolour was proudly displayed |
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| Handicap was no handicap |
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| Candles were in full display, ... |
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| .... and so were the hands that held them |
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| They also brought other agendas to protest against |
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| In the end, India Gate took everyone in its fold |
Light a candle. Remove the darkness of corruption.
