Anna, the Brother of the nation

Not that many of us would have switched on our TV sets, yesterday morning to watch our flag being hoisted or the false promises we hear our Prime Ministers make each year, as compared to today morning. Today, when Anna Hajare was scheduled to go on protest with the support of millions of other patriotic Indians. We all, people who have been following Anna, were aware that the govenment will definitely do something or the other to crush the movement or at least hamper its proceedings, like how we witnessed during Baba Ramdev's agitation.

But what happened today morning was more shoddier than anyone of us could have expected. This was the worst morning to begin our 65th year of our so-called Independence! 

Even before he could start his protest, a non-violent one, he and his aides we taken into "CUSTODY", upon being inquired on what charges were the police taking them into custody they were told "We don't know, we have got our orders!" A very filmy dialogue, but then as they say, real makes reel.

Who gives orders to their sub-ordinates to harass and humiliate, to cage a 74 year old Indian citizen who is fighting for like a common man for a common man, in a country which is governed by the common man? Who  claims to be the world's biggest democracy? I also saw an old man in a wheel-chair being taken into a police van so as to maintain law and order situation in the country. Does those intelligent politicians out there think the common man is such a big idiot?

Ironically so as to maintain law and order situation in the country, Anna Hajare, today's pillar of non-violence and a image of Mahatma Gandhi, has been kept imprisoned in the same ward as Suresh Kalmadi who is facing charges of corruption. Maybe the change will come from their itself.



For those of you who are blank about what I'm talking about,  here is a list of 10 
things to know about Anna Hazare 'n Jan Lok Pal Bill. 

1. Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War



2. What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra



3. So what?

This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills.

In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.



4. Ok,...?

This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.



5. Really, what is he fighting for?

He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.



6. How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bil, The Jan Lokpal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.



8. It's an entirely new thing right..?

In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).



7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?

The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.

Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the JAN LOKPAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.



8. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.



9. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?

Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.

Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.



10. Ok, got it. What can I do?

At least we can spread the message. How?

Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.



At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.

At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.
At least we can pray for his good health.