Today’s date – August 27, 2011 – will go down in history as the day when a simple, non-violent activist Anna Hazare managed to unite all warring political parties and got the demand of the common man fulfilled with Lok Sabha accepting three conditions put forth by him for the amendment of the Jan Lokpal Bill.
But it was a see-saw kind of the day. Few moments in the afternoon made it look like Anna emerged victorious. However, soon team Anna was disappointed with the news that there won’t be any vote for the passing of the bill. But finally, the pendulum did swing in Anna’s favour as the demands were met when the Lok Sabha adopted a sense of house in the form of thumping of desks.
So, finally and thankfully, the great man will break his fast tomorrow August 28, 2011 at 10am. It took him 12 days of starvation to get the heartless government move into action. But also spare a thought for all those who have been fasting with Anna since 12 days. These people are not in the limelight but let’s give thousands of salutes to them too!
Lastly, this was also possible because of the massive participation from the common man of India. Despite their hectic schedule and personal problems, we the people participated in the movement wholeheartedly. This is something that has never happened before in independent India.
Bollywood personalities have been quiet except few people like Anupam Kher but it was touching to see the big names like Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani and Sonu Niigaam personally going at Ramlila Maidan to support Anna! For your information, this cannot be labeled as a publicity stunt as Aamir and Hirani don’t have any film lined up for release in the next few months. Hats off to them!
But even during such victorious times, I would like to repeat what I have said before – this is just a small victory as the main battle is yet to be won. It will be won only when the Jan Lokpal Bill is properly passed and corrupts are punished!
Till then, we should make sure that we continue our support and participation in the movement with the same enthusiasm. We are in to rewrite history so let’s grab the opportunity with both hands!