Hazare’s crusade rides high on yuva shakti

Kuch nahi hai bhaata … jab rog ye lag jaata … hum hai. Bhrashtachaari, hum hai bhrashtachaari …Nivedita Khandekar reports.

Kuch nahi hai bhaata … jab rog ye lag jaata … hum hai. Bhrashtachaari, hum hai bhrashtachaari …

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Anil Kumar Janghu nods in agreement as he records on his cellphone the nukkad natak (street play) wherein 20-something youth are singing these lines on the tune of a popular Hindi film song from Premrog.

The street play themed ‘Corruption’ was being performed by 17 youth associated with Asmita Theatre Group, which has joined hands with the India Against Corruption movement to spread awareness.

Janghu, 34, said he would show the recording to his family, especially his teenaged children. “I want my son and daughter to know this. The government is hopeless, I am sure Annaji’s fast will bring it down on its knees,” Janghu said.

He was one of the hundreds of common people that turned up at Jantar Mantar in support of social activist Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death, demanding an effective anti-corruption legislation.

Hazare has embarked on a fast-unto-death since Tuesday. “I have vast experience of similar protests. I am convinced only non-violent protest can achieve something,” Hazare said as he addressed his supporters and the media at around 4pm.

Apart from a doctor associated with the Hazare, the government too has deputed two doctors from the RML Hospital to monitor his health. Hazare’s health parameters like blood pressure, pulse and urine output were normal at the end of the day two of the fast.

All day long, the place saw hundreds of people storming in and out of the venue with placards in hands and slogans on lips. Television cameras with their OB vans too were stationed at the venue. A candle light march was taken out by youth from India Gate to Jantar Mantar in the evening. An all religion prayer was held after that. As many as 202 people joined Hazare on Wednesday.

Aamir extends full support

“The crusade that you have begun is an very important and I extend my support to you,” this is how actor Aamir Khan expressed his support to Anna Hazare.

On Wednesday, Khan wrote a letter to Hazare and the Prime Minister. “I’m one of the many who feel that strong steps need to be taken. The nation is slowly but surely collecting behind Mr Hazare.”