1947, all over again !

Recently when I read Bipin Chandra's India's struggle for independence, I was touched. Deeply. We can not even imagine the magnitude of patriotism which prevailed in those times. There was this fire within every Indian.Desire to sacrifice everything for her independence. The fraternity amongst Indians was unprecedented. And those visionary leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and so many others. Oh, would love to get a glimpse of those times.If only I could go back.

But then, Anna happened.And this desire to witness 1947 came knocking on the door.The gates of Ramlila Maidaan,Delhi are the time machines which will give you a ride of a lifetime.As soon as you enter, you are awestruck by the amount of patriotism which is in the air.The unity and fraternity is unprecedented. The volunteers from across the nation are doing excellent work to maintain order and dignity. I was amazed to see even small children so willing to go to the stage so that they can hug the old man. People came up with their own patriotic poems and songs to electrify the already super charged atmosphere.One could see Anna struggling to keep away the tears drawn by the immense love and trust by the fellow Indians. I hope our representatives realize that our demand is not draconian, but the prevailing corruption surely is.

Initially I didn't object to the school of thought which claims that no law can end corruption in this country.What needs to be changed is the mindset of people. They further claim, that there is a very stringent law against dowry in the country, but did that help.Their points are valid ones. But then we cannot just sit idle criticizing.

Yes, may be this will not eradicate corruption in totality or even considerably for that matter, but surely it is a big step forward as far as the awakening of masses is concerned. Yes, some of the demands may be beyond the line, but given the extreme penetration of corruption in the government machinery, it's justified. Yes, civil society drafting a bill may be unconstitutional , but a constitution enacted in 1950 cannot be held like the word of God.

People are frustrated with corruption and it the anger shows it all. One man, 74 years of age, has mobilized millions and millions of people. Why? Because he struck the right chord in every Indian. We all already feel and know what he is saying out loud. But this collective voice never resonated with a pitch so mindbogglingly high. This is the time to let the anger come out. This is the time to unite. This is the time to be a part of the second freedom struggle of India. In any way possible, make your contribution. Because it's now, or never.

Anna is India \m/