'We'll face bullets, jail again for India's second freedom'

Several octogenarian freedom fighters, who had participated in the Quit India movement in 1942, have now taken up cudgels on behalf of Hazare

Years ago, these bravehearts risked their lives to wrench their motherland free from an oppressive imperial force.

Today, they are willing to lay down their bodies at the altar of the nation's freedom once again, to help the country liberate itself from the vice-like grip of corruption.


Freedom fighters show their support to Anna Hazare and his
anti-corruption movement by shouting slogans at Azad Maidan

At least seven freedom fighters, all octogenarians, visited the protest site yesterday to express solidarity with Anna Hazare's cause.

They added that they were ready to shed their blood and sweat all over again, to usher in a second wave of freedom.

Harshadrai C Shah (87), who took a bullet below his ribcage while participating in the Quit India Movement in Ahmedabad, said, "During the 1942 movement, our leaders had infused the belief in us that every individual is a leader, and he should lead from the front in his struggle to oust the British.

Anna follows a similar credo, exhorting his supporters to take the initiative and eradicate the plague of corruption from the country," said Shah.

Speaking about the crucial role played by the nation's youth in the anti-graft movement, he said, "They are better informed and better organised than we were at their age.

And they have come out in droves to show their support. We are poised on the brink of change, set to create history once again."

MT Gangwani (85) agreed that Anna's movement would be a success, largely owing to the overwhelming support it has received from the public.

"I am ready to take bullets to my chest, and even go to jail, just to make sure that the sacrifice we made 65 years does not go in vain," he said.

Former Mayor and ex-MP Shantilal Patel (90), who also participated in the 1942 uprising, said, "Both movements are peaceful in nature.
u00a0
I implore the government to respond positively to Hazare, and work with him to purge the ailing nation of the cancer of corruption."