16 August,2011 07:33 AM IST | | Maleeva Rebello
Revoke earlier decision of not delivering tiffins today as a token of support for Anna Hazare, as it will cause them financial losses
As the city prepares for Anna Hazare's fast starting today, Mumbai's famed dabbawalas, who were at the forefront supporting Anna Hazare and the Jan Lokpal Bill, have now made a U-turn, at least somewhat.
After the extended weekend, dabbawalas
cannot afford to have another holiday
During last week's Lokpal Bill protest, the dabbawalas had decided to support the anti-corruption crusader and made an announcement that they would join him in his fast today.
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But yesterday they said they would not join the fast, as it would severely affect their business.
Clarifying their stand, Raghunath Medge, president of Mumbai's Jeevan Dabbawala Association said, "We support Anna Hazare and his cause, but after three days of holiday it is a little tough for us to join him.
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It will affect our business greatly."
Last week at Press Club, the Dabbawalla Union had asked customers to refrain from giving tiffins on August 16. However, as of now, this will not happen and dabbas will be delivered to customers.
Medge added, "We are poor people and already the long holiday has caused us some financial losses. Another day owing to Hazare's fast will cause more damage to us."
Medge further added that the dabbawallas support the Jan Lokpal in spirit, saying, "It is a good cause, but we can't join because of practical reasons."
When asked if the dabbawallas not joining the fast would affect the movement, Mayank Gandhi, a co-coordinator of the India against Corruption (IAC) movement said, "We asked the dabbawallas not to break their 120-year-long tradition of delivering dabbas. They are with us in the struggle for the Jan Lokpal."
2,00,000
Number of tiffins the 5,000-odd dabbawalas deliver every day
Did you know?
The dabbawalas had also supported yoga guru Baba Ramdev in his fight against corruption
