From students to young professionals, thousands join Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement; social activists' arrest in Delhi results in flood of protesters giving themselves up to police
From students to young professionals, thousands join Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement; social activists' arrest in Delhi results in flood of protesters giving themselves up to police
Sporting white or black clothes and caps and carrying the Tri-Colour proudly, thousands of Bangaloreans took to the streets in support of Anna Hazare. Groups from all walks of life, IT employees and students of various schools and colleges united as one to voice a strong statement against the burgeoning corruption in the country.
Wavin' flag: The mood in the air was that of agitation and anger. With the arrest of Anna Hazare, hundreds collected at the park to mark their protest. PIC/atul kamble
Thousands shouted anti-government slogans and gathered at the Freedom Park even as many others staged protests in their respective areas. The anti-corruption activist, who has been battling for the Jan Lokpal Bill for over two months now, wrote an encouraging letter for all citizens.
"We have printed copies of this inspiring letter and as suggested by Annaji, we have taken the day off to spread the message across the city. Corruption has become excessively rampant and if we do not rise now, it will be too late. Besides, we now have a powerful leader driving us and we will not give up till the honest voice of the country is heard," opined G Ashish, an IT employee who protested with his team of 100 at the Freedom Park.
Residents of varying age groups from Residency Road, Rhenius Street, Richmond Town and Victoria Layout protested silently, while carrying the national flag at a common park in the area. The groups across the city battled the heavy downpour to let their silent protest be heard through powerful messages on banners. Hundreds of residents conducted a similar protest at Jayanagar, Gandhi Nagar and Banashankari. "We did not want to shout slogans or conduct a massive protest. Our initiative is to show our support to Anna Hazare," said Pramodini Karthikeyan, a homemaker residing in the area.
Blaring silence Meanwhile, a group of school children also conducted a silent march in support of the cause. "We have been reading and hearing about Anna Hazare's fight and we are here to support him. Guided by our parents and teachers, we too want to stand up against corruption," said 12-year-oldu00a0 Anuj. M K Gandhi, spoke about the anti-corruption movement in the same vein. "I have gone on an indefinite fast and will continue till the government does the right thing," he said. In addition, students from the Indian Institute of Science showed their support to the cause by skipping lunch.
Pic/RAmesh HS
Hero no.1 While Anna Hazare is the numero uno newsmaker of the day, a city-based numerologist has observed an interesting fact of number 1 playing in his favour.Basavaraja Guruji, an astro-numerologist, said 1 was the lucky number for Anna and it would favour him in the ongoing struggle for the Lokpal Bill. The number of letters in Anna Hazare's name adds up to 10, which further add up to 1. The date of his arrest 16-08-2011 adds up to 19, which adds up to 10 and 1 finally. Similarly, the time of hi arrest 7.30 adds up to 10 and ends with the sum, 1. And finally, Anna was put in ward number 1 in the Tihar Jail. "All this shows how number 1 is favouring Anna. The number denotes the Sun and the Nakstra (star) of the day is Purva Badra, which also indicates the Sun. I can say that the episode will bring name and fame to Anna, while the government is facing trouble because of him," said Guruji. --u00a0By B V Shiva Shankar
