’Victory march’ at India Gate

Thousands gathered in the evening to celebrate the 'triumph' of Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption

'Victory march' at India Gate

Thousands gathered in the evening to celebrate the 'triumph' of Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption

As the sun on Sunday swam across to the western horizon, India Gate was the venue for the 'afterparty' wherein thousands of protesters turned up to make merry and celebrate Anna's 'win'. Supporters of the Gandhian started arriving in large numbers at India Gate at around 5.30pm. The first signs of celebrations were spotted as kites bearing the tricolour were seen floating around in the air and sounds of patriotic chants accompanied by drums began to be heard.

Teeming: People gathered at India Gate to celebrate Anna
Hazare's 'victory' against corruption after 13 days of fast on
Sunday. PIC/Imtiyaz Khan

Few cops
Police presence was sparse as compared with earlier arrangements at Ramlila Maidan or Chhatrasal stadium. A senior police officer said, "We have not come in large numbers because people have come just to celebrate. The protesters have been peaceful so far, we do not expect any violence to take place."

Persons in the crowd shared a feeling of camaraderie as individuals distributed items such as candles, Anna caps and the national flag for free. Everyone seemed to want to contribute to the movement. Srideep Ganguli was seen distributing candles and lighting the same. He said, "This is going to be one of the most memorable moments in my life. I love my country and this is the least I can do."

Bugles, horns and drums were played in sync with loud cheers and jubilant cries. Crowds resembled scenes visible when the Indian cricket team succeeded in winning the world cup earlier this year. Similar to Gandhiji's demand for Purna Swaraj or complete independence, some protesters demanded India become completely free from corruption.

Satish Dwivedi, a resident of Dwarka was with his family to take part in the celebrations. "Corruption should be rooted out from every nook and corner of the country. Today I really feel that a day will come when India will be 100 % corruption free," he said.

Care for snacks?
Golgappa and bhelpuriwallas were a huge hit as people thronged the stalls for the savoury delights. The appetising aroma of roasted corn filled the air and catalysed many a taste bud. Rohan Chawla said, "The street vendors here have always been my favourite. Golgappas and ice cream play a central part in any celebration."
People from all walks of life were enjoying. Some however, celebrated with caution. Anuj Kumar said, "We must not get carried away. Politicians are a crooked lot. We must wait and watch and hope the nation gets the much awaited Bill."

Bang on: Scenes on the streets due to Anna Hazare's 'victory' on
the Lokpal issue after his 12 days of fast on Sunday.
PIC/Imtiyaz Khan

Revelry, tears greet Anna
On Sunday, Ramlila Maidan was the scene of a historic event as thousands celebrated while Anna Hazare ended his 12-day fast. While a party-like atmosphere engulfed the venue, grief gripped many as they were disheartened at not having met Anna.u00a0 The Maidan reverberated with cries of 'Vande Mataram', 'Aap sangharsh karo, hum aapke saath hain'.

Protestors were definitely 'with' Anna as many had made the Ramlila Maidan their home for the last 12 days. After Anna's departure, some people were seen approaching volunteers of Team Anna in a bid to get an appointment with the social activist.u00a0

Madina Begum, a resident of Zila Satna, Madhya Pradesh, said things would have been different had she been allowed to tell Anna of her troubles.u00a0 She said, "We are guaranteed work by various government schemes, but the sarpanch and sarkari babus eat away all that is meant for us. Had I been allowed to talk to Annaji, he would have spoken to our sarpanch."

Rahul Yadav, who had come all the way from Bihar to meet Anna,u00a0 started sobbing when he couldn't do so. He said, "My wife died three years ago and left me a seven-year-old daughter. I do not have money to send her to school. I was hoping Annaji could intervene and help me give my daughter a good future. Now it will never happen."