2nd Independence Day for Punekars

City resounds with National Anthem, crackers as Hazare supporters celebrate breaking of his fast after government accepts his demands

2nd Independence Day for Punekars

City resounds with National Anthem, crackers as Hazare supporters celebrate breaking of his fast after government accepts his demands

Triumphant spirit : City youths take out a bike rally from Balgandharvu00a0
Rangmandir Square on J M Road

The city resonated with national anthems and crackers as many like Desai celebrated August 28 like the Independence Day. Some even daubed gulal on each other. "I myself and many Punekars are fully aware that we have won only 50 per cent of the battle with the government and are ready to fight with Anna for the remaining 50 per cent," said Desai.

By taking a long march from Balgandharv Rangmandir Square at J M Road, over 2,500 activists from India Against Corruption (AIC) reached the Chatuhshrungi temple for a Mahaarti. The march was to celebrate the victory of Team Anna. 'Sarkar Ki Jo Tedhi Chaal, Ab Paas Karo Jan Lokpal,' was the slogan of the marchers.
Manisha Ingle, a first year economics student from Fergusson College participated in the march. "Anna is like our parent who is taking care of his children. I am so happy and proud of him. I am proud to be an Indian," she said.

Rahul Goswami, a college youth from S P College, joined a bike rally carrying the tricolor national flag. "I feel lucky and privileged that my generation could participate in the second struggle for independence with Anna," he said. "Anna, we love you from the bottom of our hearts," he said.

Writers' support
City-based litterateurs came together at Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad last morning, when Hazare broke his fast. Over 30 writers and poets supported Anna's struggle against corruption. In a resolution passed in the meeting, Dr Madhavi Desai, executive president of the body, said Hazare has set an ideal before many writers though there were differences of opinion about his means. "We are all united in supporting him for his cause of getting approval for the Jan Lokpal Bill in the standing committee," she said.

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