College-goers turn up in large numbers to support activist Anna Hazare's anti-corruption crusade, but 9 out of every 10 protesters say they have no clue about basic features of the Jan Lokpal Bill that they are fighting for

It may be true that Young India's support in large numbers has given momentum to Anna Hazare's movement against corruption, but not many of these youngsters are even aware of the specific cause they are fighting for.u00a0 Bunking lectures, sporting 'I Love Anna' caps and painting their faces with the Indian flag while being a part of the 'second freedom movement' seems to have caught the fancy of students, but ask them about the provisions of the proposed government-drafted Lokpal bill vis- -vis Hazare's Jan Lokpal bill and you draw a blank.


Revolutionary romanticism: College students have been pouring in
at agitations in the city to support Anna Hazare's demand for a stronger
Lokpal bill to fight corruption. File pic

MiD DAY conducted a random survey among students who had gathered at the Balgandharva Rangmandir Chowk and joined the rally near Fergusson College, quizzing them on the basics of the Jan Lokpal bill. And nine out of every 10 students said they had not read the bill.

Swapnil Deshmukh, a third-year student of Modern College, said that he had no clue about the provisions of either Lokpal bill. "I have been a part of Hazare's support rally for two-three days. I know this man is fighting against corruption but I can't remember the exact points that he is demanding. I want all corruption to be inquired into by the CBI and I think Hazare is also demanding such a thing, which I support," he said.

Noor Sabah Shaikh of Poona College's company secretary course, who joined the protest with 10 other friends, said that her friends had collectively taken the decision to join the rally. "We discussed this in college and canteens and thought of supporting this senior citizen fighting against corruption. What I know about Hazare is that he is an ex-military man and a social activist, but I don't know Jan Lokpal bill point-to-point. I can't tell you the exact difference between the government and the Jan Lokpal bill and I will discuss this with friends to give you the answer," she said when asked why she was supporting Hazare's movement.

Suraj Bhosale, a second-year Bachelor of Computer Science student of Modern College, said he did not have any clue about Hazare's demands, but asked for his sentiments to be understand his sentiments and quote him correctly. "I can't remember the Lokpal provisions but my idea is to fight against corruption. I think you understand the sentiment and the issue," he said.

The situation was no different with most others MiD DAY spoke to, as they said they had joined the rally because of their friends and the mood on campus or as a result of seeing television images and speeches of Hazare.

There were only a few students who knew exactly what they were demonstrating for. Like Nitish Gaidhana, a final-year student of electrical engineering from PVG's CoET college who was not only well-informed but also advised his peers to do the same.

"I am supporting Anna on his demand that the judiciary be brought under the Lokpal Bill and also that the removal of Lokpal be with the people and not the government. Also, I have objections to the way the committee would be formed and the majority of the people being nominated by the government, which would defy the purpose of an independent Lokpal," he said.

Students missing classes for days, colleges not worried
A LOT of students have missed college over the past five days as they have been actively involved in Anna Hazare's campaign. Many say they have no plans to go back to college in the coming few days as well.

"I have been a part of the rally and protests for five days. So far, I have missed a few practicals and lectures and so have my friends as they are here too. I will lie, saying I felt sick," said a student of Fergusson College, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

While a large majority of students at the protest rallies had more or less the same story, colleges maintained that they did not have much attendance trouble. Professor Sita Bhatia from ILS Law College, where students had formed a human chain two days ago, said classes were affected only for a day. "We are back to normal; now no more effect on studies," she said.

Jagdish Chinchole, vice-principal at Modern College, also confirmed that classes were going on as per schedule and academics did not suffer much owing to students joining Hazare's movement.