A for Anna Hazare

A for Anna Hazare - a more perfect title could not be thought of. I am seeing a revolution in the making. The events  happening now in India are no less than what is depicted the movie: V for Vendetta.

Remember, remember

The fifth of November

The gunpowder treason and plot.

I know of no reason

Why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

This quote was said in 1605. It was during religious movement in Britain. In India, the movement started on 15th of August 2011 for a noble cause of eradicating corruption. Anna fights with the system to make Jan Lokpal bill to go live. Well, he is not alone, but he is followed by millions of frustrated Indians who are desperate to witness the change. Its remarkable to see one old man standing very firmly without any fear against the Government. I must highlight few facts about this great personality.

1. He served Indian Army as a bus driver. All his comrades were killed in war in 1965. It was a narrow escape for him from a bullet that was aimed at his head. Then, he understood the meaning of life & death. He considered himself dead from that point on and he decided to begin serving mankind in a most dedicated manner.
2. He is never married. Though he has brothers, he stays alone in a small room attached to a Temple. He has Rs.1500.00 in his bank account. His only income is pension which is received from Indian army.
3. He made a totally self reliant village: Ralegan Siddhi. He brought in education, removed social evil - untouchability, prohibited alcohol in the village and started a Grain Bank to provide food security for the farmers.
4. His anti corruption movement started way back in 1991 against Government of Maharashtra.To know more about his activism, visit this page: Anna Hazare

Having all these noble characteristics, some political parties are spreading stupid messages: Anna is himself corrupt. These party people are not at all bold enough to face this man. Firstly because, they are corrupt to such a high level that they cannot forgive themselves. Secondly because, now the whole nation is against them. Its really a shame to see the government is failing to act and letting Anna continue his fast!

People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.

Coming back to the movie, V fights against the system, backed by all citizens, for similar causes and creates a revolution. V sacrifices his life in the end. The system is unable to bear the intensity and pressure created by people. Ultimately, the Government crumbles down. This is exactly what will happen in India if it does not  fulfill Anna's demands. I believe in Anna and he will be victorious. I think the day like the 5th of November for India will be marked very soon and it will be commemorated by every Indian. Its just a matter of time. At the same time, I don't want to see Anna sacrifice his life for this cause. Otherwise, the Government should be ready to face catastrophe. It is now or never! I salute to Anna Hazare and to all the citizens of India who are fighting against corruption. Jai Hind!

A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having. We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught. He can be killed and forgotten. But four hundred years later an idea can still change the world. 

Here is the high level picture on what Jan Lokpal Bill can do if it is applied. This information is what I have got by an e-mail sent to me.

1. Lokpal at centre and Lokayukta at state level will be independent bodies. ACB and CBI will be merged into these bodies. They will have power to initiate investigations and prosecution against any officer or politician without needing anyone permission. Investigation should be completed within 1 year and trial to get over in next 1 year. Within two years, the corrupt should go to jail.
2. Lokpal and Lokayukta will have complete powers to order dismissal of a corrupt officer. CVC and all departmental vigilance will be merged into Lokpal and state vigilance will be merged into Lokayukta.
3. Lokpal & Lokayukta shall have powers to investigate and prosecute any judge without needing anyone permission.
4. Lokpal & Lokayukta will have to enquire into and hear every complaint.
5. All investigations in Lokpal & Lokayukta shall be transparent.After completion of investigation, all case records shall be open to public. Complaint against any staff of Lokpal & Lokayukta shall be enquired and punishment announced within two months.
6. Politicians will have absolutely no say in selections of Chairperson and members of Lokpal & Lokayukta. Selections will take place through a transparent and public participatory process.
7. Lokpal & Lokayukta will get public grievances resolved in time bound manner, impose a penalty of Rs 250 per day of delay to be deducted from the salary of guilty officer and award that amount as compensation to the aggrieved citizen.
8. Loss caused to the government due to corruption will be recoveredfrom all accused.
9. Enhanced punishment - The punishment would be minimum 5 years and maximum of life imprisonment.
10. Visit http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org to download documents of Lokpal Bill.