A part of
Enough Is Enough: One Man's Quest to End corruption Ignites a Mass Movement in India
A charismatic leader in plain white clothes invoked the image of Ghandi when he set foot in New Delhi in the summer of 2011. He shook India’s political establishment to its core when he announced he had come to the capital city with the intention of going on a hunger strike. His demand was huge, but it was not a surprise, for Kisan Baburao Hazare (popularly known as Anna) has been called the face of India's fight against corruption.
Anna Hazare's aim to rid the country of corruption began in Ralegaon Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra's drought-prone Ahmadnagar. This former soldier was less than 40 years old at the time, and has been striving to eliminate corruption ever since. Today he is over 70.
In India, bribery forms part of everyday life. For example, getting a birth certificate, a driver's license, or a death certificate requires a bribe, and even getting an appointment with a doctor can command a substantial amount. Bribes to traffic police are common, even when no offense has been committed. Many in India complain that politicians won't do anything because they benefit from a system of corruption.
Anna's brave stand created an outpouring of sentiment and tens of thousands of people took to the streets across India in demonstrations of support when he was arrested for being a threat to public order.
Mr. Hazare and his advisers - a group of prominent lawyers and social activists nicknamed Team Anna is calling specifically for the creation of a powerful new anti-corruption ombudsman to investigate senior politicians, officials and judges. Indian news media report that operations in some large companies have faced staffing problems as many workers called in sick to join the protests. Teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, and information technology workers are just some of those joining the movement.
Spiritual guides in India have been particularly moved by the compassionate nature of Anna's campaign. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation said, “We need to change the mindsets. Corruption begins where belongingness ends. What belongs to you will come your way, so make an honest living." And the renowned Hindu social activist Swami Agnivesh commented on India's new movement saying, “It is time now, we come together and wipe off corruption from the country with support of the common man."
More information:
www.indiaagainstcorruption.org
Anna Hazare's aim to rid the country of corruption began in Ralegaon Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra's drought-prone Ahmadnagar. This former soldier was less than 40 years old at the time, and has been striving to eliminate corruption ever since. Today he is over 70.
In India, bribery forms part of everyday life. For example, getting a birth certificate, a driver's license, or a death certificate requires a bribe, and even getting an appointment with a doctor can command a substantial amount. Bribes to traffic police are common, even when no offense has been committed. Many in India complain that politicians won't do anything because they benefit from a system of corruption.
Anna's brave stand created an outpouring of sentiment and tens of thousands of people took to the streets across India in demonstrations of support when he was arrested for being a threat to public order.
Mr. Hazare and his advisers - a group of prominent lawyers and social activists nicknamed Team Anna is calling specifically for the creation of a powerful new anti-corruption ombudsman to investigate senior politicians, officials and judges. Indian news media report that operations in some large companies have faced staffing problems as many workers called in sick to join the protests. Teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, and information technology workers are just some of those joining the movement.
Spiritual guides in India have been particularly moved by the compassionate nature of Anna's campaign. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation said, “We need to change the mindsets. Corruption begins where belongingness ends. What belongs to you will come your way, so make an honest living." And the renowned Hindu social activist Swami Agnivesh commented on India's new movement saying, “It is time now, we come together and wipe off corruption from the country with support of the common man."
More information:
www.indiaagainstcorruption.org
by Ruth Robertson
Veteran Indian social activist Anna Hazare greets a jubilant crowd after his release from a New Delhi prison
