Anna Hazare and his crusade

Here's a BBM forward I got -

Things to know about Anna Hazare and Lok Pal Bill

1.Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

2.What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra. This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

3. What's he known for?

This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

4. What's he up to now?

He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

5. How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bil, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

6. It's an entirely new thing right..?

In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).

7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?

The first thing he is asking for is: the govt should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed. Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% government participation and 50% public participation.Because you cant trust the govt entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

8.What wil happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed.The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished.

Interesting message with a request to pass it on. Here I am with a few added thoughts of my own..

The man and his demand are gathering supporters every second. Why? Because this country and her people are sick of being taken for a ride. While most have us may not have the gumption to have stood up for our rights, for a morally cleaner country, we are happy to join someone when they take up the cudgels. Nothing wrong in that - just heartening that it isn't one voice alone. Whatever Mr. Pawar might say, he has been prompted to resign, at least from the GoM. And, I'm hoping there'll be many more who follow. And free up space for a newer, fresher, morally stronger lot to walk in. If peaceful citizen action can do this in such a short span, think of what all it can make possible.

Of course, one may say that it isn't Anna Hazare alone who's responsible. If it weren't for the support he's getting from youngsters, law abiding citizens and law bodies, he may not have been able to do much. Sure. I wonder though - If Anna was to die for a cleaner country, would any of us have what it takes to carry his crusade on?...