Author: Yogita Rao
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 22, 2011
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-22/mumbai/29914694_1_ganesh-mandals-anna-hazare-signature-campaign
Introduction: Fight Against Corruption Gains
Support From Several Quarters, Medics Rush To The Help Of Those Wilting Under
The Fast
Several Ganesh mandals in the city have come
up with innovative ways to show their support for anti-corruption crusader
Anna Hazare. While some have themes revolving around corruption, some are
planning to put up banners with slogans supporting the Gandhian outside their
mandals.
The Ganesh mandal at Prabodhan Thakare Udyan
at Sewri plans to compare India as it was under the reign of Shivaji Maharaj
and as it is now. Vijay Indulkar from the mandal said, "We plan to show
a ten-minute video on how corruption is deeprooted in our society today. We
will be showing Anna Hazare protesting for the Lokpal bill and how the government
tried to stop him by arresting him. Even protests by Baba Ramdev were curbed
in a similar fashion."
Several mandals, who wanted to spread awareness
on corruption through their displays this year, were unable to do so as the
sets had already been prepared. However, they tried to make up for it by putting
up banners in their mandals supporting the anti-graft drive. Santosh Pawar,
an office bearer at a mandal in Khetwadi said, "We had planned out theme
several months ago. However, we plan to put up hoardings supporting Anna Hazare,
which will read 'Aamhi sagle Anna Hazare'. We all want corruption to end and
Hazare is fighting for us. Therefore, we extend full support to him."
Another mandal organizer from Khetwadi, Suresh
Mistry, said, "This year, many mandals will have Hazare themes. Though
we cannot make changes now, we plan to extend our support by putting up placards
supporting Hazare."
At the Sainath Krida Mandal at Asalpha, the
organizers will be starting a signature campaign for people supporting Anna's
cause. The campaign will be kicked off before the festival and will continue
till the end of Ganeshotsav. The organizers plan to send the signature campaign
to the central government.
