Author: Somit Sen
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 22, 2011
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-22/mumbai/29914030_1_senior-citizens-iac-anna-hazare
Sundays for most Mumbaikars are reserved for
unwinding and spending time with their families or friends. Not yesterday.
With the crusade against corruption reaching fever pitch across India, multitudes
participated in rallies and candlelight marches across the city to express
their support for Gandhian activist Anna Hazare.
In many areas, citizens hit the road with
their families-some with elders, others with children-shouting slogans, waving
the national flag. Students, in particular, came out in large numbers. "I
usually hang out with my friends at coffee shops or go for a movie on Sundays
but this time we decided we should do something for the country. It being
a holiday, we got the entire day to prepare placards, jingles and mobilize
people from our neighbourhoods," said Vikas Pardeshi, a second-year Commerce
student.
Protest organizers, India Against Corruption
(IAC), were pleased that they got a massive response on a Sunday. One reason
for the numbers, some said, was that people did not have to skip work or school
or college to show support for a cause they feel strongly about.
Geeta Bansode, a housewife, confessed she
had never participated in a morcha ever. But "today, my husband insisted
that the entire family should take to the streets for a noble cause. He said
it's high time that I stepped out of the house and did something for my country.
Today being Sunday, we decided to eat in a restaurant so that I don't have
to cook at home. All of us are in 'Anna' mode," Bansode said.
Senior citizens also took part in marches
in large numbers. Some of them came with colleagues from laughter clubs and
spiritual organizations. Many were persuaded to join by their fellow temple-goers
or churchgoers. "I'm not feeling tired at all despite marching from Bandra
to Juhu beach. In fact, I can go on and on all for the sake of Anna,"
said a senior citizen. "Today, for the first time, I feel that I've spent
my holiday in a memorable way."
Many housewives said they normally visit markets
on Sundays to buy household provisions. But missing that for a day of protests
was worthwhile.
IAC volunteers said they received queries
from many people seeking to help out in the campaign in the coming days.
