Author: Pratibha Masand
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 22, 2011
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-22/mumbai/29914082_1_ratna-magotra-azad-maidan-anna-hazare
As the spotlight in the anti-corruption crusade
shifted north on Sunday the atmosphere at Azad Maidan, where many of Anna
Hazare's supporters had been fasting, remained charged as ever.
Protesters on hunger strike decidedly talked
less amongst themselves, but many couldn't help dancing every time a peppy
patriotic number was sung by the orchestra group organized by India Against
Corruption. Other supporters too didn't let the energy die down, even if it
meant turning the atmosphere into more of a family picnic.
The Sharmas decided to use the Sunday holiday
to express their solidarity with the protesters. "My 12-year-old daughter
was asking about the fast and the Lokpal bill. When we reached here she too
wanted to fast," said Anita Sharma, a housewife from Mumbai Central.
While Anita obviously didn't allow that request, the proud mother was beaming
that her daughter wanted to participate in her own way.
Meanwhile, those on fast too were pleased
to have managed the feat for so long. Dr Ratna Magotra (61), who resides in
Deonar, has been staying at Azad Maidan for the last six days. "I participated
in the last fast in April too, after which I have been fasting on the 5th
of every month for this cause," she said. Magotra's family is concerned
about her health. "They are worried as I am not all that young. But I
will continue my fast till the time I can," she said.
Besides Magotra is Anita Singh (39), a homemaker
who has had little to do with political parties or causes. "I decided
I had to do something in the fight against corruption. I just didn't want
to sit at home and do nothing while people fought. So I am here," said
Singh, whose husband and teenaged son come to meet her from Panvel everyday.
While vada pao and other eatery stalls have
cropped up in the Maidan, the stall-owners have been sensitive to those on
the fast. "We don't want them to be tempted to break the fast. But the
supporters and organisers get hungry. People also come with their families,
so we cater to them," said a stall owner.
While most came to cheer the protesters on
fast and were all in support of Anna Hazare and his cause, one person thought
it was all a waste of time. "Ye sab bakwas hai (All this is rubbish),"
he said. "If going hungry helped solve problems, India would have been
a superpower by now," said the man while munching on his vada pao and
walking away from the Maidan.
