NEW DELHI: Anna Hazare's campaign has caught the imagination of many a parent, who are bringing their children to Ramlila Maidan for a lesson in both history in the making and values that are fast slipping away. Cutting across social strata, parents chose the first holiday of a long weekend to visit Ramlila Ground on Saturday. That the day was bright and sunny helped and the high humidity did not dampen their spirits.
It was a live lesson, out of the classroom, in politics, history, legislation and values. This was democracy at work, India's heritage of satyagraha being evoked to achieve goals of good governance.
It was a live lesson, out of the classroom, in politics, history, legislation and values. This was democracy at work, India's heritage of satyagraha being evoked to achieve goals of good governance.
Swaran Singh, 45, a businessman, came with his wife and two children. He said it was a rare opportunity to be part of an event that you know would go down in history as a watershed in Indian politics. "We didn't see Gandhi but were told that non-violent means were used by him. My children are lucky to witness history in the making," said Singh. A resident of Geeta Colony, Singh says he wants to prepare his children for the future. "If they have to struggle in future, why not start today? You do not get role models like Anna these days," he said.
For another family from Vasant Kunj, the Sharmas, too it was an educational trip . Devyani Sharma, 42, brought her two sons and father along. She said her sons were quite frightened of the crowd that had gathered there and were initially apprehensive. "But they saw how peaceful it is here. People are disciplined and very helpful," she said. Although her sons, Anant and Ankur, might not understand the intricate details of both Lokpal bills, they do know that the bills are against corruption and that their leader is on a fast.
Rina Mondel and her family turned up only to support Anna. A teacher by profession, Mondel said her entire family was watching the story unfold on TV and longed to come here. "But I could not join Anna because of work and the coaching of my children," she said. Mondel's daughter was quick to add that to support him (Anna) it is not necessary to be present everyday. "You can support Anna in your own way by doing your bit," said Sanhita Mondel.
The Aggarwals came all the way from Noida to see the dimunitive Gandhian in flesh and blood. They say he will change the course of Indian politics. Hrithik (11) and Aditi (14), both students of Ryan International School in Rohini, said it was their teachers who inspired them to visit Ramlila Ground. ``He will remove corruption from society,'' claimed Hrithik with the confidence of a grown-up.
For OP Tomar, employed with Noida Authority, and his nephew, Ganga Prasad, who is employed with an IT major, it was an effort to increase ``Anna's strength.'' Prasad said larger the crowd, faster would the government act. He had brought his daughter along so that she won't complain later in life.