NEW DELHI: This is not the end, but a new beginning - this was the general mood on Sunday after Anna Hazare ended his fast. People at the Ramlila Maidan claimed that the movement has only inspired them to continue the revolution in their day-to-day lives.
The movement, driven largely by undying public support and enthusiasm, has resulted in heightened awareness of corruption and how it has bled the country white. "I had planned to pay Rs 4,000 as bribe to clear an exam, as I felt I wasn't sufficiently prepared. But after participating in the movement, I have promised myself never to do it. I will not be corrupt," said Deepak Rathi, an engineer from Faridabad.
Rahul Raghav, businessman, said: "The first step is not to pay bribe anymore. I own an HR consultancy firm, and most of the time, we have to pay bribes to hire consultants. But this will happen no more, even if I suffer losses. If everyone stops paying bribe, no one will face problems."
A group of civil services aspirants present at the grounds claimed that the movement had inspired them to envision future where electoral reforms, decentralization of power and direct involvement of people in nation building was possible. "I am impressed to see that a change at such a mass level could be brought about through the united effort of the common people. Perhaps it has helped to make many people less cynical about life. The movement has certainly given the youth an adrenaline rush," said Dhruva Sharma of the group.
Megha Nand Lakhera, who had come with her husband and three-year-old daughter to celebrate the "people's win", said: "Now we will not ignore everyday corruption that we tolerated earlier: be it at ration shops or in public transport. These small things will make a difference, and we have brought our daughter along, hoping that we will be able to educate her for a better tomorrow."