Hazare's 'freedom struggle' rocks cyberspace

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Though the tech-savvy Indian youth are often accused of being apolitical and least bothered about the concerns of the society, they have once again proved the critics wrong by joining hands with the public movement against corruption initiated by Gandhian leader Anna Hazare.

While many young students and professionals bunked colleges and work place to join him at central Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to support his fast-unto-death for a more stringent anti-corruption law, the cyberspace is celebrating Hazare's movement as the second freedom struggle.

The crowd near the spot where Hazare is sitting for his fast is made up mostly of youngsters. Some of them came there after watching the news on TV while others were informed by chain messages on their mobiles.

Madhu Sudan, a 23-year-old B. Tech student from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, held the Indian national flag and posters were stuck on his chest and back. The posters read: 'Indians together protest against corruption' and 'Poorna Swaraj from corruption'.

"Enough is enough and our country needs a revolution. There is no transparency in how the system works here and the few rich and powerful are ruling us. Criminals like (former communications minister A. Raja) are draining away our wealth," he said.

And the celebrities from reel life to real life are behind the the Gandhian's movement — in physical space as well as virtual space.

Aamir Khan, Rahul Bose, Shekhar Kapur, Madhur Bhandarkar, Anupam Kher and Juhi Chawla among others from Bollywood came in support of the movement. Aamir even wrote letters to Hazare and also the Prime Minister. Many social activists like Aruna Roy are also supporting the movement. Interestingly political parties like CPI-M and BJP are also supporting the Gandhian's freedom struggle.

But what is amazing is the happenings in the virtual world.

Facebook drums up support for Anna Hazare

A " target="_blank">Facebook page, India Against Corruption, created to support the Gandhian's cause has become a rage among the net-savvy youth and it has registered over 90,000 supporters.

It took no time for the netizens to respond to the question, “Where are the corporate bigwigs who had written to the prime minister bemoaning corruption? Should they also not be joining this mass movement and spreading awareness since the movement is for making the system better and not against any particular political party?”

And their response underscored the angst of the youth against our political system tainted by corruption.

This apart many e-mail and SMS campaigns are doing the round. As per reports, over seven lakh people have already pledged their support to the cause through mobile phone registration.

Tweets for Hazare

On Twitter it is a flood of tweets supporting Hazare.

“The fact that Anna Hazare is trending on twitter worldwide should make the Govt wake up to the impact his fast has already had,” wrote Pritish Nandy.

“Who is Anna Hazare? Today, Anna Hazare is the face of India’s fight against corruption,” wrote another user.

Meanwhile, former minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor also tweeted that he supported activist Anna Hazarae in his crusade against corruption but added that discussions on the bill must take place.

"Sorry, have been focused on Kerala campaign. Huge respect for Anna Hazare. Unconditionally support consensual national action against corruption," Tharoor wrote on Twitter.

And the supporting hands are not limited to celebrities. Even corporate honchos are rallying behind the movement.

“This is a movement whose heart and voice cannot be ignored. If only industry captains can voice their support for Anna Hazare,” tweeted Anand Mahindra, vice-chairman and managing director of Mahindra group.

In the days to come the movement is expected to storm the virtual space and the physical space. After all no one wants corruption to rule us!

(With inputs from IANS)