Thousands Celebrate Anna's Victory at India Gate


New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS): The multitude of Anna Hazare supporters, who were with him at Ramlila Maidan here for the last 12 days, returned Sunday to the historic Indian Gate to celebrate their leader's victory with the songs that they chanted during his fast for a stringent anti-graft law.

This time, the sense of outrage against corruption was replaced by a sense of elation.

Amid drum beats and fluttering national flags, thousands of cheerful supporters shouted slogans and danced till late in the evening.

Sitting near a signboard, 88-year-old K.P. Singh, a supporter, said: "This anti-corruption movement will herald a new era in the country. This is a movement of character and morals. And half of the battle is won."

"It is a sign of moral evolution in the country. The good days of the corrupt seem to be numbered," added another anti-corruption campaigner Prasad, who was happy to be a part of the "historical" celebration.

Those who had converged at India Gate included people from all walks of life and ages. From a six-year-old to elderly, everybody seemed in a mood to enjoy.

A private band, Sohan Lal and Sons, played patriotic numbers on which many broke into a jig.

"I always play from my heart but today it is special. This is for Annaji," said Mohammad Ayub, one of the band members.

It was not only the supporters who were happy but there was a sense of elation among the police personnel too.

"I am also a human being. I feel happy seeing the crowd and more than that I am happy for the war Annaji waged against corruption. I hope the image of police will improve if Jan Lokpal bill is passed," said a policeman.

With the end of Hazare's fast, some reporters also heaved a sigh of relief after hectic coverage of the agitation. "I want to hit the bed once the celebrations end," said a TV reporter.


'I Am Anna' caps, national flags swarm India Gate 

As thousands thronged the India Gate area Sunday to celebrate Anna Hazare's victory, the Gandhi cap with 'I Am Anna' written on it appeared to be the winner with most people proudly wearing it and waving the national flag.

For those who did not have either of these were not disappointed as help was available readily with several vendors and face painters offering their goods and services for a price.

Don't miss the beat

The drums just did not fall silent during the celebrations at India Gate as people shook a leg to express joy over the end of Anna' fast. Some visitors were caught unawares by the anti-corruption campaigners' celebrations that began 6 p.m., but no one seemed to complain. Many even joined the revellers and danced to the drum beats.

New avenues

For many, the celebrations were another occasion to make some quick money before the excitement subsided. Vendors selling snacks and munchies made a quick buck on a busy Sunday, for which a few of them had donned Gandhi caps.

Police for Anna

It was not just the common people who were enthusiastic about wearing a Gandhi cap, some policemen, maintaining a vigil in the area, too, were equally excited when it came to getting themselves clicked in the cap - which became a symbol of the movement. Many policemen gave their official caps a rest for taking each others photographs with the 'I am Anna' caps.

Some disappointment

The celebrations also had a few moments of disappointment as some Anna supporters who came all the way to see the social activist had to return empty-handed.

The septuagenarian was in hospital when the evening sky at India Gate lit up with fireworks. A group of Hazare's supporters from his Ralegan-Siddhi village in Maharashtra complained that after remaining with him during the 12-day fast, they would now have to return without being able to see him.

  

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Comment on this article

  • DR SORAB SADRI, PUNE

    Mon, Aug 29 2011

    What happened in Delhi was a clear slap on the face of political manouvering and a resounding victory through Team Hazare for the people, by the people and for the people. The air feels cleaner while the politicians look dirtier. The struggle to eradicate corruption must go on. A luta continua ! Victoria a certa!

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  • JRAO,

    Sun, Aug 28 2011

    A BAD DAY FOR INDIA BECAUSE THE
    PM/RULING PARTY GOT SUCCESS BY POST-PHONING THE BILL. YOU KNOW THE WORDING SAYS
    " BEESUA DONNEINDA TAPPISIKONADARE
    NOORU VARUSHA ........"

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  • Ahmed, Mangalore/UAE

    Sun, Aug 28 2011

    A bad day for thousands of government officers,clerks,peons, RTOs,goverment doctors, policemen, MLAs and Ministers.
    I think it will be difficult to get candidates for the next loksabha election.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • akkoul, jammu

    Sun, Aug 28 2011

    Besides awakening the conscience of Indian masses ,Anna has made India feel proud by showcasing the Indian democratic values to whole world .The vibrancy of Indian democracy has opened the eyes of international community & above all has resulted in the message to whole world ,how the goals can be achieved with out violence, the mantra exercised & propagated by Mahatma Ghandi

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  • yechuri.s.s.v.v.narendra, vizag/vizag

    Sun, Aug 28 2011

    congrats to all indians and thanks anna.but all of you remember one thing."it is not over,it is beginning."i hope it will work.

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  • swamy, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 28 2011

    the recntly concluded anna fast and the aftermath. what sort of discourse is this? Did team anna make use of the aging gandhian for their own personal gratification. were we to read the the way the members of team anna went about it is undoubtedly stage managed.what would have happened if either anna or team anna had asked the people gathered at ramlila maidan to take an oath as often as possible not to indulge in corrupt practices as anna was seen getting up from his couch and waving to people or waving the tricolour. who are they fooling? can we suspect the collective sincerity?

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