In the past three weeks, Massachusetts has observed an unprecedented number of Non Resident Indians coming out in support of JanLokpal bill and the Indian anticorruption movement. A group of like minded people in Boston collaborated through a combination of technology and Ideology for the sake of common objective - Protest against corruption in India. They got united under the big umbrella of India Against Corruption – Boston USA. This group kicked off their initiatives by conducting awareness session at Faxon Commons in Quincy followed by a candle light vigil at Fountainhead in Westborough, a Student protest at University of Massachusetts Amherst and a series of awareness campaigns at Laxmi temple in Ashland, regatta Point in Worcester, at beaconVillage in Burlington and Northeastern University at Boston. These initiatives has become an epitome of the unity in diversity as people who belong to different states, different profession , different political and religious views set aside all their differences and took time off from their hectic work schedules to be part of this common Indian cause . These effort aired in medias back in India gave a huge inspiration for more people to come out and to be part of the movement.
The culmination of this movement was passing the JanLokpal Bill resolution in both parliament houses back in India and Anna declaring that he would break his fast on the 13th day. The jubilant group urged for a grand victory celebrations at Harvard Square amidst Hurricane –‘Irene’. This grand finale was to show the determination of united Indians here in Boston calling for a corruption free India. The volunteers arrived at Harvard Square with Indian flags and banners written with anti-corruption slogans. The young and the young at heart had their face painted with the Indian tri color. Everyone became one voice when they started singing patriotic songs and declared that they are all Anna , an embodiment of anti-corrupt leader with Gandhian principles. Further, an update about the group’s activities were shared and urged that they will all be supporting the necessary reforms initiated by Anna. They took out some time to brainstorm about their views on anti corruption movement.
According to Gautam Das , an employee at University of Massachussets, justifies that Anna's movement will definitely eradicate the corruption in India. He says that Anna's movement has brought anti corruption awareness among all class of people in India and now ownwards, the corrupts will have less space to survive in India. He brought an example of the reduction in corruption that occurred in countries like Singapore after passing strong anti corruption bill and he demands an urgent approval of the bill in the parliament.
Suman Kumar, a finance professional, explains that many in this group had previously bribed for issuing birth certificate, retirement fund, pension, death certificate, securing a School admission or a Govt. Job etc. Till few years back, corruption in India was just a suffocation for middle class but remained as a menace for poor people. Now, with huge scams coming out using Right to Information Act, middle class who were silent spectators realized the need of the hour and joined the lower class for the fight against corruption. He adds that the sacrifices and determination of the immaculate Anna Hazare inspired the mass and this was the turning point of this movement.
In the view point of Pankaj Gupta, a product Marketing Manager, none of the government since Independence has contributed much to tackle corruption. All the attempts were diluted since it will revoke the illicit power and money enjoyed by them. He shared that he has a huge optimism about JanLokpal bill making a tough control over corruption in India.
Sreenath Kadreppa, a student from University of Massachussets, said he wonders why a big row is made over Prime Minister bringing under Lokpal and he reminds that all the civil servants are accountable, no matter what position they assume.
Amitabh Sharma, a post doc from Northeastern University, seconds that Anna Hazare can be viewed as the second Gandhi of India where the latter fight for us to grab freedom from British where the former is in the process of fulfilling latter’s dream of corruption free India and self sustainable villages. Both of them followed the principles of non violence and non co-operation in their movement.
-Swa Le
