Anna Hazare's call for the need to fight corruption found resonance throughout India. People across the social divide came out in open support of the cause. Parties and organisations that go on the rampage and block rail, road and other means of public transport, and bully people should take a lesson or two from Mr. Hazare's Gandhian mode of protest. What triggered a nationwide response was the vitality of the issue that has been disturbing citizens for long. It is now for the 10-member committee to draft an effective and transparent Lokpal Bill.
Manzar Imam,
New Delhi
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Finally, the Gandhian's crusade against corruption won, with a reluctant government agreeing to set up a joint drafting committee to prepare the Lokpal Bill. Clearly, it became nervous on seeing the mushrooming support for Mr. Hazare who undertook a fast-unto-death.
J.S. Acharya,
Tyne and Wear, U.K.
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I was moved on seeing Mr. Hazare end his historic fast on Saturday. I salute him for his great service to humanity. Every Indian is indebted to him. It is a great victory for Indians and democracy. I hope and pray that Annaji will not be made to go on a fast again.
V. Sethumadhavan,
Chennai
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This refers to the editorial “The stand-off over corruption” (April 9). Mr. Hazare's proposed Jan Lokpal Bill may have some angularities. But he got overwhelming support from the public because the Lokpal Bill drafted by successive governments has been stuck in a limbo for over 40 years. Populist movements will continue to strike a chord with people till the government stops testing their patience and tolerance over issues affecting their daily life.
Tarsem Singh,
New Delhi
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Finally, the people's voice reached the corridors of power. This is a good indication of the fact that democracy is safe and sound in India.
T. Ramachandraprasad,
Chennai
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The Anna Hazare episode has shown the world the strength of our democracy. Thousands of people came out on the streets to support the movement against corruption. Not a single incident of violence was reported. The government gave in to the demands of people. This can happen only in a democracy.
S.M. Chadchan,
Bijapur
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One crusader united the entire nation against corruption in a few days and the elected government had to concede. This shows the power of truth and integrity. We must not allow this power of the common man to dissipate.
K.C. Mehta,
Vadodara
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The four days of Mr. Hazare's fast were nothing short of a revolution. The government was driven to the back foot due to the extraordinary display of strength by the aam aadmi .
People suddenly realised that sitting idle would only bring grief, sorrow and frustration. Thanks to Mr. Hazare, we realised we still live in a democracy.
Rahul Krishna,
New Delhi
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In recent times, no other protest has captured the nation's imagination as Annaji's fast has done. Any further feet-dragging and legal quibbling by the government will only remind us of the British authorities who kept sandalwood ready when Mahatma Gandhi went on a fast in a Poona jail.
M. Ravichandran,
Chennai
