We live in the Information age. So goes the belief. That means that we can seek any information from the net, from teachers, friends on telephone, TV and even (God forbid, you ever have the need or inspiration) call centers.
I am not too sure. Because I am totally confused about Anna Hazare after hearing many on TV, in newspapers and on the internet.
And that scares the hell out of me. Am I ‘Home Alone’ in the misinformation age, where everyone lives blissfully in ‘The Information Age’?
I, with folded hands, request you to listen to me and help me understand the burning question “who is Anna’.
To begin, let me tell you how I got confused with various views and counter views.
First Opinion: I searched the net for an opinion from Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma’s great grandson. I had great hopes of a grand thought from this accomplished descendent of the greatest soul that walked this earth in recent times. He said “Anna struggle not Gandhian”. He added “a Gandhian movement gives means more importance than its ends, but today, the ends have become more important. To find a proper solution, both the parties have to be on the same ground. The other party should succumb to your determination and not to your obstinacy.” (Source Times of India: Hyderabad; 11 Sep 2011)
Phew….. Now even my history is getting mixed up. Were the English rulers and Indian subjects on the same ground? Can one person’s determination be another man’s obstinacy? If Mahatma was with us today (How I wish), would his means (Dandi Yatra, fasts, non co-operation) even scratch the smug indifference of many who occupy the high posts in his name?
Second Opinion: Congress spokesman, no he has already apologized. Does that mean that the insinuation against Anna that he is corrupt was right or wrong?
(Source : Zee News : First Published: Saturday, August 27, 2011, 00:35)
Now this is even more confusing. The drafting panel consisted of eminent jurists and constitutional experts. I don’t think castes or religions were a factor. If I want a heart surgery, do I look for a surgeon with the same caste? I go the person who has the best skills to save my soul. However maybe I don’t know enough.
Fourth: a Different NGO, We agree with …….. But we disagree with the method, issues and procedures. Do you agree with the Government” No. Do you have a bill draft? No we have suggestions. Is Anna right about the issue? Yes, but we will need more discussion. ………
Now this is getting as straight as a Jalebi. Why are they having doubts only after Anna raised the issue? If Anna with his qualified team is looking down the wrong end of the barrel of Governments gun, why are these NGOs receiving hugs? How is it that Government calls Anna Bill as issues and their suggestions as Bill?
Oh God, bring me to the information age, please.
Fifth: Government of India: We are against corruption. We have always been against corruption. But we don’t agree with Anna because, he is against the corrupt.
We have to draw a line somewhere.
Firstly let us get a clear picture.
- Corruption is everywhere. You cannot blame us for all of it.
- It takes time. The bill was introduced forty years back; we will try to expedite it. Be reasonable, give us another forty years?
- Anna is a RSS agent.
- Anna is corrupt from head to toe, and also in between.
- Anna’s team is corrupt. Last year they bought three shirts between four of them.
- Parliament is supreme.
- Parliament members are supreme.
- Procedures are supreme.
- When will you understand man? Let the things be what they are and let us build our resources for the next elections [Deleted from the official records. Retained for the purpose of understanding only]
But one fact remains. Anna is a trouble maker. Or maybe Anna is a nice man, but his advisors are trouble creators. Or maybe Anna and team are nice people; it is the public that is creating trouble. God No, public is nice, they voted for us. ….Hmmm what the hell is going on man? Who do we hang for this? Delhi Police, where is that constable?
Sixth: Prime Minister: Hmmmm….
Hmmmmm…
Sir, please say something.
OK, When is madam coming?
Seventh: Indians (Living in Indian cities, towns, villages, other parts of the globe)
The Slogan:
Inqilab Ki Aandhi hai
Yeh doosara Gandhi hai
(This is revolution. And Anna is the second Gandhi)
The Events:
- Candle marches, fasts, Millions rally to the call against corruption.
- Media and internet all full of support to Anna.
- Mothers with infants bringing them to Anna fast for showing them history in the making.
- The youth, middle class and the lay public looking at Anna as a saviour.
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Now that has me thoroughly confused,
Please Sir/Madam, can you please help me understand ,
- Is Anna our second Gandhi?
- Is Anna a selfless saint or steeped in corruption?
- Is Anna a mischief maker?
- Is Anna a whiff of fresh air, thinking of our country and countrymen when the leaders have got into the ‘loot and scoot’ game?
- Will Anna be our savior?
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