The weather was hot and humid, but that did not stop the celebrations. Anna Hazare was going to break his fast. There were so many people that it was hard to even get to the front of the stage. But the mood was celebratory, and standing there one couldn’t help but get goosebumps.
The people were united, even in the crowd the discipline with which people moved was amazing. If anyway was pushed by mistake, apologies were exchanged. People carrying pictures of Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters walked around shouting slogans. From those with no money to those wearing branded clothes, the streets in and around the Ramilila ground were filled with the masses.
People brought their children, the old came, the women came, the youth came, the peasants, the shopkeepers came and the workers came. Team Anna thanked the people, the organisers, those who provided food, water and shelter, people’s organisations that joined in the movement. They even thanked the policemen and women who stood day in and day out with the masses, ensuring nothing went wrong.
Some might say that with the breaking of the fast the fight has come to an end. But as a participant and observer of the movement, I must say the fact is that it has only just begun. People’s consciousness is rising, people have always been aware now they are demanding, not asking, not requesting…demanding what is rightfully ours.
I came across the Lok Raj Sangathan team there. I wanted to congratulate your team that worked tirelessly to cover the event and give the people an alternative to the popular news media. The speeches by Prakash Rao and S. Raghavan were encouraging and empowering. At a time when people are cynical of their own contemporaries, at a time when people condemn fellow human being who rise to the occasion and deem them incapable and innocent. LRS has shown that people are more than capable and that it is their right to demand. That there is more to be done and this is just the beginning. I wanted to congratulate your organisation and team for rising to this historic occasion and empowering the people in moving towards a higher consciousness, in giving them pride and not just deeming them a mob without direction. Thank you for calling it what it was, a ‘people’s movement’.
Keep up the good work and keep moving forward.
Surkhraj Kaur
