Indian Media and Bollywood

I start with a disclaimer: I am an admirer of certain sections of the Indian Media – both print and electronic – for the courageous work they do under the prevailing circumstances in our country by taking various administrative bodies and governmental systems head-on and holding them accountable.

Nevertheless, i have always been aware and amused by the close similarities displayed by the Indian Media with our esteemed Bollywood! ... Hold on for a few moments and you too will, perhaps, agree with me.

It was one of those evenings when i was generally chatting over coffee with a friend from the US and while talking we tread into the domain of democracy. Both of us expressed our individual pride that how fortunate we were to be born in the largest and the oldest democracy respectively. So in general terms we touched upon all the three arms of a functional democracy and then came to rest on the fourth – the Press, which in today’s parlance is popularly referred to as the Media.

‘You have so many news channels in different languages! While flipping channels yesterday evening i almost lost the count!’ my friend’s expressions were hilarious.

‘Yes, we are a big news country!’ i went along.

‘But tell me one thing. Do Indians argue a lot?’ i knew exactly where he was coming from.

‘I saw everybody debating loudly on almost all news channels; even the topic seemed to be the same!’ he had certainly not watched such television news programs before.

‘Well, have you watched any Bollywood movie? If no, then watch a few and you will understand the Indian television scenario,’ i offered my sincere advice.

‘Yeah, i have watched a couple of them. You have very beautiful actresses and even male leads look so much better than an average Indian. I love its colours! But honestly, they seem to be much Indianized,’ he was trying to be careful with his words.

‘Don’t sound diplomatic; you are echoing my sentiment.’

‘But i didn’t get the Bollywood connection in the Indian Media,’ he was genuinely perplexed.

‘Bollywood is just an analogy. If you watch carefully you will notice that the feel of both are very similar... Ok, let me explain,’ and we spent the next hour discussing the topic threadbare.

I beforehand explained to him that when i say Bollywood i do not necessarily mean Hindi movies exclusively but the Indian cinema per se. And when I say the Indian Media, it includes all and sundry in both print and television.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of channels on air and the number of dailies published in various languages and their combined viewership and readership respectively.  However, the sheer numbers do not necessarily mean the top slot or the top standards, rather much below when compared with the established names globally. 

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is doing brisk business at home, in the local currency; however, when talked in terms of gross earnings, it seems not so significant in front of the global media giants’ revenues.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is hugely impactful within its national boundaries; however, its worldwide influence pales in front of the foreign press.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media has some immensely talented people with global appeal; however, because of the limited scope of their work, they have remained almost incognito in the international news circuit.

Life Bollywood, the Indian Media has done some path breaking journalism; however, a large percentage of its cumulative work has remained mediocre.

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media has a good number of honest and courageous professionals; however, it needs to take a serious look at allegations and accusations maligning its integrity and its susceptibility to succumb in face of manipulations. 

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is largely defined – and driven – by one segment which is the English news channels; however, its identity is highly fragmented with the Hindi and the regional news channels having their own larger loyal viewers’ base.  

Like Bollywood, the Indian Media is largely built upon larger-than-life elements drawn sometimes from imaginary ideas and its spectrum is wide enough to encompass lots of drama, tragedy, comedy, heroes and villains; however, its storyline sounds repetitive, howsoever hard they try to remain – or claim to be – contemporary, and its proximity to an average Indian’s life per se is primarily remote; one does not often witness real life imitating the ‘reel life’.

The perfect examples are the beautiful songs and dances being integral components of any Indian film whereas in reality no Indian has ever been sighted singing and dancing in public in their daily life – except in weddings or parties on movies’ music for enjoyment! In fact, a couple of my Chinese friends who were visiting India for the first time about seven years ago were really surprised to see their perception of an average ‘singing & dancing’ Indian shatter to pieces when they did not find any Indian singing and dancing in streets, which they had seen them do so often in Bollywood films!  

Today’s Indian Media landscape is largely dominated by the electronic media which has the power to swing people’s opinion. They also garner the largest pie in the overall ad-spend. Over the years, following the path towards true Indianness, they have evolved and gone even beyond news – they also provide entertainment. Newstainment! News with full entertainment! For them, and for the public as per their logic, pure news is plain and boring. The argument proffered is that they have to do so in order to remain viable in a cut-throat competitive environment. And they seem to be contented with their unique way of presenting news which borders on trivializing the concept and the profession of journalism in many instances.

Well, to clarify, if i have to watch television for news on India i view only the English news channels but i have flipped through various Hindi and regional news channels out of curiosity and have been dismayed at the standard of their telecast. Not that their English counterparts don’t require sincere introspection for improvement.

India, with its global aspirations, and the capabilities, cannot be seen as having a Media which is below the international standards. Exception, i reiterate, to a great degree is the English language Media in both the formats – print and electronic.

As the English language press defines the Indian Media, therefore, it needs to set benchmark for the rest of the fraternity. Simultaneously, India is waiting to see them claim their place on the global platform.

I start with the English newspapers. Times of India has the largest readership in the world; however, it is not even on the horizon when global dailies are discussed. The other newspapers also have to pull themselves up and modify their reportage so as to remain contemporary but first and foremost credible – and relevant - from the international perspective.

A foreign colleague had remarked a few years ago seeing the semi-porn texture of a newspaper supplement: ‘Are Indians so frustrated sexually?’... Each of the publications needs to read the legendary New York Times and Washington Post, to name a few, to understand what i am referring to.

Now coming to the English news channels, i credit Prannoy Roy with reshaping the Indian Media and giving us a credible alternative medium to get news and current affairs information other than the Doordarshan, seemingly government’s mouthpiece. I also thank him for giving India its beloved news anchors! Including Dr. Roy himself, whether it is Barkha Dutt or Rajdeep Sardesai or Arnab Goswami, we haven’t seen anybody better than them so far in the newer generation television journalists. In this case too, the situation is akin to Bollywood where we haven’t yet got the comparable replacements to the holy quartet of Mangeshkar Sisters Lata and Asha, Md. Rafi and Kishore Kumar in singing!

Not to forget, emphasis on producing international standard news programs got initiated with Karan Thapar coming back to India and soon he floored – literally, just ask his guests on his shows – the entire nation with his intelligent, incisive and interrogative interviews! Vir Sanghvi is another very good television journalist that we had till recently. However, today both have almost receded into the background comparatively but their contributions cannot ever be forgotten in improving the news coverage and analysis in India.

These anchors are par excellence and are comparable to any international repute newsperson of the world! Honestly, in certain aspects i find them better than anybody in the global news business. Each one of them has their individuality and tremendous qualities and contributions towards the evolution of the Indian Media.

Prannoy Roy is the pioneer in the field of the Indian television news channels! His stupendous success with NDTV 24x7 propelled the fast expansion of the industry. He retains his charm as a newsperson but his style is more suited currently for serious yet leisurely discussions with statesmen and leaders in various fields. His legacy is being carry forwarded properly by his prodigies.

Barkha Dutt is true blood international in her talent! Her command over language and style of delivery is better than even the internationally established anchors on the iconic channels like BBC and CNN. She looks original in her attitude and attire. Not easy for any new news anchor to copy her. ‘We The People’ has remained popular solely because of her. And she is the face of NDTV, besides Dr. Roy.

Rajdeep Sardesai is the original angry young man of the Indian Television Industry! When he announced his leaving the NDTV, every Indian viewer felt a void as to who would moderate the ‘Big Fight’ now. He has a perfect blend of aggression and poise and is many viewers’ choice for a television news anchor. His acumen and sensibilities made him establish his new channel CNN-IBN and soon overtook his professional alma-mater.

Arnab Goswami, the most famous and the most feared television personality in our nation! He has singlehandedly redefined the news scenario in India ever since he moved to and started Times Now. Seeing the channel’s terrific success overshadowing the media giants’ like NDTV and CNN-IBN in a short span of two years and sustaining it for five years now proves one thing: Prannoy Roy could not assess his true potential. Arnab invented a new style of news presentation: he mixed it with high voltage debates! And the unprecedented popularity of his ‘The Newshour’ forced the entire industry to follow suit. He made people realize that news was not only for viewing as-it-had-happened but for dissecting and analysing and making people concerned answerable, and the perpetrators punished. His sheer courage is infectious! And his impact is immeasurable! ‘The Nation demands an answer!’ has become his tagline. He has a large fan following among the English news viewers and even the non-viewers regard his value.

Newshour has one more distinction: its hugely popular debates now having become a standard format for news on all channels have nurtured the breeds of so-called spokespersons and activists! (How i resent these omnipresent ever-visible creatures! If i had little bit power, i would mute their voices and blurr their faces! And how their purely predictable line of arguments has forced me to curtail my news – and Newshour – viewing drastically...)

Among the other English news channels, Rahul Kunwal in Headlines Today is doing a good job and is getting better gradually. Rest are almost non-existent. And the rest of the non-English channels are pure imitators and most are pathetic.

What emerges out of this brief review is that a news channel mirrors the personality of its editor-in-chief and both become synonymous over a period of time. And, as the news industry is spearheaded by the English news channels, so is the latter performing as per the nation’s expectation? Well, yes and no.

YES, because the Indian Media has effectively discharged it role as the fourth estate and we have seen certain changes taking place in various field in our country: a few powerful but criminal politicians and others being sent to jail; a few scamsters being punished; a few victims getting the much denied justice; ...

And, NO, because the Indian Media hasn’t discharged its ‘fourth estate’ duties to the fullest as it hasn’t taken up its nationally critical international responsibilities seriously. Its vision has been narrow and it has failed to look beyond our geographical boundaries. Once in a while we do witness a few debates dedicated to Indo-Pak relationship but nothing more. Howsoever significant events could be happening anywhere in the world, our media limits its coverage to internal matters only, some of which could be genuinely important but mostly are the usual ones. 

One more sincere suggestion: they should allot debating time depending on gravity of news item; all news broadcasts cannot – and should not – be treated in the same manner.

The Indian Media has to break its self-created cocoon and spread its influence worldwide. When India gets discussed, its media should get mentioned in the same breath. And when the voice of one fifth of global population gets heard by the world, it should reverberate! Our media should be able to shape global opinions and chisel geopolitical changes. When India’s media commentators like Arnab or Rajdeep or Barkha or Prannoy speaks, the world should sit up and listen. When TOI or HT or Hindu writes or reports, the targeted subject should get shaken up. And through them India should be able to project itself more comprehensively on the global canvas.

We have many Indians now become household names globally; it’s time the Indian Media added a few names to the list.

Our English news network with its highly accomplished anchors has the potential to break into the big league of BBC and CNN. Al-Jazeera from the Arab world has achieved this feat in a small time with its quality international journalism. I have no doubt whatsoever about the success of the Indian Media – all languages, both electronic and print – in the global arena. After all, the fourth pillar of the world’s largest and the most populous democracy should have – and has – the power to stand firmly and reshape the global news sphere.

Frankly speaking, i certainly do not mean to say that the world media is perfect in all aspects. They too need to introspect and review their own style of functioning so as to make a greater impact on various governments and global happenings. One case in point: with the amount of air time spent on covering Africa by both BBC and CNN, the Continent could have come in the forefront of the world affairs by now, which sadly hasn’t happened. 

Honestly, the international media – including Indian Media – could amalgamate the best aspects of all the players and remodel its reportage on current affairs. ... Who knows soon the world will watch debates as a regular style of news presentation ... and Bollywood type songs and dances could become a routine in Hollywood ... ;)  

Being Juvenile - in India

“Wow, I am a juvenile and I can do whatever I feel like!” I said in response to my colleagues complimenting me on younger looks (sweet seventeen!) post my latest shorter haircut. It was a natural response the day after hearing the official pronouncement of India’s infamous Juvenile Board in favour of the so-called not-yet-18 rapist-murderer of Nirbhaya. My saying so elicited laughter and my mind immediately went back to many years ago when I had said a similar thing on my 18^th birthday: “Wow, I am 18 and I can do whatever I feel like!”

If earlier attaining an age of 18 meant becoming an “adult” - an independent being free to choose the course in life as one wishes, besides getting to vote the government into power – if, of course, one had a wonderfully supportive & understanding educated family, then today being a Juvenile seems to be a blessing, at least in India. The age-wise classification of people in the world starts with born as an infant to becoming a baby to growing up into a young child to being an adolescent to becoming an adult, ageing gracefully and evolving simultaneously as a human. This “juvenile” category is the latest in vogue, in India only.

Actually this disturbing virtue of being a juvenile in India was playing on my mind since the previous evening when hearing a bunch of the so-called activists of all hues - human rights, child rights, juvenile justice – go absolutely tangent in their bizarre and twisted – fit to be prosecuted and stoned if left in public – television arguments in support of the so-called juvenile rapist-murderer of Nirbhaya. Their calling this criminal a “child” made me cry with rage and shame. I sent smses to Arnab Goswami to throw those mad activists out of his studios – as The Newshour was ‘live’ - and not waste time by giving those nuts national primetime and platform to appear on television and infect the public opinion and insult public sentiments on a hugely sensitive subject.

(I respect Arnab’s viewpoint to have a democratic debate whatever the case may be and thus giving opportunity to even the opposing voices; nevertheless, I confess that if ever I get an opportunity to anchor a television news program and moderate a debate, and I am ‘forced’ to have them on my show, I will “mute” these deranged voices and blur their faces and thus ensure that these opportunists do not get national primetime and visibility.)

Those twisted activists were talking through their hats and proposing putting a “robust system” to “reform” the juvenile rapist-killer of Nirbhaya! I sent another sms to Arnab asking him to ask those same activists if they were willing to take the juvenile criminal to their own homes – in turn – and “reform” him, a “child” in their words! I exactly know how they would have reacted: they would have fainted in the studios itself! And their own family members too would have fainted in their homes at the same time!

It is one thing talking in a television studio in order to justify and save their “jobs” and appear compassionate and committed, and absolutely another thing to “walk ones’ own talk”. These so-called activists should first take a few juvenile criminals and “reform” them; to start with they should try their experiment on a few petty juvenile criminals. Nirbhaya’s juvenile rapist-murderer will be punished as per the heinousness of his crime. Period.

Frankly, I have always wondered about the grand purpose of these so-called activists in every imaginable human-related field; I am yet to see them doing anything worthwhile in their respective chosen action areas. To me these so-called activists seem to be a complete waste of time and resources (they are almost always a part of some so-called NGO or a government board/body, prospering on public funds but almost always acting on behalf of the “accused” – fighting for the “human-rights” of the non-humans, almost never being on the side of the “humans” which are the “real victims”. Examples are numerous: be it in case of Maoists or Child abusers or juvenile criminals. I have never heard them arguing and voicing their concern and exhibiting their commitment in fighting human rights violators. In my opinion, the best way to get rid of the menace of these so-called human rights activists of all kinds is to gag and ban them. 

   

I am sure the India Justice System will set an example in front of the world by delivering appropriate and speedy justice to Nirbhaya. I am sure the government and the Judiciary will amend the archaic Juvenile Justice System and evoke their extraordinary powers to punishment all rapists-murderers of Nirbhaya equally, keeping only the gravity of their crime as their yardstick and guiding principle. I wonder if an opposite scenario arises, will this so-called juvenile criminal be able to breathe even for a second the moment he steps out of Tihar or his reform home in public domain as a free individual …   

Another aspect which disturbed me the most about this so-called juvenile angle being propagated in Nirbhaya’s rapist-murderer’s case, is that if we treat even hardened so-called juvenile criminals with kid gloves, then soon we will see the professional criminals hiring or grooming a brigade of the so-called juveniles to commit crimes of all types, assuring them immunity against any kind of punishment – forget about that being “harsh” – just because of they being on the “right side” of the age limit. I shuddered with these thoughts. This type of “outsourcing” in the criminal field is not an imagination; this could become a reality soon in India. Only God can save India then, perhaps …

The evening of the 16^th of December of the year gone by is the day which told India in cold voice that why it was called the most dangerous place for women in the world. It also woke the Indians – hopefully every one of us – that in order to live a life with dignity and peace, India need to be bold in dealing with the ills of its society, especially in cases of crimes against its female citizens. Indians expressed their shock and disbelief hearing soul-curdling Nirbhaya’s ordeal. We cried and felt rattled; we felt insecure and vulnerable; and ashamed. But the best thing witnessed was the strength showed by the protesters, most of them young students, who braved the brutal clampdown of the government but did not budge. The most shocking and shameful was the prime minister saying “theek hai?” post his 2 minutes 13 seconds much belated – forced – televised address to his country folks. 

Come on, Mr. Prime Minister, you were among the most respectable personalities India ever had in the post-Independence period and you were hailed as the architect of the modern and prospering India; but your prolonged stay in the position of power seems to have blunted your vision and emotions. I am sure you too must be wondering about this transformation within yourself. Wake up before you get banished by Indians too; the world has already labelled you as being an “Underachiever”. Indian history will mock your meekness.   

Making India a safe and secure country for all its citizens – females included – is going to become a reality only when the Indian government wakes up to the realities and its own responsibilities. Because before the much needed mindset change comes about, the crimes need to be checked and deterred with deterrent punishments delivered through fast track judiciary process and a sensitive and committed government towards good governance, bringing about the much needed amendments in its archaic laws. Of course, gradually much need initiatives need to be taken up by Indians collectively; each individual Indian needs to take the oath to work towards reforming our own mindset first and foremost and of our family members which will cumulatively bring about the much needed changes in the society and the country. Otherwise, we will keep waiting for the much needed mindset change for millennia and the world will keep wondering that “what the hell is happening in India of 21^st century?”  

………………

P.S: Nirbhaya, India will not fail you; all your rapists-murderers will be hanged till death soon including the so-called juvenile rapist-murderer. …

When God speaks

When God speaks, you don’t hear anything! You only see – magic!

And when God of Cricket speaks, well, you still see magic :)

It was pure magic to hear Sachin speak with Arnab, frankly! Every word an “inspiration”; every sentence a “quote”! It was incredibly enchanting to watch two of my favourites chat with each other, and, frankly :)

Watching Sachin answer to Arnab’s probing – sometimes provoking – questions, yet reverential and friendly, took me more than two decades back. I was in Bombay – yes, it was called Bombay then; not that i call it by any other name now; Sachin Tendulkar had become a big name by then; and it was in the grapevine that he had met his love of life, his future wife Anjali Mehta.

It was a Sunday afternoon and we were at the Dadar Club, enjoying snacks while enjoying a club level tennis match between Ashok Mankad’s son Harsh and his opponent (I don’t remember his name).Befitting a cricket crazy country, our talks veered towards cricket and soon it got concentrated on Sachin. Imagine: we were watching a tennis match and talking about cricket! A friend of ours, a born-&-brought up Mumbaikar, who happened to personally know various sportsmen including Sachin, seeing the group’s enthusiasm extended his “generosity” and promised to take us to meet him at his home; he only needed a couple of hours to fix up our meeting for the coming weekend.

Wow! We spent the seemingly never-ending week counting days! And came the day when we were to go and meet Sachin Tendulkar. Yes, the same Sachin Tendulkar, who today is referred to as the God of Cricket!

We gathered at the Dadar Club, got into our friend’s car and started towards Sachin’s home. Excitement was at its peak! Unbelievable! And indescribable! And then the disaster struck! A dear friend of ours who had suffered from heartbreak recently went into sudden depression and refused to go anywhere. In sympathy, we friends dropped the “idea” till next weekend, which, of course, never came.

I too did not try to cheer up my friend or insist upon rest of us going ahead to meet Sachin as I too had recently suffered a personal loss – assassination of my most beloved personality, Rajiv Gandhi uncle, and I too was in not so cheerful mood. Then there was the hope that there would always be a ‘next time’ – next week – with our Mumbaikar friend being around. Today, I cannot believe it myself! Not even my family, who rightly think that I have been the biggest fool to have ever walked the planet Earth!    

Soon our days in Bombay came to an end and it was time to go back to our campus – without meeting Sachin, of course. And as the fate would have it, within months we got the tragic news of the death of our Mumbaikar friend and the link to Sachin Tendulkar was lost, forever. May his soul rest in peace. We miss you, Kamlesh :(

Since then I haven’t been able to understand God’s design in not letting that meeting happen with Sachin. I have regretted the lost opportunity every time I see Sachin; and will continue to mourn it even post my death. Once up there I am going to ask the God that why He not let us meet the then future God of Cricket! Was the God himself feeling threatened about this “imminent” competition?!

The regret regressed little bit when I got the God sent opportunity to watch Sachin play live.

The day was 7^th February and the year was 1999. The venue was Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi. The occasion was the second test between India and Pakistan. It was the 5^th day of the test match. Pakistan was batting in their 2^nd innings. The advantage was that India was fielding and thus all players were visible on the field! And, yes, it was then that I first saw Sachin Tendulkar live! In flesh and blood, from so near that I could touch him! Yes, the God of Cricket was in front of me, playing, and I simply could not believe my luck! That day too I rushed back to Bombay of 1991. The memories of that day are so vivid that I can narrate in all details even after 13 years!

It was indeed a special day in my life! Not only for the fact that it was my first meeting with Sachin Tendulkar in person but also for the fact that Anil Kumble single-handedly demolished Pakistan with his historical 10 wickets haul in an inning! What a match it was! And what a meeting it was with the God of Cricket! And, that day too, I regretted deeply for having missed out, yet again, on seeing Sachin for four more days during the first four days of the test match; believe it or not, i did not go for the first four days of the test match as i was so-called busy with routine office work whereas actually I was wasting my cricket passes and the God’ sent lifetime opportunity!

I wonder if Sachin would remember this fan of his in red pullover and blue jeans :)

Many years have passed since then. Cricket has evolved further in India. We are the world Champions for the second time! T20 is the most popular format today. IPL is a big brand globally. India has become the super power nation as far as this sport is concerned. We may not have remained the No.1 in various formats of the game for long but India surely dominates – and dictates - the world of cricket!

In today’s times of too much cricket, I do not watch matches always. Not even when my country and my favourite players – Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni – are playing. Watching cricket matches live has also reduced drastically for me. But watching Sachin speak about his “imminent” retirement and his doubts about his availability for the next world cup gave me goose bumps! Indian cricket without Sachin? NO! The thought itself is frightening! Watching Frankly Speaking I prayed to the God for letting the God of Cricket be a part of cricket as long as possible – always, actually. I am sure even the “cricket atheists” will join me in my prayers …

And, thanks Arnab, for your wonderful chat with Sachin! You could bring out so far unseen dimensions of his personality with your superb interviewing. I especially liked your introductory comments and your concluding remarks. I am sure even Sachin is going to remember this interview for ever, when he spoke Frankly :)     

  

Mr. Buyer, please return Mahatma Gandhi's blood

At the outset, I thank you, Arnab, for bringing to our notice the most absurd auction to have ever taken place on this earth. Otherwise, our great country wouldn’t have come to know that today Mahatma Gandhi’s blood soaked soil along with a few blades of grass gathered from the site of his assassination by someone with ‘real foresight’ was bought over by a buyer with ‘equal futuristic vision’. As I had mentioned in my sms, it is the most undignified and an utterly greedy attempt to commoditize a great soul and in the process desecrate a Mahatma’s body.

India, as usual, could not prevent this most insensitive display of commercial sense in London.

I know that all things belonging to Gandhiji are immensely valuable because of the legacy attached; and because he did not possess many material things, thus, whatever little items he had on and around him, keep getting propped up at various high value auctions around the globe and sold to the highest bidder. But auctioning Mahatma’s blood soaked soil is so macabre and mindless that I took a couple of seconds to comprehend the entire issue.

The irony of the situation is that the anonymous buyer could own a piece – literally – of Mahatma Gandhi for less than 12,000 pounds! If only his intact body was preserved and now available for auction, I wonder what price the world would be ready to pay for his various body parts. Or, instead of getting a Hindu funeral by his body being consigned to fire, if Gandhiji were buried post his murder, I am sure that some “fellow with real foresight” would have dug his body out, pulled his skeleton out of his decaying muscles and hung it in a biology laboratory, and auctioned every possible piece of his body to a few enthusiastic buyers at the highest offered price! The buyers in turn could preserve their bought possessions for a few more years and get maximum returns on their thoughtful investments through auctions.

No wonder, Mahatma Gandhi is so valuable to the humanity!

But why is Mahatma Gandhi not so valuable to India? Why has India failed to preserve things related to the Mahatma? That too in spite of having legislated a law in this regard only a few years back. India for sure has adequate resources to bring back these treasures and respectfully preserve them for the future generations to see them, feel them and get inspired by them. It is time India started valuing its own heritage. Because then only the world will value India.

Gandhiji is universal in his appeal and relevance as is proven by the fact that he and his principles have inspired all the great world leaders of the contemporary times. But the same intensity of reverence is lacking amongst his own country folks and that is really unfortunate. This aspect got firmly established and exposed to the world when it took a Richard Attenborough to dedicate his film to Mahatma Gandhi; interestingly the former was a British against whose country’s rule Gandhiji had led a peaceful movement and got India its much due Independence.

A few crazy people have the argument that if we could not preserve Gandhiji and his principles in our hearts and life, what is the point lamenting the loss of his belongings including his blood in auctions. Well, to those people’s twisted sense of argument my counterpoint is that his blood cannot be grouped under his memorabilia. Why only Gandhiji’s blood, any person’s blood for that matter, or any part of the body post death has to be consecrated with full dignity and respect. In Mahatma’s case, as opined by his great granddaughter, the blood soaked soil should be bought back by the Government of India from the buyer by paying him his price – 12,000 pounds – and immersed either in an ocean or in a river.

Till then Gandhiji would keep wondering from up above the sky so high and saying in his heart, “Thanks, Arnab!” J …

Fan-tastic!

Below illustrated is the ‘anatomy of an admirer’.

Sounds like a biology class! At least it is not a lesson in “postmortem” as the admirer is still alive! …

Before you start wondering, I would like to narrate a recent incident. I was in Bhopal having dinner at the Jehan Numa Palace’s famed restaurant “Under The Mango Tree” when I saw Jaya Bachchan walk in with a few friends & relatives. Obviously all heads turned in her direction including mine but there was no pandemonium. She sat at the next table, ordered food & drinks and they started having peaceful conversations. Once the dinner was over I decided to go and talk to her which I did. I congratulated Jaya aunty for becoming a grand mother and reminded her of my previous meeting with her at the Delhi airport when she was with Amitabh uncle, Abhishek and Anil Ambani – all returning to Bombay in Anil’s private jet post her (and Anil’s) oath in the Rajya Sabha – which she, of course, did not remember but seemed to be happy talking about – and I genuinely complimented on her still maintained elegance and charm! She thanked me profusely and then I requested for a photograph with her. Jaya aunty very sweetly declined saying “it is an extremely private dinner; there are so many people around who too would like to do the same; hope you will understand and not mind … God bless you.” I understood of course and did not mind also! Three days later when I was returning to Delhi, I again saw her walk inside the airport wearing a beautiful dress looking every inch a “Guddi”! She had a bit of harried expression around her. Had she spent a few minutes around, I would have gone to her again, requesting her to pose for a picture with me – this time at a public place, giving her no opportunity to refuse! … Her departure started a discussion about this entire phenomenon called “celebrity-admirer” relationship. And I decided to pen down my thoughts. So, here I am …

Watching Jaya aunty board the aircraft to Bombay I got reminded of an article by a celebrated journalist more than half a decade back in one of the national dailies in which he (a hint!) lamented the species called “admirers” – a “fan” in popular parlance – and labeling them to be “Goodwill Hunters”! Well, he must have had his own reasons (very flimsy from his account in the piece though) but it hurt me immensely. Because I am also a fan of a very few but have never indulged into “goodwill hunting” – so far!

The “Goodwill Hunting” term hurt me because as an active person with interest in various fields I have met many a celebrities, have interacted with them, taken snaps with a few but I do not think that being a non-celebrity, I have ever tried to “hunt them down for any goodwill”! No way.

Of course, there many people who are real fanatics (fan comes from fanatics!) in their hero-worship but this kind of frenzied behavior is reserved for a select few and that too at select places – few film stars and few cricketers being amongst this coveted club! General public otherwise is so ignorant about most of the things that people – celebrities – in most of the fields other than film and cricket are not even known, forget about being recognized! Thus, the bizarre attitude of a few little known names/faces is so offending that you actually wonder at their fantasy about their own self!

Here is the disclaimer: I admire/respect many celebrities/achievers but am a “fan” of very few; they being authors (Orhan Pamuk, Shashi Tharoor), anchor (Arnab Goswami), industrialist (Ratan Tata), social leader (Anna Hazare), film star (Amitabh Bachchan), journalists (Karan Thapar, Vir Sanghvi), politicians (Rajiv Gandhi, Barack Obama), cricketers (MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar), sports (Michael Schumacher, Boris Becker) and my ultimate favorite Mahatma Gandhi! And I have never ever tried “goodwill hunting” with any of them! …

Only a couple of months back I was watching Ranbir Kapoor talk about ‘fans’ on “Frankly Speaking” on Times Now and I found his thoughts to be refreshing! He mentioned about his father’s haughty behavior towards the “approaching fans” and thus his determination as a young kid that if ever he became a celebrity he would always respect his fans because it is because of the fans that a film star is born and sustained! He sounded noble and “hat-ke” though in reality if he really practices it is yet to be confirmed…

I also find one more aspect very odd about many of the celebrities. That if you correspond with famous people (not because you want to trespass/harass but only to share your opinion on certain issues and the celebrity in question need not be from ‘your set of favorites’), they will not respond; or if they do ‘oblige’, most of the time they will not address the person with his/her name. And if they do, they will not use the expression “dear” before the name. Now, prefixing “dear” is just a civilized way of writing/replying; no fool (recipient/fan) will ever believe that he/she has become a “dear” of the personality!

Not that I blame them entirely for their strange attitude. Sometimes admirers can be really rude and unforgiving and crazy but generally they are supportive and understanding. I also realize that they are so hard pressed for time that taking time out for responding to each and every email/letter could become hugely challenging (by the way, how many such personalities would be there in this world?!). I also buy the argument that they are humans too and thus need personal space in their ever-crowded environment in which every person is out there hungry for a piece of him/her! In many instances, their own insecurities and personal troubles could be so overwhelming that they live cocooned and seldom bother to look around and savor the privileges bestowed upon them by virtue of being successful/known in their chosen field! Nevertheless, what I also understand from all this is that they clearly fail to understand the favorite-fan relationship.

This celebrity-fan relationship is very interesting. And divine. Though friends of a celebrity are often because of his/her fame, but fans are like stars in the universe: shining for him/her with ‘moral support & well-wishes’ from afar but never crossing their paths to cause eclipses like ‘planets and satellites’! This relationship is absolutely one-sided, without any kind of expectation from the more blessed one, though the latter get taken-for-granted often in this divinely unbalanced equation. And there is no “goodwill hunting”, for God’s sake!

Nevertheless, I remain a fan, forever … J

I am Anna !

Standing there at Ramlila Ground, seeing him sit straight on the stage with his trademark Anna topi, looking lovingly into the massive crowd gathered there, a thought stayed with me: how would he be feeling “being Anna”? …

It had been weighing on my conscience since Aug 16 for not being able to make it to the Ramlila Ground and pledge my support to Anna in person; I had this strong feeling of guilt that in spite of being a proponent of anti-corruption movement, I had not contributed to it in real terms. The reasons were numerous but though none being an “excuse’, I decided to do my bit. Therefore, today – 27^th Aug – I went to Ramlila Ground in the afternoon.

The moment I made the decision, a strange feeling engulfed me; I found myself very uncomfortable with the thought of being amidst that huge crowd. Even my parents were uneasy. They advised me to strictly maintain my cool unless provoked to “that” extent. I assured them that I would as I didn’t want to become a “breaking news” in front of the Indian media fraternity!

There were people all around. Getting inside the Ground took almost 20 minutes. But the security personnel were managing the queues well. People were of all age groups, with males obviously hugely dominating in numbers. There was a separate allocated space for females. People were in groups, with family members including aged parents and children, singles - from all classes and strata of society. The energy of the gathered public was amazing! Chants of Anna were being heard all over, in fact from a couple of kilometers away. Loudspeakers were blaring speeches and songs. ‘Main Anna Hoon’ – I am Anna – caps and badges were seen on almost everybody; many wearing tri-colored wrist bands and waving Indian Tri-color in numerous sizes. The mood was of extreme eagerness but of absolute hope at the same time. The reverence for Anna was palpable. The Ground resembled a place of pilgrimage!

After having stood in the “mixed” queue for almost 20 minutes, I gained entry into the Ground. My first instinct was to look for Anna! He was sitting on a raised podium at a distance. Automatically I started walking in that direction but keeping myself away from the crowd –walking at the periphery of the gathering. However, barely I had covered a few meters that suddenly I got caught in a huge sea of people, all having come inside “suddenly” – that is what it seemed then! – crushing me virtually from all sides. The scene resembled an impending stampede! And I got alert and concerned about my physical safety. But to my surprise, people – all male crowd – behaved extremely decently! No even a single person tried to show his ‘basic instincts’. And, perhaps, for the first time in my life I felt proud of my countrymen who otherwise exhibit such pathetic attitude towards women that you cannot help but hate them. To me it seemed to be the reflection of Anna in every male present there!

Another distinct feature of the Ground was the presence of media. Never before I had seen such a huge congregation of press for any event! The OB vans were parked all around the ground; television cameras and other broadcast paraphernalia were mounted inside the ground. Television channel reporters were busy reporting. I watched them work – and work hard non-stop! – with high amount of respect. If Anna could drive home his point in otherwise not-so-courageous Indian hearts, a great degree of credit goes to the Indian media which stood by him throughout and ensured that Anna’s people’s movement became stronger with every passing day. In this one name which stands out is of Arnab Goswami and his team at Times Now – Team Arnab! - they set a record of non-stop coverage of close to 300 hours (13 days) and made sure that all relevant points regarding the Jan Lokpal Bill – including doubts, concerns raised by genuine people as well as detractors – were debated with utmost sincerity and honesty with the sole purpose of putting the truth before public. And if many felt he could be rechristened as Arnab Hazare or Anna Goswami, I think that says it all! Continue your crusade, Bengali Babu Moshai J … (as called by parliamentarians!).

Parliamentary discussions were on; India’s elected representatives were meeting and debating the ‘3’ points put forth by Anna for inclusion in the Jan Lokpal Bill draft for discussion. The passing of parliamentary resolution was awaited anxiously as Anna had entered his 12^th Day of fasting. Everyone shared a deep concern for his falling health; everyone wanted the government to relent so that Anna could break his fast.

However, what was incredible was Anna’s energy level! He looked strong enough sitting there and lovingly staring into the crowd, considering the length of his non-stop fast. I tried to take a few pictures of him, and did so as well, but the sheer distance between him and me ensured I did not get any “good” photograph. However, I could get myself clicked with Anna on stage and people all around in the background and guaranteed that I had a souvenir!

I called up my parents and gave them a running commentary of the happenings at the Ground till it was announced that the parliament had passed the resolution as per Anna’s demands on the pending Jan Lokpal Bill. And the crowd erupted with ecstasy! What a moment it was! I felt blessed being a part of the history being made! My regret of not being born in the times of Mahatma Gandhi felt like regressing to a large extent! I was witnessing a watershed!

Anna with support of his team member got up and waved happily to the crowd which was now loudly cheering and chanting his name! It was a victory and it was unprecedented! Never before since the time of India’s independence, people’s power had been acknowledged in the arrogant corridors of political power! The democracy in all its essence was on display! And it was an extremely proud moment for India!

Anna proved to the world once again that Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of peaceful protests were alive and relevant even in today’s 21^st century! And he showed to the people that collectively they could bring about desired changes in society and polity of the nation! Indians looked transformed!

Words fail me to describe the event in its entirety. It was an experience of my lifetime! I kept watching the happenings both on and off the stage for some more time, soaking in the fervor and festivity! There was hope floating all around coupled with confidence about a corruption free future for all! This was in fact the “game changing” moment in Anna’s crusade against corruption! And I was simply happy to be a part of this soon-to-be-seen change!

…………

28-08-11: Anna has broken his fast today. After a couple of days in hospital (Thanks, Dr. Naresh Trehan, for looking after Anna’s health for past 13 days; please continue to take care of him even beyond his discharge from your Medanta Medicity!) he would be again on his mission for a strong Jan Lokapl Bill. As he said: the battle is only 50% won! To think that the task towards achieving the other 50% would be smooth now, as the political class has “woken up” to the reality that India needs change, is a bit naïve. Anna will have to continue his protest and sustain his self-led India Against Corruption fight along with his esteemed Team Anna and his millions of supporters – Annas! - all over the country and abroad. But one thing is clear: This time India will ensure that the Change comes - and fast! Else, Anna will fast again! ;)

I don’t have to be Paul The Octopus to predict this: if Indian politicians still fail to see the change in public mood towards them, they are going to become irrelevant soon. The foolishly arrogant attitude that they demonstrated so shamelessly for so long will have to be shed. Hubris will not take them far anymore. If they do not embrace the desired Change, then they would get changed. But the process of Change will not stop; in fact the Catalyst for Change has just got activated …

Anna, Gandhiji is smiling up there J

.……….

Tumhara naam kya hai, Kalmadi?

Tumhara naam kya hai, Kalmadi?

Don’t laugh! This is no Sholay hangover. How else do I call a person who decides to suffer from “dementia”? But I believe him when he proclaims his illness. Now does this mean that from now on he will start behaving in a certain manner befitting his state of mind – brain, I mean?

Will Suresh Kalmadi – I remember his name! – forget that he is a human being? And start behaving like an animal? Will he start using all his four limbs for locomotion? Will he start eating – carnivorous or omnivorous or a vegetarian? – and drinking – will depend on the species he chooses for himself – and sleeping like a lesser evolved creature of the animal kingdom? Also, will he wear only his integument from now on? Clothes may not find any use on him hereafter.

Should Suresh Kalmadi be kept out of his home in his present state of being? Tell me, how can humans cohabit with a non-human? How will he remember his relationships? What if he starts behaving with animal instincts? Can anybody be safe with him around? And, will not putting him within the walls of a home amount to cruelty to animal? Who is going to be ready to bear the brunt ofManeka Gandhi’s ire?

What will he do if he manages to set himself free from Tihar? Which work will be deemed suitable for him? Forget about IOA’s office, even the Parliamentdoesn’t allow any animal inside. Then, can you trust him with a cart, howsoever bullish his attitude may seem to be? Zoo? Not a bad idea! India’s future children may have the fortune to examine an extinct species from such close quarters. He will also be harmful being behind the barbs.

I have another fear. What if he forgets that he had promised to sue Times Nowfor exposing his misdeeds in organizing Common Wealth Games? And decides to hug Arnab Goswami? (Sorry, Arnab; but according to me there is a strong possibility of this happening looking into his current state of existence. So, take care.)

Now, tell me, Mr. Kalmadi, did you too have these thoughts and thus you decided to forget all about your self-inflicted selective-at-will dementia? Try some other trick next time to stay out of Tihar jail.

Wait a minute; I hear him singing loud:

“What’s my name? What’s my name? … My name is Kalmadi, Kalmadi ki jubani …”

May God Bless his soul for entertaining India’s starved sensibilities … :)

Baba Ramdev and his 5-star Satyagraha!

The setting was perfect: Ramlila Ground, therefore, it had to be high drama by the protagonist along with his protesters! …

The desire for a pie in the Anti-Corruption Movement was so intense inBaba Ramdev that no sooner Anna Hazare wound up at Jantar Mantar, the politically ambitious Baba Ramdev announced his “fast-unto-death” campaign against black money. It was bound to be interesting to see theYoga guru add another chapter to India’s crusade against corruption. There was never any doubt about his ability to mobilize his supporters - he has them in abundance - to force the Indian government to enact laws to bring back the massive amount of ill gotten money stashed away in foreign banks and tax havens abroad. Like Anna, he too was bound to get relentless media coverage. Interesting, however, was also the probable response of the Indian public to a new episode of Dharna-in-Delhi; also important was to see the handling capabilities of the government. (The issue, nevertheless, is that a stubbornly arrogant Indian government does not relent till it is forced to do so – like Anna did.) And the outcome of Baba’s so-called fast turned out to be exactly what I had envisaged!

With great difficulty Anna Hazare had succeeded in waking up the perennially sleeping Indians to stand up for their country; in my living memory it was for the first time that Indians had come out in full force to fight against corruption. It was heartening to see an average Indian - who has been otherwise quite comfortable with his/her corruption surrounded existence – adopt the word“crusade” in his/her vocabulary of daily living.

Then came Baba with a clear mission to hijack people’s platform in order to further his political aspirations – though he vehemently denies this charge. And thus the country witnessed a new look crusade being staged in an air-conditioned ambiance – all with public money snatched forcibly by Baba’s menin name of providing comforts to the congregating protesters in a “hot” Delhi!

More bizarre was the manner in which the government of India attempted to tackle it. First it tried to woo Baba by rushing senior ministers – including the finance minister! - as soon he alighted from his private jet at the Delhi airport. It seemed of be greatly wary of the sheer number of his followers. When the placating policy failed, it tried to strike a secret deal with him in the setting of a plush 5-star hotel and succeeded in getting a hand written assurance from him to stop his agitation. Baba, not satisfied with the attention he had got so far, tried to garner as much political mileage out of the event as possible and thus took au-turn on his words and decided to continue his protest. In response, when the government tried to convince the country of the patch-up by waving his letter in a press conference, Baba levied charges on the government and called it a “liar”which, as we all know by now, did not go down too well with it. Police was sent to chase away the protesters with a midnight crackdown. The scene became hugely chaotic with Media broadcasting live the mayhem. Sleeping people were forcefully evicted and even Baba was forced to flee the ground in disguise. The political theater, famously called the Theatre of the Absurds, was at it best!

By using force on peaceful protesters – though no one was injured with mild lathi-charge and tear gas shells – the government with its highly unimaginative move has inadvertently relinquished its grace and moral rights to be a proponent of aam-aadmi, and has allowed Baba to seize the opportunity to garner unwarranted credence for his campaign. And the scene of drama has shifted to Haridwar for now, with his followers openly supporting “the person” and not “the cause”. In addition, the saffron brigade hooking onto the bandwagon and trying to give it a communal hue is the most disturbing aspect. If left unchecked, it has the potential to scuttle Anna’s movement and provide chances to unscrupulous to gain undue advantages by exploiting gullible population’s sentiments.

Though in a country where corruption had long back ceased to make any“news” till Team Anna shook them up from their siesta, a hugely popular figure like Baba Ramdev taking up the cause of corruption could have strengthened civil society’s crusade, if only his intentions were genuine. On the contrary, Baba’s 5-star campaign has in fact rendered the term impotent, though temporarily. The legitimacy of the agitation has become doubtful. The seriousness of the purpose which is always the driving force behind all such movements looks to have got diluted in Baba’s case completely.

To say the least, I am happy at the developments.

I was never comfortable with Baba Ramdev’s foray into the “movement” area because his credibility as a serious campaigner for country’s cause was always a big question mark. To me he seemed to be an opportunist who wanted to ride the wave of public support and garner a footing in the political landscape of the country. I never believed him when ever he tried to proclaim his so-called detachment to politics in spite of floating a political party, his so-called philanthropic effort to cleanse the country of corruption. His claim to the cause as a co-crusader seemed illegitimate as he is known to have amassed massive wealth the sources of which are still unknown. And then his attempt at redefining the way to conduct a campaign: 5-star Satyagraha! I am sure Mahatma Gandhi must be amused up there!

The contrast between Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev could not have been starker!

Though I do not believe in public display of sentiments, nevertheless, I pledge my full support to Team Anna and promise to be on fast in solidarity – at home and in office due to professional compulsions – the next time they embark on their fast protest for the Lokpal Bill. …

.........................................................................................................................

P.S.: Let’s not forget that in today’s times of crusades, the one entity which deserves the maximum credit for initializing it in India is the Media, especiallyArnab Goswami at Times Now who with his courageous campaigns against corruption forced the government to relent and act and inspired the activists like Anna Hazare! …

Anna, India is with you in your fast-unto-death-of-corruption! And we love your Annagiri!

Today I feel proud as an Indian. Because today I believe that we Indians can stand up, stand up for ourselves. It’s always frustrating and annoying to see India hugely comfortable with everything corroding the very foundations of our great nation – corruption being the most corrosive of all malaise. But today I am sensing an assurance about the scent of change having reached our shores, finally, and that we will see the Change we want.

And the credit is Anna Hazare’s! It is immensely satisfying to see Indians, young Indians especially, respond to Anna’s call of fight against corruption and be with him, in real space and time and in the virtual domain as well. From Jantar Mantar in Delhi to Facebook, Twitter and Blogs in the social media, Indian youth is pledging support to this modern day Mahatma. And whoever said Gandhigiri was dead and ineffective in today’s times should see Anna reinvent it for India once again as Annagiri!

Only a couple of months back, 27^th Jan’11 to be precise, I had expressed my views on “India Poised for Revolution??? It is High Time …”. It was upon seeing India’s and Indian Media’s shocking indifference to the then ongoing movement in Tunisia and Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle-East.

Without repeating my views, I simply put the link here in case you want to read my point of view.

http://anjuchandel.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/india-poised-for-revolution-its-high-time/

Nevertheless, I would like to enumerate a few important points.

First, the current activism against corruption in India is direct fallout of the success of Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions. I am happy that the unfolding events in the Middle East could succeed in inspiring us Indians - finally. And we are indebted to “India Against Corruption” campaign coupled with Anna Hazare’s peaceful protest in form of fast.

It was the success of people’s revolution in Egypt and Tunisia and the revolt in Libya besides in Bahrain, Yemen and elsewhere that ignited minds of a few credible social activists like Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi and the germination of the “idea of revolution” in form of a forum called “India Against Corruption”. The support to this initiative was huge and immediate – on Facebook especially, which, frankly, was a bit surprising to me as I had always believed that Indians lacked the spine to stand for themselves and their country.

Second, the role of Indian Media has to be given its due credit. The fact that Anna Hazare’s “fast-unto-death” protest has become such a hit and has created such a sensation and furor in the political and public arena is because the Indian media – television in particular – took it up wholeheartedly. Through their non-stop coverage, Media is once again reiterating its own campaign against cancerous corruption.

Do not forget that the real crusade against the chronic gangrene called corruption was in effect initiated by Time Now’s shocking exposes about monumental levels of wrongdoings in the Commonwealth Games preparations which had the maximum impact. The channel sustained its relentless and fearless coverage in spite of immense pressure from all “concerned” to stop it from doing the same. The actual credit at Times Now – rather in the Media – of course, is of Arnab Goswami’s who has been the real crusader who spearheaded the media movement against corruption with his sheer courage. His forceful ways led the other Media houses to adopt his ways of news reporting which started a viral in “nail the corrupt” campaigns on various news channels. I greatly admire his guts to take the all powerful systems head on and put enough pressure on the government to ACT through his relevant and strong debates.

And to all those courage-less cynics who are maliciously labeling the increasing uproar as "media created" drama, that I am proud of my Media as they are doing just what they are supposed to do: act as the 4th Estate of our functional Democracy!

Thus, to tell truthfully, I have full faith in the fact that Anna’s movement will continue to gain momentum and will become so big and inclusive and encompassing that the otherwise deliberately deaf-dumb government will feel its serious heat soon. In fact it has already started being felt. Sharad Pawar had to step down from the GoM on corruption. However, it is just an eyewash but not insignificant, to say the least. He should, as Anna said, resign from the ministry as well because only a few cabinet members can match him in managing corruption to suit his personal gains! And not only him; all politicians – ministers or not a minister yet – are utterly corrupt and, therefore, do not have the moral right to be on the panel. The forum has to have credible civil society members from all walks of life.

But what is perplexing is the foolish attitude of the government of India towards handling this issue. Their defiance is going to further and seriously erode whatever credibility they are left with. In stead of sounding and acting arrogant, the GOI should have immediately called a cabinet meeting and would have constituted a special committee inviting Anna Hazare – rather met him at the Jantar Mantar – and his fellow revolutionaries for sincere and honest discussions, leading to final drafting of the Lokpal Bill. Special session of the Parliament should have been called and the Bill should have been passed. Because, one thing is written on the wall: there is no going back now; Lokpal Bill has to be finalized in the required manner and passed ASAP.

Finally, to repeat myself, I feel proud of my India today because finally we have woken up against the gangrene of corruption. And we have Anna Hazare to thank for waking up a historically and perennially sleeping India from its comfort-cocoon as far as corruption is concerned. From being labeled as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, we have to demonstrate that we are capable of cleansing the systems including our physical system – remember, it is infamously said that corruption has got embedded in the DNA of Indians!

I am 100% sure that Anna's crusade will become watershed in rewriting India's destiny. And Jantar Mantar, as is being said, has already become India's Tahrir Square. We just have to sustain our steam and free India of all its ills. Its time ...

It’s time the GOI also woke up to the harsh political and social realities and listen to the growing chorus of India against corruption and forgo its inability coupled with unwillingness to handle this situation with integrity and honesty. Otherwise, they will repent soon because India is not going to take their corruption-tainted autocratic and arrogant ways anymore. We will take this crusade against corruption to its final conclusion. After all, we have the fundamental right to a corruption-free life!

It’s time for Change, Change towards a corruption-free India! … From being an “Invertebrate India” we have to reclaim being an “Incredible India”!

It’s Time …

Anna, carry on your fast-unto-death-of-corruption! India is with you, Anna J