Crusaders of a change... part 2

Social activism is a territory that only the brave hearts foray in. Sabrina lal, sister of slain model Jessica lal, did it more out of necessity than choice. Her sister had been murdered because she refused to serve alcohol after permitted time. All evidence was tampered and the culprit was acquitted by a lower court. But, she didn’t lose hope and took adversities in her stride. Though the verdict is out now, her determination to get justice and to put a brave show against all odds is what makes her exemplary. Her battle is not only against her sister’s murderer, but against this corrupt system where some big bucks is all it takes for a criminal to walk away scot free. This incident and Sabrina’s battle for justice awakened the conscience of the entire nation to stand up and take notice of this brutal episode. Any other commoner would have stumbled to such political pressure, but Sabrina decided to take the police and other authorities to task. With the public by her side, she appealed against the lower court ruling which was later found faulty. She has proved that even though justice might be delayed, but in no circumstances should it be denied.

Sabrina’s struggle brought together people from all walks of life to protest against a defective system which hands out power to the rich and influential. Had it not been for Sabrina’s constant mêlée, another case would have been closed on account of lack of evidence or any other pretext just to satisfy the whims and fancies of some money loaded honcho.

Sabrina brought to the fore the negligence on part of the corrupt authorities. She has proved to be a worthy example for the women of today.

Crusaders of a change...

Anna Hazare- my hero

It is no hidden fact that India is a country tainted by spots of corruption. But as the Father of the nation has said, “The history of the world is full of men who rose to leadership, by sheer force of self-confidence, bravery and tenacity.” And yet again, a Gandhian rose for a cause known, seen and experienced by many, but firmly addressed by none - corruption. Anna Hazare, fought against all odds and united the nation against this corrupt system where some big bucks is all it takes for a criminal to walk away scot free, while the poor are compelled to spend their lives in misery, awaiting justice- which is often delayed and denied.

“People grow old only by deserting their ideals, Macarthur had written. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope as old as your despair.” Padma Bhushan Anna Hazare, 81 personifies these lines. His age or deteriorating health couldn’t mar his enthusiasm to go on a fast unto death, campaigning for passing a stronger anti-corruption Lokpal bill in the Indian Parliament.

‘India against corruption’- the campaign soon spread like wildfire across the nation with thousands coming out in support. People thronged Jantar Mantar- the Mecca for protests, organized similar campaigns in other states and in a matter of a few days, a frail looking figure was now looked up as ‘the next Gandhi’. People left their strands of complacency and stepped out of their houses to put a halt to the unending sagas of corruption, crimes and scams.

Anna Hazare, is a crusader against injustice and a youth icon as well. This is evident in support pouring in for him through social networking sites. The youth identify with his ideals, which guarantee the nation is in safe hands.

The most remarkable feature about Anna Hazare is that he doesn’t have any political allegiance. The movement has brought recognition to an unsung hero, whose constant mêlée against corruption can alter the destiny of millions.  The entire nation salutes Mr. Hazare for being a clean leader, who will hopefully live up to expectations to put the nation on the map of development.