Ignoring the continuous rains, thousands of people gathered at Azad Maidan on Sunday to celebrate the victory of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, and to cheer the 17 supporters who had been fasting for 290 hours in Mumbai. These die-hard supporters, Mumbaikars feel, have now emerged “heroes”.
Celebrations to the hilt replaced days of protests at Azad Maidan, and the euphoria reached a crescendo when the Gandhian accepted a glass of coconut water. Sporting Anna caps, T-shirts and waving the tricolour, people were seen heading towards Azad Maidan. Braving the heavy rains, people from all ages, including elders and women, assembled at the ground chanting “Bharat mata ki jai” and “Vande mataram”.
Minutes after Mr Hazare broke his fast in New Delhi, the 17 persons who were staging fast too broke theirs by drinking boiled jaggery water, and expressed their elation along with the volunteers of India Against Corruption. Dr Ratna Magotra (64), a cardiac surgeon and one of the 17, is glad their efforts bore fruit.
“I feel very proud. If the country needs, I will pitch in again,” she said.
Those on fast were offered a can of ghee, after which everyone sang the national anthem. The volunteers of Tarun Mitra Mandal have announced a special dinner next Sunday for those who were fasting.
Others present at the ground also expressed their jubilation: “A war with non-violent means can only be won in India,” said Zahir Merchant (23), one of Mr Hazare’s supporters.