Nagpurians against corruption

NAGPUR: The clarion call given by Anna Hazare against corruption is resounding in Nagpur too. Earlier during his fast unto death stir, some citizens had taken out rallies and announced their unconditional support for the cause. However, now they have decided to launch a crusade against corruption on sustained basis.

People generally tend to enjoy their weekends either by hanging out with friends or catching up with the latest movies running in theatres. But some alert citizens of the city decided to utilize it in a novel way for a noble cause. The members of Indian Against Corruption (IAC) launched a drive on Saturday at Futala lake to spread awareness against anti-corruption.

They distributed pamphlets, stickers and badges to create awareness against corruption. Many people including college going students, doctors, lawyers, professionals, and bank employees showed zeal in allowing IAC Nagpur chapter members to stick stickers with the slogan "I am Anna Hazare - Stop Corruption" on their vehicles. But as usual lack of awareness and interest was evident when many four-wheeler drivers sped away. This did not deter the members and they pledged to continue their fight against corruption by drawing inspiration from social activist Hazare.


Three post graduate students of Nagpur University - Juhi Rai, Neelam Panjani and Archana Shinde - expressed concern over rampant corruption in every government office. They said it was unfortunate that people facing corruption charges were supporting Anna Hazare's agitation.

They further pointed out that people should fight against corruption to save the country. They called upon the youth to do their bit to curb the menace.

Not only students, but also teachers were seen actively participating in the drive to create awareness. A professor from Ramdevbaba Kamla Nehru Engineering College, Rajesh Raut, also took part in the campaign. He was seen explaining the nuances of Lokpal Bill. "If this Bill comes into force, the politicians won't be able to buy votes. I am the one who is being cheated, so I should take up the fight against corruption and campaign for Jan Lokpal Bill," he was found explaining this to many passersby.

Raut told TOI that it is the responsibility of every citizen to fight against corruption. Adman, Sanjay Arora, and Janmanch secretary, Rajiv Jagtap, who were present there, said that it is high time that all should stand up and fight against corruption.

About the response, Arora said though the response is not high, the activists are not disheartened as each brick slowly builds a house.

Ajay Singhi of IAC Nagpur chapter said the drive was launched across 200 cities in the country. It is a part of the national movement led by anti-corruption crusader for enacting a strong anti-corruption law in the form of Jan Lokpal Bill at the Centre and Jan Lokayukta Bill in the States. The entire country, including Nagpur, has supported the movement in a big way, said another member Ram Kumar Dubey.

Anup Dave, another active member of the chapter appealed to the people to join the movement by visiting the website - . He said that they can also follow the movement in facebook and twitter. Besides this, the IAC Nagpur is going to organize similar programmes outside government offices, said Singhi.