Anna Hazare’s Fight for Change Has Inspired Millions of Indians

Millions of Indians are questioning power’s corrupting influence, after Anna Hazare, 74, launched a hunger strike this week. His demand: parliamentary consideration of a bill to establish an ombudsman’s office for investigating and punishing corrupt politicians and government employees. “Archaic laws, designed for autocratic, colonial rulers with no accountability (yes, blame the British for everything) have been retained and abused to the hilt by the current politicians,” writes novelist Chetan Bhagat in an essay for the Guardian. “Power talks; truth and justice are often crushed. We remain a poor country, despite having world-class talent and ample natural resources.” Anna had pressed for the bill in April; the government since responded with a weak bill that covers a tiny fraction of government workers. So after Anna renewed his call this week, the government arrested him and then tried to release him. He refuses to go, as social media unites rural farmers and university studies in supporting a bill that could change Indian politics. – YaleGlobal