- Youngsters don’t know or don’t care about Gandhian’s anti-graft fast
A.S.R.P. MUKESH
Ranchi, April 8: It seems the capital is almost happy asking “Anna, who?”
Barring a few crusaders such as city doctor R.K. Jaiswal who began his “indefinite fast” at Albert Ekka Chowk today, Ranchi is largely blase even as Gandhian Anna Hazare’s fast-unto-death protest against all-pervasive corruption reaches its fourth day today at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Ironically, numerous scams have crawled out of the capital’s woodwork in 10 years of Jharkhand’s existence.
Even youths are mum when it’s time to stand up and be counted. Just a week ago, the city had gone berserk, shouting its lungs out for local hero M.S. Dhoni. Youngsters had zipped on bikes flaunting Tricolours, painting their faces.
Now, the biggest difference is their indifference.
“I have my exams next month,” Sudhir Kumar, a BCom student of Marwari College, excused himself.
Some simply don’t know or care.
A group of giggling girls from St Xavier’s went mum, while some shopped for cosmetics. “Yes, we’ve heard the name but don’t know what he is fighting for,” said Mahek Kumari, a first-year student.
Over a dozen students’ unions in the city which often gherao colleges and universities on corruption-based issues were oblivious to events at Jantar Mantar. “Tomorrow is our foundation day, so we are busy,” said Kumar Raja, state president of National Students’ Union of India.
Few scattered groups, mostly of senior citizens, took out rallies. ABVP members held a placard march.
“If you wait for others to join you, you can’t start anything,” Jaiswal said.
“Many youths don’t know how to begin,” said Father J.P. Pinto, principal of St Albert College at Karbala road. Pinto approached cradles such as St Xavier’s and St John’s for today’s march but they didn’t take much interest.
Professor P.C. Choudhary, head of sociology department of Ranchi University, said youths had different priorities. “Youths in Ranchi are aspirational. Dhoni’s success, movies, film stars and such things are their dreams, not social activism,” he said.
Some social workers whom The Telegraph tried contacting, were either travelling or busy with other assignments. “I’ll wait today. If nothing positive comes out of Annaji’s ongoing protest, we will also plan a movement in front of Raj Bhavan,” social activist Balram, adding “I’m also observing a fast.”
Dayamani Barla of Adivasi Moolwasi Astitva Raksha Manch said: “We have other priorities as Ranchi is reeling under encroachment-related tension, rehab issues, et al. But, our support is with Anna.” Indeed.
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