Anna keeps Gulf Indians hooked on to TV

They exchanged a string of messages and twitters across social media websites mostly hailing the septuagenarian's exploits and how it has caught the imagination of Indians from all walks of life.

Some even skipped the IPL inaugural ceremony to keep a tab on the result of negotiations taking place between Anna Hazare's representatives and government officials.

Since Friday is the official holiday across the region, it was convenient for the large number Indian community to watch the proceedings.

"It is a step ahead for the politically corrupt India and an effort that has the potential to make history that can be harnessed to a large extent," said psychologist, counselor and blogger Hajra Khatoon.

"What remains to be seen is whether the bill, if passed, has a practical effect in a country like India," she added. According to Khatoon, this is the next big challenge for the country that has to be surmounted if India has to sustain its progress.

There were some skeptics as well. Vaidya, a grocery store worker in Abu Dhabi said as a nation we overreact on such matters and don't look at it rationally.

"The entire media has started worshipping Anna whereas it is not about an individual but the entire system," he said adding that as soon as the dust settles, things will go back to normal.

Others though were struggling to voice their opinion. Jaweed M Masehuddin, a Saudi-based Indian wrote on a usergroup email. "My all support to him (Anna Hazare) for this cause. Need to know how to show our support, is there any website?"

Kailash, another user on the group said it is worthwhile for     people in India to take to the streets against corruption under the leadership of Anna Hazare.

"As true citizens of India this is the right time to extend our support to this campaign. I strongly support Anna Hazare and wish that people around the world will join hands with him to force the government to pass the Jan Lok Pal Bill."

Gulf Indians though heaved a sigh of relief when it was announced late in the evening that Anna Hazare will be breaking the fast next morning.