For children, Anna Hazare a 'Second Gandhi'

The children, who witnessed Hazare ending his 97-hour fast, later said the Jantar Mantar experience was an unforgettable one.

As the 73-year-old Gandhian non-violent campaigner and anti-corruption crusader took a few sips of the fruit juice offered to him by a little girl, the school kids danced with joy along with their teachers and parents.

Hazare ended his fast after the government's declaration that it would introduce in parliament a more stringent anti-graft law, which will be drafted by a 10-member committee that also includes civil society representatives.

Hundreds pf schoolchildren were simply overawed by the scenes because they were witnessing history similar to what they have only read in their text books.

"I have read that Gandhi was great, but I could never see him. I didn't know who was Anna Hazare, but now I call him my Gandhi,"  Subah Saluja, a Class 11 student from St. Michael's School, told IANS at Jantar Mantar.

"After seeing what Anna has achieved I've learnt that if you have the courage and determination, you can take on anything in this world. He will be an inspiration for many; he is the Gandhi of our times," added the girl, whose parents admitted that it was Subah who brought them to Jantar Mantar.

Children from around half a dozen different city schools had converged at Jantar Mantar with posters, banners and tricolours supporting Hazare's agitation.

They paraded around in groups, raised slogans and danced to drum beats. Renu Jain from the Blue Bells Public School in Gurgaon, praised Anna's Gandhian way of protesting and pledged to be a better citizen.

"If he can go on a fast for us at this age, can't we be better citizens for our country," said an emotional Jain overwhelmed by the experience.

"He is my grandfather's age and I am proud that people selfless and strong like him are still there in our country. I have pledged that from now on I'll be a more responsible and aware citizen," added the Class 9 student.

The success of Hazare instilled confidence in many of the students who agreed that in a country like ours one has to raise one's voice to get things done and that one cannot be critical yet complacent.

"It's not about sitting back, but doing something to change things around you," said Aakanksha Aggarwal, a Class 6 student from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya.