Ahimsa in new avatar has students hooked

PUNE: Who would have thought that youngsters growing up in the time of aggressive commercialism would see a day when they would be humbled by an old man's belief in dogged protest? But as thousands of youngsters spontaneously take to the streets of Pune chanting "Anna Anna Anna", the feeling that in non-violence lies the real power, is growing fast and steady.
As the tiny old man in the Gandhi cap gives this nation fresh lessons in history, the youngsters have remained emphatic in their stand against corruption and their support to Anna Hazare.
"If we use violence, we will lose the battle. This defeat will be on all grounds, including practical and moral. We have to carry on the agitation in a non-violent manner," said student Harsh Pendharkar. "Had we not seen this agitation, we would not have realised the power of 'ahimsa' (non-violence)."
Tanmay Deshpande, another student, said if the agitation turns violent, it may go on the lines of the recent revolutions in other countries and will be harmful for democracy. "If we witness a violent protest like Egypt, then it will lead to anarchy in the country. It will create problems for all, including the common people, so we should avoid violent protests."
"We are living in times where many things need to change. For example, a pizza reaches a house earlier than an ambulance in our country. We want changes that will have a social impact and thus we have joined the agitation. The power of this movement is that it is a peaceful agitation," said Devika Phansalkar, another student.
Shantanu Bhide is part of the agitation only because it is a non-violent protest. "In recent years, we have seen agitations at the state and national levels which have had an element of violence. It is hard for us to relate to them," he said.
"A couple of years ago, we would not have believed that an agitation without violence could be successful. But we are experiencing it today," said Gayatri Mahatekar.
Nikhil Kalekar pointed out that some past agitations have failed because they were based on the violent school of thought. "Though the cause of these agitations was right, the mode was wrong. But Anna's agitation is correct on all fronts. It is for a good cause and has no violence attached. Thus, it is finding support from people from all walks of life," he said.
"Even our parents are not holding us back or asking us why we are part of this protest. Had it been a violent agitation, most of us would have faced opposition from family and friends," said Shubhankar Date, who was participating in the India Against Corruption (IAC) agitation at the Balgandharva chowk.
With the growing response to the agitation, the police on Thursday put up barricades around the chowk to accommodate the increasing crowd. The volunteers extended a helping hand to the police to manage the crowd and keep the agitation disciplined. More than 6,000 people - comprising college and school students - have expressed their support to Hazare by raising patriotic slogans and keeping the enthusiasm alive with patriotic songs.
The youth are viewing the agitation not only as the fight of citizens for their rights, but also as a protest that will enhance the country's image. As Vishal Apte put it, "If we mange to solve such issues with peaceful public participation, it will strengthen our image as a democratic nation."