New Delhi, Aug 19: It was just a matter of time before Anna Hazare could cross the realms of Indian psyche and become a rage in global media. His battle against corruption in the world’s largest democracy has not only made him a darling of the byte-hungry Indian media but also ensured that he is being seen as the next big Indian leader in the mould of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda.
Here are some of the excerpts from what the various international newspapers think of Anna and his protest fast that has brought India to a standstill:
The Guardian:
Hazare has tapped a deep vein of resentment in India at the endemic graft, both petty and large scale that successive administrations have either fuelled or failed to tackle.
The spontaneous outbreak of public support is a matter of deep concern for Mr Singh’s administration.
The economy may be booming but a hunger strike by Anna Hazare is feeding public anger against political and state corruption.
Mr Hazare, a 73-year-old social activist…has become an anti-corruption icon by channeling the tactics of freedom fighter Mohandas K Gandhi.
Their tenacity has caught officialdom off-guard, and no one can say for sure where it will all end.
Anna Hazare has quickly become a 21st century Mahatma Gandhi inspiration for millions of Indians fed up with rampant corruption, red tape and inadequate services provided by the state despite the country posting near-double digit economic growth for almost a decade.
Hazare has struck a nerve with millions of Indians by demanding tougher laws against corruption.
His arrest shocked many in a country with strong memories of Gandhi’s independence battles against colonial rule with fasts and non-violent protests.
Anna Hazare’s ordeal has struck a chord with Indians fed up with rampant corruption. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through cities across the country to show their support for his demand for a revised government reform bill, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused Hazare of trying to circumvent democracy.
