Anna Hazare’s rallying cry against corruption in Indian politics has resonated among Indians across the globe – like Singapore-based Rajen Makhijani who took leave and flew to Delhi to join the fast.

By Sunaina Anand

More than half a century ago, a slight and humble non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Durban, South Africa, led India to Independence. He empowered Indians to fight against injustice and filled them with hope, pride and love for the nation. Today that man – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - is one of the most revered figures globally.

Many decades later it was time for another freedom struggle, freedom from the throes of corruption, freedom of the people from the discrimination meted out to them at the hands of ruthless leaders. And the man to do this was another Gandhian – Anna Hazare.

Both had spotless reputations, both were Spartan in their habits and diminutive in size. But their minds were towering, capable of toppling the mighty. One began his struggle as a non-resident Indian (NRI) the other has roused the Indian diaspora like no other Indian leader after Gandhi.
Such has been the appeal of Hazare that even well-established NRI professionals who are seldom affected by the political sleaze of India have rallied to the cause. A well-heeled banker from Hong Kong made headlines recently when he took time off from work to join Hazare’s fast but he wasn’t the only one. Anecdotal evidence points to many like him. Singapore-based Rajen Makhijani, is one shining example.

More - Read the eMagazine

You've been reading an edited version of an article from the India Se magazine. To read the latest edition of the complete magazine - click here. (The eMagazine opens in a new window and runs on Flash 8)

or Subscribe to the Print Edition of India Se Magazine

You can subscribe to the Print Edition of the magazine for just S$48 for the whole year (save 20% off the retail price if you order online)..