IITians in Canada observe day-long fast for Anna Hazare

Toronto: IITians in Canada went on a day-long fast here on Wednesday in support of Anna Hazare's crusade for a tougher Lokpal Bill to combat corruption in India.

Members of the IIT Alumni Canada (IITAC) observed fast in their corporate offices and working places.

"We didn't gather at one place in a demonstration. Dozens of us observed the fast in our offices in our individual way. In all, 56 IITians, their spouses and friends were involved in this gesture in support of Anna Hazare's crusade,'' Chander Dhawan, former president of IITAC, told the sources.

He said, "IITians are very happy that Hazare has begun a revolution in India. We are demonstrating our support to his efforts to eradicate corruption from India's public institutions. Though he has ended his fast, only a part of the problem has been addressed. Now we need to support Hazare to get the law enacted and implemented in its true spirit.''

Describing IITs as India's best brand, Dhawan said, "By fasting, we IITians in Canada want to uphold leadership position we have taken on issues impacting India's public life. Arvind Kejriwal, who is involved with Anna Hazare's campaign, is a proud IITian who played a crucial role in ushering the right to information (RTI) Act in India.

"You may also recall Satyendra Dubey of IIT Kanpur who gave his life in his quest for not allowing corruption in the construction of India's national highway.''

The Canadian IITians said, "We understand that this awakening is just the beginning with many obstacles, including resistance from the current generation of politicians. But we are confident that right thinking Indians with the support of Indo-Canadian Diaspora will continue the struggle till India can hold its head high among the nations of the world with high standards of governance. Let the old India with high moral fibre re-emerge.''

The Canadian IITians are sending a signed memorandum to Kejriwal in support of Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption. IANS