After numerous requests from Indians settled in the United States, social activist Anna Hazare will be visiting the USA to participate in the annual India Day Parade that is held in New York by the Indian diaspora. Mr Hazare has been invited by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) to preside over the event as a guest of honour, and is also expected to attend a dinner hosted by Indian-American politicians.
Bishambar Choudhary, a close aide and activist who will be accompanying Mr Hazare, confirmed the visit, but stated that the schedule was yet to be decided. The annual event is held on August 18, and this year, will begin at Madison Avenue, and end at E 23th Street.
Mr Choudhary said that Mr Hazare has been very popular in the US, ever since his anti-corruption movement brought the Congress coalition to its knees, forcing the government to initiate a process to bring the Lokpal Bill in Parliament. “There are five to six groups that are in contact with us, and have invited Anna to go there and speak. We can’t go for all those meetings, so we will decide later, and only attend those that are absolutely necessary,” he added. The US, according to him, is very enthusiastic about Mr Hazare, as they want to know how he led such a massive movement without any violence, and how India remains peaceful despite its diversity.
Among other programmes that Mr Hazare may attend, there is a dinner by Nikki Haley, Governer of South Carolina and an Indian-American, in honour of him. However, sources said that the programme is still tentative.
Sanjay Amin, president of the FIA, said he was impressed by Mr Hazare, and wanted the crusader to share his views on the Indians based in the US. “I have never seen such a simple, unassuming man ever. When we asked him what his preferences are, he said he didn’t want hotel food, but just home-cooked meals,” said Mr Amin.