A Mumbai-based couple, currently working in Hong Kong, flew down to the city in order to support social activist Anna Hazare’s movement for a strong Jan Lokpal bill. “We have been tracking the scenario in India for a very long period and were moved by Mr Hazare’s call to curb corruption. I took an emergency leave from office and reached Mumbai to support the cause,” said Shailesh Saraf, vice-president of an investment bank.
Mr Saraf and his wife Lucky, a chartered accountant in a multinational firm in Hong Kong, have been part of the agitation at Azad Maidan since Tuesday. Mr Saraf is also part of the India Against Corruption’s (IAC) media wing that circulates SMSs updating Mumbaikars about the agitation.
“I have been fasting since Tuesday and am also updating Mumbaikars about the rallies and marches that are being conducted in the city. It feels like we are part of the second freedom struggle and this gives us immense joy,” said Mr Saraf.
The couple is impressed with the governance in Hong Kong, and wants the same to be implemented in the country. “Hong Kong too was corrupt, until the people set up a strong anti-corruption body after people took to the streets and agitated. At present, Hong Kong is the least corrupt place in the world,” said Mr Saraf.
When asked what brought them here, Mr Saraf’s wife echoed his views, “The scenario in Hong Kong is different. The quality of life is better as there is no corruption. We want the same to happen in India.” The husband-wife duo, originally from Girgaum, believes that this movement will yield positive results for the nation. “We want to eventually settle down in Mumbai and this only encourages us to be a part of the agitation,” Lucky said. “The people’s version of the Jan Lokpal bill has the power to eradicate corruption and it will definitely help the common man,” Mr Saraf said.