After social activist Anna Hazare become a household name across the country, a textile wholesaler in Surat has placed a bulk order for saris, each carrying an embroidered image of Anna.
Since Hazare is considered to be a symbol of honesty and truthfulness, the manufacturer is not selling the sarees to make money, but to lend full support to Hazare.
"Anna Hazare has become a household name in this country. He is the epitome of truthfulness. So, we thought of imprinting Hazare's photographs on sarees. If women are seen wearing these sarees, people will think that they support Anna Hazare. If these women wear these sarees to their offices, people should know that these women are against corruption. We do not have any motive of doing business; this is just our way of supporting Anna Hazare," said Nimesh Jiyani, a saree manufacturer.
The sarees are a rage, especially among housewives, since they feel that this is another way of expressing solidarity with the anti-corruption campaigner.
"We are wearing these sarees to spread a message to all people who see us that we are against corruption and we support Hazare. Anna Hazare is doing a lot for our country. He is the first person who has sacrificed so much for this country. These sarees that we are wearing might influence the thinking of the people who see us. They would know that we are against corruption and we are associated with Anna Hazare," said Nimita Saini.
Many of them felt that wearing Hazare-inspired clothing would influence the thinking of other people, strengthening Hazare's fight against corruption.
"Generally, housewives are not given much importance. We also want to do what Anna Hazare has done, but it is not in our capacity to do as much. We have to take care of our families, so we can't help Anna Hazare in the way we want to. But as a housewife, if I wear clothes, which depict Anna Hazare, then I consider myself very fortunate. I also feel that by wearing these sarees, I am supporting Anna Hazare," said Kripa Chandera.