Celebrations at India Gate

Lodhi and her family came to support Hazare since they had been “first-hand victims of corruption”. “We were robbed of over Rs 20,000 when we sold our shop. The promised amount was never given to us,” she said.

Srinath Nandini (73),a UP-based farmer,said he will spend another week in the Capital. “I did not fast as I am old. But I have been standing all day; it is my way of showing support.”

Many like Ashwini Mahite,a student of Delhi University,were disappointed that they could not catch a glimpse of their hero. “We owe him a few hours of rest. How can I be disappointed today? I have lived to see this revolution,” said the English (Hons) student.

A few in the crowd had flown down to India to join,what they called,“the revolution”.

“I came here straight after landing. It has been an amazing experience,living in Jantar Mantar for the last few days. I have met so many people from different walks of life here,made so many new friends and found a hero in Anna Hazare,” said Kaveri Dutt,who came from Bangkok to join Anna.

78-year-old Ashok Dewre from Jalgaon,Maharashtra,chose to give the India Gate assembly a miss. “My work is done. I have hope that the sacrifices — Anna’s and ours — will not go waste,” said Dewre after breaking his fast.