Dabbawalas take a break,hit streets

As many as 800 dabbawallas participated in the march ,shouting slogans and waving the Tricolour.

“We are here to show that we are in full support of this movement. There are 5,000 dabbawallas in the city and we have stopped work for a day to show our support for Anna Hazare. We want the government to get serious in the fight against corruption,” said Sopan Mare of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association.

The 800-strong dabbawallas sang Marathi bhajans at Azad Maidan as the crowd cheered them on. However,number of Anna’s supporters seemed relatively less as compared to the past three days. Dwindling numbers on a holiday did not dim the spirit of the anti-graft crusaders who raised slogans demanding a strong Jan Lokpal Bill.

Police estimates said the number of protesters had reduced. “There were about 5,000 protesters at Azad Maidan on Friday. The number was a little less as compared to the other three days,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajnish Seth.

There were only those who took it upon themselves to ensure that the voice of the masses reaches New Delhi. Employees of Falguni Investments in Fort printed 10,000 postcards with the names and addresses of cabinet ministers and parliamentarians.

“We want people to send their names and messages supporting the Jan Lokpal Bill and Anna Hazare to everyone in power in New Delhi. It is then that they will realise that this movement has been started by the masses and will succeed,” said Sunil Darji (33) an employee of the firm.

Two nine-year-old boys decided to do their bit to support the cause. The boys—Hardik Boricha and Shubh Gohil—roller-skated to Azad Maidan from Byculla. “We want to help Anna in his crusade against graft,” said Hardik.

The protesters have planned a slew of events for the weekend. They have organised several rallies in the city.

“On Saturday,a special train called Jan Lokpal train will start from Borivali station at 10:57 am and will ferry those who want to attend the protest at Azad Maidan. We are also requesting all those who will participate in the protest to tie black ribbons on their arms to show their support for the movement,” said Mayank Gandhi,co-ordinator of India Against Corruption.