Lokpal campaign: Battle not over for this freedom fighter

Eighty-year-old freedom fighter and Congress leader Gour Hari Das wants to go to Delhi and join Anna Hazare’s team.

But because of his ill health, he has to extend support from here itself. When he sees people on television spilling on the streets and chanting slogans against corruption, it reminds him of his freedom struggle days.

“I am happy that the youth are taking part in the movement. Youth have the power to change the nation’s face,” said Gour Hari Das.

“I express my support to Anna even though I am from the Congress. The nation has got freedom but its people are still waiting for social and financial freedom. It is sad thing but it’s not too late to raise the issue. Anna’s agitation is a ray of hope now,” said Gour Hari Das.

Because he can’t go, he is encouraging other people to go to Delhi.

“I am advising other people to support Anna so that the fight against corruption will continue. People are fed up of corruption,” he said.

Das has got a taste of corruption.

During his grandson’s admission, the college administration demanded Rs70,000 through middlemen. “They told me that time has changed. Without kickback, nothing happens, even paper does not move from one table to another. Frustrated, I came back home,” said Das.

But he is confident that if the government implements a strong Lokpal Bill, corruption will diminish.

“If we will not do it today, the next generation will suffer. Not for you, but for our children and grand children, we should come out of our safe nutshell. I am happy that the movement is non-violent that reminds me of Gandhiji movement,” said the freedom fighter.m