Thaindian News

Chennai, Aug 19 (IANS) S. Sujatha, the only woman among the nearly 40 people on an indefinite fast here in support of Anna Hazare’s demand for a strong anti-corruption law, continued her fast for fourth day, saying it was the citizens’ duty to involve themselves in national affairs.

“Indian citizens cannot outsource the future of the nation to rulers alone every five years and remain silent. They have to involve themselves actively in the affairs of the nation,” the 40-year-old Sujatha, a a director in a business process outsourcing (BPO) company, told IANS.

Sujatha, mother of a 18-year-old daughter, is the only woman amongst the 37 in the fast organised by India Against Corruption (IAC),

Her husband T.A.P.Srinath was on fast along with her Tuesday and Wednesday but had to abandon it.

“He had to withdraw on health grounds,” she said.

Though feeling fatigued after four days of fasting, Sujatha is upbeat of continuing with her protest till the nation gets a strong anti corruption law.

“Every Indian is a victim of bribery. I had to pay bribe to a government official to get a legal heir certificate after the death of my mother,” she said.

Recalling yesteryears when corrupt people were socially boycotted by relatives and friends, Sujatha said: “Nowadays it has become fashionable to become corrupt. Look at the way the corrupt go to jail with a broad smile on their face. It was as if they have done a major service to the nation.”

“I am going to socially boycott any person who is known to take bribe even if he/she is my relative or friend,” she added.

Meanwhile, N.Balaji, another participant of the indefinite fast, had to be hospitalised here Friday post withdrawal from fasting on doctor’s advice early morning.

He was suffering from fever when the doctor advised him to withdraw from the fast, said Bhavana Upadhyaya, media coordinator for IAC.

In the morning, IAC had a brush with police who insisted on removal of hoardings placed on the roads, but gave way after the IAC members argued and demanded hoardings of all other organisations in public places be also removed.