Thaindian News

Mumbai, Dec 27 (IANS) Anna Hazare Tuesday said he will work for the betterment of the country as long as he is alive and won’t mind dying to achieve his goal.

Speaking at the MMRDA grounds here after starting his three-day fast demanding a strong Lokpal bill, Hazare said though he had fever, the people’s support was motivating him to go on.

“I am not afraid of dying. I have decided that when I die it will be for the country and as long as I live I will work for the betterment of this country,” Hazare said.

“Doctors have checked me. Earlier my temperature was fine but now it has increased. But seeing you all present here motivates me and my morale increases,” he added.

Hazare said he has been fighting corruption for the last 35 years and though he shunned his near and dear ones for the cause, eventually the whole country became his family.

“I’ve been fighting against corruption for the last five years and I own nothing. I only have a plate, a bed and some space inside a temple to sleep. I’ve not visited my family in the last 35 years. But now the whole country is my family,” said Hazare.

The activist arrived at the fast venue in Bandra-Kurla complex in suburban Mumbai after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue at the Juhu beach.

He reached the complex with a mass of people who joined him in a rally that started from the Juhu beach.