The concept of fasting as a means of protest is not new and it dates back to about 750BC in India. There are also instances of this form of protest to rise up against injustice in pre-Christian Ireland.
There have been very many instances of the hunger strike used as a visible and dramatic means of conveying a message to the powers that be. Very famously Mahatma Gandhi used this unique form of protest, to get the British to see his point on view in pre-independence India. This he did several times as part of the peaceful and nonviolent striving for independence from the British yoke. In one instance Gandhiji used his hunger strike to end a communal riot between Hindu and Muslim communities as well.
The recent most instance of a hunger strike has been that of Anna Hazare, who is on a public hunger strike to protest the delay in the tabling of an anti corruption bill before parliament and also to bring attention to his demands about specific inclusions that the bill should have in his view. Anna is currently on his 9th day of fasting and was reported as having refused any medical assistance or being shifted to a hospital.
His goal is very clear and his steadfastness and selflessness, even his simplicity has garnered unprecedented public support. Currently camped at the Ram lila Maidan in Delhi, Hazare and his thousands of supporters who are present in person, and millions of others who are with him in spirit, are all involved in this protest either directly or indirectly. Shirts that proudly read “I Am Anna” are available online; the protestors at the Ramlila Maidan are seen to turn up in their multitudes sporting the Gandhi Cap, which has become a symbol for this protest.
Currently the government agencies have been seen to have capitulated to several of the protestors’ demands and have been moved from previously unshakable stances, and now the legislative head of the country, the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has himself intervened to try and find a solution to the crisis. Furious talks are ongoing, meeting after meeting being held in a bid to find a solution that is acceptable to the unswerving Anna.
Several startling observations can be made from this scenario –
- Collaboration within civil society can be a hugely powerful thing; one that can bring a government to its knees, the way that protestors have banded together to make their voice heard is evidence of this.
- A simple but heartfelt idea can bring about change as evidenced by Anna’s resolve and the unprecedented support it has attracted.
- And that, it is still possible to bring about that change in a non-violent fashion as Gandhi so eloquently taught us; call it a hunger strike, call it satyagraha or call it civil disobedience or non-cooperation.
