220,595 have signed. Wow we hit our 100,000 signature goal in 15 hours!! Let's get to 500,000
Campaign launched on 7 April 2011
Right now, Anna Hazare, a 73-year-old Gandhian, sits fasting in the burning sun, and he will stay until death -- unless the government agrees to consider a powerful law that could rid Indian politics of the scourge of corruption.
This “Modern Mahatma” is taking the utmost act of courage and determination to push through a bill that would give an independent body the power to punish corruption -- even in the Prime Minister’s office. Across the country a movement has exploded, driving a media storm of pressure that’s engulfing Singh. But dirty politicians are desperately trying to water down or kill the law.
For the first time in forty three years, we have the chance to change the way politics is done. Let's join together and stand with Anna Hazare to tackle corruption and clean up Indian politics. We have no time to lose -- sign the petition to be delivered directly to Prime Minister Singh and reported to the media, and spread the word to everyone:
Click here to sign the petition!
Hazare is championing a citizen-developed bill called “Jan” Lokpal that will create an independent body, selected by judges, citizens and constitutional authorities, with enough power to investigate and punish all politicians. No minister or bureaucrat will be able to influence its investigations.
Since 1968, when this bill was first introduced, greedy politicians have thwarted its passing. Now the government is pushing for a watered down Lokpal with no hope of ending fraud, vice and dishonesty -- it gives politicians overriding power to decide who will be investigated, and is a complete sellout.
Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Singh to endorse the "Jan" Lokpal. Members of the opposition party have begun to make the right noises in support of Anna Hazare. And even the National Advisory Council, a powerful advisory body to Sonia Gandhi have come out in favour of the bill. But corrupt politicians and vested interests are doing all they can to kill it.
Anna Hazare has set the example. But only a national citizens movement can ramp up the pressure to get Singh to endorse “Jan” Lokpal and save Hazare's life.
Click here to sign the petition!
Corruption in politics has become a plague across our country, it is draining our resources and demoralizing our nation. This bill would go a long way to deterring those that steal and undermine the public good. Last year, the Avaaz community in Brazil won an important victory -- against the odds millions of people came together and pushed through a historic anti-corruption law. India has a proud history of people power overcoming oppression -- today if we all stand with one voice we can fight this corruption that is poisoning our political system.
Friday, April 8, 2011
STAND WITH ANNA HAZARE
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Indian style in desert city
The fashion fervour has set in in full swing. If the ongoing fashion week in the city is keeping the style savvy in spirits, there’s more in store later this month. The upcoming Dubai Fashion Week (April 19 - 23) will have an inimitable Indian flavour with many of our home-grown designers all set to showcase their collections in the desert city.
The strong Indian designer contingent that is Dubai bound this month, shortly after the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is over, comprises of Delhi based designers such as Gaurav Gupta, Reynu Taandon, Hemant and Nandita. Other designers such as Ekta Singh, Meher and Riddhima will also be part of the showcase. And designer Raajesh Pratap Singh will carry the torch of the grand finale at the Dubai Fashion Week.
Designer Reynu Taandon who’s not participating in the ongoing WIFW says, “I have set up a stall at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week so that I do not miss out on making my presence. For the fashion week in Dubai I have come up with an exciting collection that reflects the sensibilities of the place. My collection for the Dubai show is all about the jungle resort look. There will be lot of kaftans in georgette, embellished with African embroidery.”
Dubai is the city of buyers, which is another reason for the designers’ strong interest in the city. “Dubai has a lot of buyers so it’s always good to showcase in such places. I’m going to showcase the holiday collection which emphasises on kaftans, tunics, lots of zebra print with tribal embroidery,” says designer Nandita from the designer duo Hemant and Nandita. Another reason that draws Indian designers to the city is that they consider Dubai to be more fashion forward as compared to India. Designer Gaurav Gupta who’s participating at Dubai Fashion week buys that thought completely.
“Dubai is cosmopolitan and fashion forward for sure. The fashion sensibility of the people there is very modern. Keeping that in mind, my collection is semi-couture with interesting detailing and contemporary designs,” says Gupta. Designer Nandita adds, “They demand for trendy and attractive clothes. For them fashion comes above comfort unlike Indians.”