Candle Light Vigil and Global Hunger Strike

About 20 people braved the chilly winter in Washington DC on Dec 10th, in the warmth of the Gandhi Statue opposite the Indian Embassy to culimnate the week long Global Hunger Strike for Justice for Manjunath and other victims of corruption. Ten of them, including Brunda and Somu - the organizers of the fast and friends fasted from 10am to 5pm on the final day before the Indian Embassy. More than 50 people across the world participated in the chain fast, which started on Dec 3rd 2005. (http://fastforjustice.blogspot.com)

Remembering Manju (machha), Chandrasekhar, his classmate and close pal from his undergraduate days, recalled how Manju would sing songs and always talk about "taking on the corrupt system". Mr. Krishna Gubili, his senior from IIML remembered the personal sacrifice made by Manju. Adding to the event, Brunda and Somu - driven by the death of Manju and many others like Satyendra Dubey , emphasized that the fight against corruption is also a personal one. All people present took a pledge "Na lenge aur na denge" (we shall neither give nor take [bribes]) and demanded justice. About 13000+ people signed the petition addressed to Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Hon Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to bring the criminals to justice as quickly as possible.

Dr. Bhagat of Asssociation for India's Development distributed the "Zero Rupee" note and discussed the importance of bringing to the forefront, work of people like Manju and others, before they are killed. He said, it is important to create a security web for such people and tell them that we are with them and will help them as much as possible from wherever we are to provide them security and comfort that  - we are watching, we are with you, do let us know and we will do all possible to work with you.

All those present, Indians from various walks of life, participated in a silent vigil and presented the Indian embassy with the demands. Later, a candle light vigil was held in memory of Manjunath whose sacrifice will be rememebered for ever.