VERY IMPORTANT: A simple way to mobilize public opinion in favour of Lokpal QUICKLY...

Hi Folks,

Given the diversity of the backgrounds of the civil society, and given that we are up against the wall (read, "the Government"), we need to discover a simple yet effective way to demonstrate to the Government, the media and ourselves that we are gaining strength every day.

I have a suggestion for Anna's team. Shall we start wearing 'BLACK' badges/ bands in our top dress (shirt/ tops/ kameez/ saree) every day till we get the kind of Lokpal Bill we want? If they agree, they need to promote this idea strongly.

It is easy for all of us to influence others in our families and in our friend's circles to wear the same too. Black badges are easy to get anywhere in India, they can be in any shape or size, they won't cost much, they need not be designed and dispatched to other places, and this could come to symbolize our protest against CORRUPTION.

Also, expecting people cross India to actively do something else to show our solidarity, which can also be noticed, will be difficult. Black badges/ bands will make it easy for people to show their solidarity with the Lokpal Bill movement.

And seeing this, even those who are not aware would enquire what it is all about, and we'll get a chance to explain.

The Press will also find a symbol of this movement to focus on.

We can explain that this black badge/ band signifies that we're in darkness, and till we see light, we'll wear black badges.

Typically, gathering critical mass is difficult, and even as we gather critical mass, it is difficult to demonstrate that we have, in deed, done so.

And when everyone realizes that we have gathered critical mass, this could help us step up our efforts to the next stage, if need be.

If you agree, can you please draw the attention of your friends and relatives to this suggestion?

Ganesan. :~)

This is a good idea. It's better we use the fasting as a last resort keeping in mind of the government's response to the fasting of Baba Ramdev. We should never allow our next strike to fail as it would be a blow to any anti corruption struggles in India.

Dear Jayakumar,

I'm NOT suggesting that Anna need not fast; in fact, I feel he may be forced to. All that I'm saying is, the civil society can show its support in the form of wearing black badges/ bands till we get Lokpal Bill.

Ganesan. :~)