Hazare urges people to join crusade against corruption

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare today asked the people to join the fight against corruption, and said "let us all irrespective of colour, caste, region and religion work together for unity and a corruption-free society".

Speaking after receiving Gandhidarshan Award from Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at a function here, Hazare said he would continue his battle against corruption while strive for development in villages.

Stating that he got inspiration from Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, Hazare said, "I am 75 years old now. But I continue to work for rural development and fight corruption. I reside in a temple. I have a bed to sleep and a plate to eat. But my fight against corruption send six ministers and 400 government officials home."

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said the country could achieve development only through growth in villages.

He also expressed regret that people forget the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. "We should remember them for their selfless service to the nation," he said.

Ravi Shankar said it was time for the youth to awake and join the nation building. "Our country is sitting in gold mine of natural resources. But we are not utilising them for its growth," he said.