We shall overcome...
Are Indians illiterate enough to pounce on the motivated statements of others, or we are experienced and educated enough to understand the criticality of the present situation prevailing in India. Let's have a closer look at the facts that may affect our outlook towards this entire protest, let's ask ourselves what we actually know and what we do not? Whether it is a huge step to a better India, as it is supposed by few people or not? Don't react by hearsay, let's examine the Jan Lokpal Bill ourselves and decide.
1. What is Jan Lokpal Bill?
Jan Lokpal Bill (citizens ombudsman bill), is a proposed anti-corruption law in India. The bill seeks to make an ombudsman called the Lokpal - protector of the people. It has been proposed to efficiently ensure anti-corruption, citizen's grievances and protection of whistleblowers. If this bill becomes a law then it will create an independent body with the power to investigate politicians, bureaucrats without prior government approval. This bill was first introduced in the year 1968. Then the subsequent version were re- introduced, but was never passed. In 2011, Anna Hazare took initiative to ensure commencement of fast unto death, better known as satyagraha, to demand the passing of the bill, which attracted thousands of supporters.
2. Who is Anna Hazare?
Kisan Baburao Hazare, better known as Anna Hazare is a former soldier, a well acclaimed social activist. He has been awarded with Padmabhushan (1992) and Padmashri (1990) alongwith various other awards. He has followed many environmental conservation projects and converted a Ralegan Siddh to a model village. Hence, he is everything from a soldier to a social reformer and a crusader of 'Right to Information' movement.
3. What is Anna fighting for?
Anna Hazare being a crusader is fighting for the people of India, to give Indian population a legal support to eradicate corruption. He is giving more power to the bill, called Lokpal Bill, to fight against the prevailing corruption in India. From past 40 years this bill was not getting cleared from the parliament. Mainly, because of the simple reason that it might give the people of India more power to bring justice and question the corrupt practices of politicians and bureaucrats.
4. Key features of Hazare's Version of the Lokpal bill
1. To establish a central government anti-corruption institution, supported by Lokayukta at the state level.
2. The Lokpal will be supervised by Cabinet Secretary and the Election commission. It will be independent of the governmental and ministerial influence in its investigations.
3. Through a transparent and participatory process, the members will be appointed by IAS with clean record, judges, constitutional authorities and private citizens. 
4. Selection will be made by a committee, where the shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and thereafter the video recordings will be made public. 
5. On its website, every month the Lokayukta will publish the list of cases dealt with, including brief details. Also, other details will be included, like total cases received, cases dealt and pending. 
6. Investigation of each case has to be in one year, remaining will be done in following year, making maximum process time of 2 years.
7. Losses caused will be recovered at the time of conviction Government office work required by a citizen that is not taken care within prescribed time will result in Lokpal imposing financial penalties on those responsible. Complaint against any officer of Lokpal will be investigated and completed within a month 
8. The existing anti-corruption agencies, like CVC, departmental vigilance and the anti- corruption branch of the CBI, will be merged into Lokpal which will have complete power and authority to investigate and prosecute any officer, judge or politician. 
9. The Whistleblowers will be provided with protection.
5. The drafted Lokpal Bill (2010) - a total sham
1. Lokpal does not have powers to investigate the PM. 
2. Lokpal will have no power to receive complaints from the general public. It can only probe complaints forwarded by LS Speaker or RS Chairman. 
3. Lokpal will only be an advisory body, only limited to forwarding its report to the “Competent Authority”. 
4. Lokpal will not have any police powers, will have no connections with CBI and cannot register FIRs or proceed with criminal investigations. 
5. Punishment for corruption will be minimum 6 months and maximum up-to 7 years.
6. The Protest - why it is so important?
If Anna Hazare loses today, nothing changes for you or me, right? Wrong. We have kept complaining for ages now, it’s high time we should be ‘the change’ we want to see in future. We think of doing something worthy for our nation, protest against corruption, but have not done anything as yet. Now, here is a 71 years old man who is showing us the correct way to ‘be the change’. If we fail to do anything today, we might not be able to do anything for next 40 years. It’s best to stop cribbing and do not add more to our endless list of excuses. If Anna loses today, the idealism of an entire generation is lost.
7. Ways to support Anna Hazare
1. Make efforts to make everyone educated for the cause. 
2. Join Anna and his supporters by being physically present at the venue. 
3. Conduct solidarity marches, candle marches in your vicinity 
4. Blog it - spread it