Indo-American Group Celebrate Anna's Victory

Indian-Americans here celebrated Parliament's endorsement of social activist Anna Hazare's three key demands on Lokpal Bill, saying it demonstrated the power of the people and of the Indian democracy.

Volunteers of the 'India Against Corruption' organisation in New Jersey and Boston held gatherings in support of Hazare, hailing his victory against corruption in the country.

The passage of the resolution on the bill "is a victory of the Indian people and the Indian democracy," IAC volunteer in New Jersey Deepak Gupta said.

He said Indians around the world have been closely following Hazare's 12-day fast and the parliamentary debate on the Lokpal Bill.

After the resolution was passed, Gupta said a handful of Indians carried out a march in New Jersey waiving the tricolour, carrying banners, distributing sweets and singing the national anthem.

Hazare's campaign brought the people of India together and "we now see what their unity and resolve has achieved," Gupta added.

The India Against Corruption's Boston chapter organised a gathering at Harvard University, in solidarity with the anti-corruption movement in India, the chapter's member Suman Kumar said.

People turned out in large numbers for the gathering and were "jubilant" at Hazare's victory in sowing the seeds for a historic anti-corruption law for India.

"Anna has proved stronger than Irene," Kumar said referring to the hurricane smashing the US east coast.

"There is a feeling of satisfaction on this initial victory but the battle has just begun and we pledge our support to Hazare for his long-term fight," Kumar added.