Hungry for a cause

Gandhian Anna Hazare has managed to mobilise people from across the country to fight against corruption by going on a hunger fast. BT looks at other individuals who’ve used the medium to bring about change
There’s no doubt that India is currently going through a massive change. Whether it’s a good one or a not-so-good one, only time will tell. The mood of the nation is currently one of anger and agitation, with thousands of citizens joining in on Anna Hazare’s movement to support the introduction of the Jan Lokpal bill. The general belief is that only when there’s a system of checks and balances in the legislature will corruption in India come to an end. While Hazare’s fast is still on, we look at other notables who’ve used the medium of a hunger strike to bring about social change.
Irom Sharmila Chanu
Country: India
Cause: Irom Sharmila Chanu, also referred to as the iron lady of Manipur, began her hunger strike over a decade ago, after the killing of 10 youths by the Assam Rifles in Malom, Imphal in November 2000. She demanded the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur. She was arrested soon after she began her hunger strike and was charged with attempting to commit suicide - an offense under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
For how long: Over 10 years
Current status: She is currently being held in the security ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, where she is fed a diet of liquids through her nose. Anna has invited her to take part in the anti-corruption rally.
Dr Leonid Eidelman
Country: Israel
Cause: Israel Medical Association Chairman Dr Leonid Eidelman decided to launch a hunger strike on July 25 to protest the state of the health care system and to demand better wages for doctors.
For how long: 11 days
Current status: He ended the hunger strike after most of his demands were met.
Tomislav Nikolic
Country: Serbia
Cause: The Serbian Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikolic began a hunger strike on April 16 this year, demanding the country hold early elections.
For how long: Six days
Current status: Following the intervention of Patriarch Irinej, who told him this kind of protest was not in line with Serbian Orthodox beliefs, Nikolic, on April 21, ended the hunger strike.
Big B’s Anna connection
With Anna Hazare being the man of the moment, it was only a matter of time before B-Town looked at him for cinematic inspiration. It is learnt that filmmaker Prakash Jha is now all set to make his next titled Satyagraha, which will revolve around mass protest by the public against corruption. Talking about the film at an event, Jha said that while the film deals with the concept of peaceful protest, the starcast is yet to be finalised. Rumours suggest that it might star Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. And that his character will have many elements of Anna Hazare. Satyagraha is scheduled to go on floors in January 2012.
From Across
The Border
Taking a cue from Anna Hazare, Jehangeer Akhtar,
68-year-old Pakistani businessman and activist is set to go on a hunger strike in Islamabad from September 12 to declare war on endemic corruption in his country. Expressing his admiration for Hazare, he complained that corruption was a far more serious disease in Pakistan. Akhtar wants the Pakistani parliament to pass an anti-corruption law - like what India is now planning.
Heard of
Relay Fast?
A relay fast or relay hunger strike is a form of protest in which a number of persons go without food. It involves hundreds of people passing the fast,
relay-style, on to the next participant after completion.