Social Activism a must to keep in check powers that be: Shinde

Pune, Oct 29 (UNI) Lauding noted social worker Anna Hazare for his commitment, Union Power minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said 'Social Activism is necessary to keep in check the powers that be, leading to further strengthening of Democratic Institutions'.

Releasing a biography on Anna Hazare titled ''Vat hi Sangharshshaji (the path of struggle), Shinde said Anna commanded respect of society for his selfless service in improving the life of the community in his village Ralegaon Sidhi in Ahmednagar district.

He said politicians feared Anna and his commitment 'fear brings awareness'.

The book delves on Hazare's experiences and commitment to Gandhian thoughts even while he served as a driver in the Army in the North-East and as a social activist.

Echoing similar sentiments, State Home minister, R R Patil said that he had known Anna when he was Zilla Parishad member and as a MLA while in opposition. ''We need this book to guide the youth to tread the path of struggle to effect a change'', he said. Reflecting on the political scenario, he said that corruption had touched the lowest segments and even for the post of a corporator an amount of Rs 15,000 has to be paid for a vote. Therefore, Anna was a beacon and a ray of hope to those searching for the right path.

In his acceptance speech, Anna said that finding persons with good character was rare but in Patil and Shinde he found the persons who supported him in his struggle for getting more powers for the Gram Panchayats and implementation of the RTI.

UNI