I sincerely hope that the 74-year-old leader will now end his fast. Kiran Bedi proclaimed recently that Anna Hazare will continue the fast until the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed. Why doesn’t Madam go on a fast herself? Jokes apart, Anna Hazare should be a responsible leader now. He has established himself as leader of so many people who marched on the streets.With this, comes a responsibility.

The government is talking. People have apologised for talking about Mr Hazare’s corruption record etc. It is a victory. But, I have some anxiety here. If the fast is continued, and something dramatically dangerous happens to his health, there are certain elements in the struggle who will go on a rampage.

And one fears what and whom the rampage will be directed against. As a Gandhian leader, it is his responsibility to prevent this. As a Gandhian leader, it is his responsibility to stop any violent action by undesirable elements. And to go to the next level and discuss issues as equals, with the government. Also to maybe hold study circles, awareness programmes among the people on the street.

True, Anna’s mission has a website. The movement, being largely middle class, the candle holders have had access to it but maybe some kids, a snake charmer I saw on TV, the folk dance troupes etc need study circles and awareness programmes about the issue.

I hope as a responsible leader , he realises that. If the struggle has become Anna-centric,  it is Anna’s responsibility to rise above the drama to a really nourishing role.

A flash of light is dramatic. But a quiet, calm fire provides nurturing warmth. A movement of the people is incomplete unless it truly includes all people. A movement of the people is not correct, if there are some elements in it which exclude  certain people.

A movement if only based on adulation of an individual, media frenzy, anger against corrupt systems and against the establishment cannot be a true movement unless it is accompanied by a basic philosophy of tolerance, by knowledge of everything at stake, by mature thought, by true understanding. I hope Team Anna realizes that.

Nadi (Dr. Manasee Palshikar) was an MBBS doctor for 10 years when she went back to studying. A course in Women’s Studies at Pune University was followed by learning the art of Screenplay at FTII. Nadi lives in Pune with her husband and daughter.