The Magic Wand (for want of a better title)

Having hogged the headlines for more than 6 months now, it’s an onerous task for a headline writer to come up with something new on Anna Hazare everyday. In an English-language daily, with “millions and millions” of readers waiting to read your paper — yes, even with telly snippets having fed you enough — something new, something big, something instant, is nothing short of a necessity. And “millions” more in slushy maidans and tedious stretches across the stretch of this bewildering nation, are taking part in those momentous candle-light vigils, rallies and demonstrations and sloganeering in support of the man who has made it all happen, Gandhi-reincarnate Anna Hazare, in whose tribute Kiran Bedi famously said, “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood.”

For the “millions” of middle-class India who read your newspaper, Your Time Is Now (as Levis screamed, in an opportune jacket ad, in the ToI). Now, today, this moment, no further than August 30! Middle-class India is so beset with instant action. No “standing committee will take a decision”, but “capitulate to Anna, you morons, you corrupt netas. For heaven’s sake, he’s been on fast for 7 whole days, and lost 5 kgs.”
The magic wand that, in a swish, will end corruption, and flush out the demons, is here. The Jan LokPal Bill. No the Lokpal will not ever be corrupt, neither will the extensive machinery at his disposal.

Rest in next, whenever that will be. Off to work!