From the Times of India: Sixty four years after his death, Mahatma Gandhi’s name today created a fresh world record in the Guinness Book as 485 underprivileged boys brought out a peace march dressed as ‘Bapu’. Flaunting khadi attire and Gandhi caps, the group of boys wore round-framed spectacles and walked with sticks as they brought alive memories of Gandhi’s historic Dandi march. Aged between ten and sixteen, the kids, most of whom are from single mothers, walked for half a kilometre distance at Mayo Road in central Kolkata during the peace march. Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse.

From the Times of India:

Sixty four years after his death, Mahatma Gandhi’s name today created a fresh world record in the Guinness Book as 485 underprivileged boys brought out a peace march dressed as ‘Bapu’.

Flaunting khadi attire and Gandhi caps, the group of boys wore round-framed spectacles and walked with sticks as they brought alive memories of Gandhi’s historic Dandi march.

Aged between ten and sixteen, the kids, most of whom are from single mothers, walked for half a kilometre distance at Mayo Road in central Kolkata during the peace march.

Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948 by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse.

washingtonpoststyle: Today, in one image. Supporters of India’s prominent anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare gather near the India Gate memorial in New Delhi. Photo by Kevin Frayer (AP)

washingtonpoststyle:

Today, in one image.

Supporters of India’s prominent anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare gather near the India Gate memorial in New Delhi.

Photo by Kevin Frayer (AP)

Reblogged from washingtonpoststyle with 27 notes / Anna Hazare India 

Anna Hazare's fight for change has inspired millions of Indians

At the time I write this, millions of my countrymen are on the streets, fighting for a strong anti-corruption law. Many more are glued to their TV sets, watching developments as the initially defiant Indian government looks on track to eat humble pie.

This fight is led by Anna Hazare, a 74-year-old activist, who is on hunger strike until parliament considers the bill that would establish a Lokpal – ombudsman – with the power to investigate and punish corrupt politicians and civil servants.

Hazare had fasted in April and forced the government to agree to include his team in drafting the bill. His non-violent yet aggressive, Gandhi-like method of protest, together with his anti-corruption cause, struck a chord with Indians. Thousands of non-government organisations fight for social causes every day in India, but none has ever achieved this kind of support. From rickshaw drivers to software engineers, from businessmen to spiritual leaders, people from all walks of life back Anna. So do I.

Large demonstration right outside my hotel here in Delhi - looks like a serious situation @SenJohnMcCain

Large demonstration right outside my hotel here in Delhi - looks like a serious situation

@SenJohnMcCain

Analysis: India risks facing its own Arab Spring

(Reuters) - An anti-corruption movement led by a feisty 74-year-old social activist is snowballing into one of the biggest challenges in decades for the ruling Congress party and if not contained risks sparking India’s own version of an Arab Spring revolt.

From Slate: China and India will be growth dynamos of the coming Asian Century. Both societies are changing fast, with different sectors and elites in the vanguard, not just at home but also in the global economy. However, as fault lines in China’s export-led growth model emerge, bigger bets are being placed on India’s enormous potential. By 2012, India’s economy will be growing as fast as China’s; by 2015, it could be growing much faster.

From Slate:

China and India will be growth dynamos of the coming Asian Century. Both societies are changing fast, with different sectors and elites in the vanguard, not just at home but also in the global economy. However, as fault lines in China’s export-led growth model emerge, bigger bets are being placed on India’s enormous potential. By 2012, India’s economy will be growing as fast as China’s; by 2015, it could be growing much faster.