CHENNAI: It was tried and tested during the Arab Spring and Jasmine Revolution and emerged as the most lethal yet non-violent weapon for mobilising people for a cause. It had the power to bring those sitting in air-conditioned rooms to ground zero to protest and topple governments. It assured them that they weren’t alone in the fight for the cause as the size and voice of the community kept growing louder. It is so humble in being, but is feared enough to be banned by the world’s second biggest economy. Needless to say, it has also been used extensively in the war against corruption spearheaded by Anna Hazare.No prizes for guessing that. Social networking sites have emerged as a significant power for enabling citizens to mobilise crowds for a cause.Networking sites like Facebook and micro-blog site Twitter on Tuesday were bombarded with messages by more than three lakh netizens, who displayed their unflinching support for Anna Hazare and sharp criticism of the Congress-led government at the centre. The netizens claimed that the Anna Hazare community on social websites found lakhs of followers in no time. “There were only 5000 people when I joined the community on Facebook,” says Archana, an Anna University student. “The next day I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw more than a lakh followers!”The networking sites have also helped people mobilise crowd for protests and movements in their own ways. Rahul, a Chennai-based service engineer who is part of the Anna Hazare community on Facebook, found 20 volunteers to join him at the protest in Thiruvanmiyur on Tuesday. “I was skeptical of going out alone and protesting, though I was desperate to end my silence. So I posted on the community asking if anybody wanted to join me in the protest. Three of my friends and 17 others who were friends of friends and even strangers joined me for the cause. I was extremely pleased and satisfied to meet people who share similar anger on corruption.”Some people like Surender, who works in a call centre, says he took considerable time in posting messages across as many forums on the internet as possible. “I want people, who still remain ignorant or callous, to join the issue at once. Hence, I have been posting messages requesting them to join the movement on random spaces to increase visibility.”A few sharp comments on the netShivam Khandelwal:"The worst regret we can have in life is not for the wrong things we did, but for the right things we could have done, but we never did. So guys, it’s time to do right thing. Stand in support of Annaji.Radhika Iyer:Dear Annaji,“I never been to Mahatma Gandhiji Period. But I saw Mahatma Gandhiji thru' you. I'm always with you and I sincerely pray for your wishes to become true. Because, you are suffering for us and for India.GOD is always with you to take care of your health Leo Kcris:“Kasab: I am not an Indian, I hate India, and I kill Indians but I am safe in IndiaAnna Hazare: I am an Indian, I love my India, and I want to save Indians but I will be shot any time ..Copy it to ur status n show that u r Proud to be an INDIAN but ashamed to be a part of this SYSTEM....!!!!!! Jitender V Singh:“As an Indian we all have right to ask PMO and President, for what and why they are still waiting to take appropriate action India against Corruption. Don't attack them as Anna already told...Start Phone Calls to PMO and President's Office and bug the hell out of them.President's Secretariat Telephone: 91-11-23015321
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