26 August,2011 07:52 AM IST | | Rajeev Tyagi
After hearing Hazare, Ludhiana millionaire, wife came to the protest site on Thursday
What's a more romantic for a newlywed couple than an expensive honeymoon at an exotic location? For Parag and Shivani Garg, it was the idea of being part of a movement that can potentially shape the future of the country. Ludhiana-based millionaire Parag, and Shivani, who tied the knot recently, were so inspired by Anna's speech on Wednesday night that they decided to skip their honeymoon plans and joined him the next day in his struggle for a corruption-free India.
Two to tango: Parag and Shivani Garg demonstrate in support of Anna
Hazare, in New Delhi on Thursday. PIC/Rajeev Tyagi
Soon after hearing Hazare on the ninth night of his fast, the couple left from Ludhiana and reached Ramlila Maidan in the morning."We were planning to go out for a honeymoon over the weekend, however, when we saw his speech yesterday we were so taken aback that we didn't lose even a minute to leave for here," said Garg.
Parag and Shivani had married three months ago but their honeymoon got delayed.
"When my wife saw Anna saying he could go on for more days for the sake of the Jan Lokpal Bill, she persuaded me to go to Delhi," Parag said. Later, they went to PM House to protest.
"We heard cops were detaining protesters near 7 RCR. Four Metro stations were also closed down. But, even if we had to go to jail for this cause we would have not hesitated. If the Bill gets passed, we would have a first-hand experience and a tale to tell our children," Shivani said.
Traders shut shops
The shopaholics in the Capital had to face the side-effects of the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement. The Confederation of All India Trader's (CAIT) had called on a bandh on Thursday. The voluntary bandh led to a loss of nearly Rs 500 crore for businesses and nearly Rs 50 crore as revenue for Delhi government. All main markets, including Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Khan Market, Sadar Bazar and South extension were shut. "We did not exert pressure or persuade anyone. We did this to express our solidarity. We don't mind the losses as it is a worthy cause," said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general, CAIT.
