about Punjab, AAP, and why Kejriwal must win for a better Punjab before Prabhat Sharma, another founding member of the chapter, gently reminds him to get on with making calls to Punjab. Mickey quickly remarks before getting started again with his work: “ Look if Kejriwal delivers even 5 percent of what he promised, Punjab will be better than before. We are tired of the broken promises and lootings of Alkalis and Congress. AAP is definitely better than them. They are doing very good in Delhi with schools, free electricity and water and Mohalla clinics. We want them in Pun- jab too.” Volunteers who are not Punjabis, such as Prabhat and Santosh who are from Bihar and Telengana respec- tively, feel that Punjab and Goa are lucky that AAP de- cided to run elections there. However, they truly believe that a day will come when after doing well in Punjab, other states would embrace it generously. “AAP brought in a culture of asking questions and I love that. It’s making people aware of their rights as citizens. Its no ideology policy and equal treatment of all religions and sects is a great empowerment factor to minorities and majorities as well, in a healthy, accom- modating nature,” said Prabhat Sharma. It’s an impressive number of calls that this chapter indulges in each day. For example, Jaswinder Jassi Gill
help AAP form government in every part of India. The best part, however, of the war room is that vol- unteers, like Sharma, come from all over India –– Andhra, Bihar, Telengana, Punjab and Goa! They all work on one common aspiration: India deserves an in- telligent and corrupt-free leader like Arvind Kejriwal and that the old and cozy political-corporate needs to be booted out. Probably this is where the strength of AAP posi- tions itself comfortably- its people base. Aam aadmi seems to understand that AAP is responsible and an- swerable to people and people only, as it is not being funded by the corporate and as such need not dole out any favors once it comes to power. Its very existence depends on its work that they deliver. In addition, many believe that a majority of AAP leaders are honest and don’t switch parties for money or power. “See, barring one or two, AAP MLAs are not for sale, or the BJP would have bought them a long time ago. They are honest and want to do something for India,” exclaimed Mickey Sra, an energetic young Pun- jabi who is eagerly waiting for the results. “We are going to have a huge celebration after the results are announced.” Mickey is very good at organizing fundraisers here in California with a raw Punjabi spirit that refuses to douse. He gets into an animated conversation with me
made more than 600 calls along with his wife. He had organized AAP calling campaign war room in his house for more than ten days. A large amount of volunteers went to his house and made 1000s of calls from his house, said Prabhat. Dr. Iqvinder Singh Gill, a Veterinary Doctor in his 50s and AAP Bay Area chap- ter's convener, made more than 2000 calls in four days. Gill does not have any rela- tions in Punjab and moved to the US several years ago. He is an ardent fan of AAP and wants to see a better Punjab. “Yes, I’d love to see
Prabhat Sharma, Mickey Sra, Sumandeep, Jas Aulakh- strong support- ers of AAP
50 indiaparentmagazine.org
School Special 2016
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