Inspired by Anna Hazare's hunger strike, thousands of people recently gathered at Ramlila Grounds in New Delhi to protest governmental corruption. Protesters from here and around the country pressed for specific political change — a new institution to combat corruption. In principle, they won. Parliament passed a resolution accepting their demands and is now drafting a new "Lokpal Bill" accordingly.
The demonstrations were also motivated by a larger aspiration, one that is more difficult to achieve: that the day-to-day workings of government become more accountable, more tied to the citizens whom government is meant to serve.
Thus two of the great international movements since World War II have arrived: the movement for human rights and for economic development.