Anna's topi is making waves everywhere

Anna's topi is making waves everywhere

These days, typing Anna on Google doesn't show you tennis sensation Anna Kournikova. It throws up images and news about a 74-year-old man and his anti-corruption movement. Anna has caught the imagination of a nation. His Gandhi topi has caught the imagination of the masses and the classes

If you have been following Lakme Fashion Week, you might have noticed lots of celebrities wearing the 'Gandhi Topi'. The crisp cap sat comfortably on the heads of Bollywood stars Vidya Balan, Dia Mirza, Celina Jaitley and Shreyas Talpade. Although Gandhi topi has been there for ages, the person who has made it popular in none other than Anna Hazare. His simple white cap has captured the imagination of the whole nation and everyone — kids, youngsters and senior citizens are seen wearing this cap. If you are a part of any rally in support of Anna Hazare's campaign or even if you have watched a rally pass by, then you must have noticed the large number of people sporting these caps. This slim boat-shaped cap in making waves and most people have a feeling that wearing the Gandhi topi helps them show their solidarity towards the movement. Airoli resident Anish Nair says, "The Gandhi caps are definitely making a come back in a big way these days. Earlier, these caps used to be worn by rural people in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh or Bihar. Since Gandhiji was from Gujarat even he wore the cap and slowly this cap started to be known as the Gandhi cap. "The price of these caps has also increased with most youth wanting to wear it while being a part of this rally or otherwise. Earlier, the topi used to cost Rs10, today you find it being sold at double the rate." Apparently when rallies were held in the satellite city in support of Anna's movement, many organisations donate the Gandhi cap. 18-year old Krutika Ram says she and her friends recently purchased Gandhi caps as they felt these look pretty 'cool'. "Yes, the cap is being used in rallies. Since many celebrities are wearing it these days, it is making a style statement. So, I feel that by wearing something I can look stylish as well as show my support towards the movement because of the slogan written on it, then what's the harm?" Supporters of Anna Hazare's agenda say that their only reason for wearing it is to show support to the movement. For 22-year old Nerul resident Omesh Nair, wearing the Gandhi topi helps him get into the mood of the rally completely. "So many people are wearing these white caps. I feel the slogans on the caps is one of the reasons the cap is in demand."