Protesters wear Gandhi topis in Guwahati. Picture by UB Photos

Aug. 23: The Anna Hazare movement against corruption has brought a windfall to the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawans in the city with Gandhi topis selling like hot cakes.

The Central Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan at Chandmari sold around 300 Gandhi topis today. “People have started asking for the Gandhi topi since Anna Hazare’s fight against corruption started. Today we sold around 300 caps,” said Nokul Chandra Deka, manager of the outlet.

Priced at Rs 30, Rs 40 and Rs 45, people are buying topis in bulk. “We have customers who buy only one or two pieces but with the fight against corruption gaining momentum we also have customers who are buying Gandhi topis in bulk,” said Deka. “This morning, three customers bought 50 pieces each,” he added.

The demand rose to such an extent that Deka had to get fresh stocks from the Khadi Gramodyog’s Panbazar outlet. “We never expected the demand for Gandhi topi to rise so high. We had to get the item from the Panbazar branch,” he said.

People of all ages were seen thronging the khadi outlets to buy the Gandhi topi. “We were surprised to see customers of all ages. From college-going students to elderly people, everyone came here to buy the cap,” said Deka.

Besides, the Tricolour is also disappearing fast from the shelves.

“We have been selling around 40 Gandhi topis on an average everyday since Anna Hazare’s supporters started their demonstration in the city this month. Even the Tricolour is disappearing fast from the racks,” said Ashwini Kumar Saikia, the manager of the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan at Panbazar.

“Generally, Gandhi topis and the Tricolour are sold during Independence Day, Republic Day and school functions,” Saikia said.

Those who could not get the prized topi from the khadi outlets, preferred to get them stitched. “I got 10 Gandhi topis stitched for my friends as we planned to take part in the anti-corruption demonstration in the city today,” Nur Mohammad of Ganeshguri said.

When Rajiv Ahmed could not find a Gandhi topi, it did not deter him from finding an alternative. He stapled a few pieces of paper in the shape of Gandhi topi and flaunted it during the demonstration. “When I came here and saw many people wearing Gandhi topi, I thought why not get one for myself too,” he said.

Gandhi topi made with tissue papers with “I am Anna” printed on it were provided to the demonstrators by sponsors.

“We have no idea from where these topis have come. We are told they are provided by sponsors. Gandhi topi is a symbol of India’s struggle against the foreign rule. Protesters used to wear them during the freedom movement. As khadi is not available easily we have to be happy with whatever we get as a substitute,” said Aldrin Majumder, a volunteer of the Assam branch of India Against Corruption in the city.