At Maidan’s inner chambers,Ralegan men stood guard

“Even other volunteers and police officials were not allowed inside without permission,” Yavalkar said.

The otherwise bare ‘workplace’ of Yavalkar and his team was abuzz with media persons and India Against Corruption volunteers on Sunday.

According to 27-year-old Vijay,Hazare’s nephew and a chef in a Pune-based hotel,the team was designated with the task of “Anna’s personal care” as they were aware of his needs and habits.

“We came here because we have been with Annaji since childhood. This is his 16 th fast,so we knew when to give him water and in what quantity,” he said.

Hazare’s longest fast,Vijay added,was for 14 days in Mumbai when he demanded the dismissal of certain corrupt officials.

“However,Anna was young then. Age and health were on his side. This time,he is aged and weak but the energy and passion of people was overwhelming. He received support from every corner of India and beyond,” he said.

The team said five to six people always used to remain with Hazare,while others rested at a rented room in Paharganj.

Yavalkar used to record Hazare’s intake and output of water everyday. “We used to give him half a glass of water every 30 to 40 minutes. While Hazare addressed his supporters at the protest,the team used to tidy his room. Annaji used to do all the chores in the morning,” said Rahul (26).

The team members,who grew up under Hazare’s mentoring,said he was regular with his morning yoga in the village and was a fond of nature and photography.