Anna Hazare (born 15 June 1937) is an Indian social activist and former Army soldier. He is known for transforming his drought-stricken village, Ralegan Siddhi, into a model of rural development and for leading the 2011 anti-corruption movement. That movement pressed Parliament to pass the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, and its nationwide hunger strikes made him a household name.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Kisan Baburao Hazare |
| Born | 15 June 1937, Bhingar, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India |
| Age | 89 |
| Known as | Anna (“elder brother”) |
| Profession | Social activist; former Indian Army soldier |
| Home village | Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra |
| Known for | Ralegan Siddhi model village; Jan Lokpal movement (2011) |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| Honours | Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (1992) |
Early Life and Army Service
Kisan Baburao Hazare was born into a farming family in Maharashtra. Poverty forced him to leave school early, and he later worked in Mumbai. He joined the Indian Army as a driver in 1960. During the 1965 war with Pakistan he survived an attack in which the rest of his convoy was killed. He took this as a sign to devote his life to service. Inspired by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, he took voluntary retirement in 1975.
Ralegan Siddhi
Hazare returned to his ancestral village, Ralegan Siddhi, then drought-hit and struggling with poverty and alcoholism. Through watershed development, tree planting, grain banks, a ban on liquor and community labour, the village was transformed into a self-reliant model studied across India and abroad.
Activism
From the 1990s Hazare used hunger strikes to fight corruption in Maharashtra, forcing the resignation of several ministers and officials. His campaigns helped bring about a state Right to Information law in 2003.
In April 2011 Hazare began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding a strong anti-corruption ombudsman (Jan Lokpal). The protest, organised with activists including Arvind Kejriwal, drew huge support. In August 2011 he fasted for 12 days at Ramlila Maidan, and crowds rallied across the country. Parliament finally passed the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in December 2013. Hazare later parted ways with Kejriwal over the decision to form a political party.
Personal Life
Hazare never married and has lived simply for decades in a small room at a temple in Ralegan Siddhi. He continues to speak out on issues of corruption and rural welfare.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Anna Hazare born?
Anna Hazare was born on 15 June 1937 in Bhingar, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India.
What is Anna Hazare known for?
Known for: Ralegan Siddhi model village; Jan Lokpal movement (2011).
What honours has Anna Hazare received?
Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (1992).
