Celebrating Anna Hazare: A Life Dedicated to Social Change and Anti-Corruption
On June 15, Anna Hazare celebrates his 89th birthday, reflecting on a life dedicated to social activism and the fight against corruption. From his humble beginnings in Maharashtra to transforming his village and advocating for significant legislation like the Right to Information Act, Hazare's journey is inspiring. His efforts have not only earned him national recognition but have also mobilized countless individuals to stand against corruption. Discover the remarkable milestones of his life and the impact he continues to make in society.
| Jun 15, 2026, 12:23 IST
A Milestone Birthday
Today, June 15, marks the 89th birthday of Anna Hazare, a former soldier and renowned social activist. Throughout his life, he has achieved numerous milestones, advocating for the Lokpal Bill and raising his voice against corruption. Let’s explore some intriguing aspects of Anna Hazare's life on this special occasion.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on June 15, 1938, in a farming family in Bhingar village, Maharashtra, Anna Hazare experienced significant poverty during his childhood. Eventually, he moved to Mumbai, where he had to leave his studies to work. He started selling flowers at a shop, earning a mere 40 rupees a month.
Joining the Armed Forces
Driven by a passion for serving his country, Anna Hazare enlisted in the army during the 1960s, following the India-China war, when the government encouraged youth to join the military. He became a driver in the Maratha Regiment.
In November 1965, Anna was stationed at the Khemkaran border when a Pakistani airstrike occurred, resulting in the loss of many lives. Miraculously, he survived, which prompted him to contemplate how to utilize his second chance at life for the service of others.
Transforming His Village
After retiring from the army, Anna settled in Ralegaon Siddhi, near his native village, which was struggling with poverty, lacking both water and electricity. Each summer, the village faced severe water shortages. Taking initiative, Anna began digging trenches to collect rainwater.
Initially, the villagers were skeptical, but Anna's dedication inspired them. Together, they engaged in water conservation, tree planting, and other initiatives. Solar energy and biogas were introduced, dramatically transforming Ralegaon.
Fighting Corruption
The transformation of the village did not go unnoticed by the government, earning Anna Hazare the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. However, his commitment to social service was just beginning. He believed that corruption was a root cause of poverty in villages and began mobilizing against it, shaking the political landscape of Maharashtra in the early 1990s.
Anna is also recognized for his advocacy of the Right to Information Act. In 1997, he led significant movements supporting this law, which was later strengthened by the Maharashtra government in 2003. Two years later, the Parliament passed the Right to Information Act, which continues to benefit the public today.
A Political Icon in Delhi
Anna Hazare became a prominent figure in the movement for the Jan Lokpal Bill, aimed at eradicating government corruption. Initially, neither he nor Arvind Kejriwal received much attention at Jantar Mantar, but Anna's Gandhian methods soon distinguished him, and the movement became synonymous with his name. He rallied not only the youth but also ordinary citizens, empowering them to stand against corruption.