Hazare

Hazare, commonly known as Anna Hazare, is an Indian social activist whose work has centered on rural development, transparency, and anti-corruption. Born Kisan Baburao Hazare in Maharashtra, he emerged as a prominent reformer through grassroots initiatives in Ralegan Siddhi, a drought-prone village in Ahmednagar district. There he led programs focused on watershed development, afforestation, water harvesting, rural electrification, and making the village largely self-reliant. His approach emphasized decentralization, community mobilization, and simple living.

Hazare rose to national prominence in the early 2010s as the organizer of the India Against Corruption movement. He organized peaceful protests, including widely publicized hunger strikes in New Delhi, calling for a strong, independent Lokpal to investigate corruption and protect whistleblowers. The campaign brought together civil society organizations, activists, and some political figures, and it affected public debate on governance and anti-corruption policy. The movement contributed to the broad discussion around the Lokpal Bill and influenced subsequent reforms, even as it drew criticism from some quarters over strategy and ties to political parties.

Hazare has been awarded recognition for his social work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, among others. He remains a controversial yet influential figure in Indian civil society, and his work has inspired a new generation of activists and debates on governance, transparency, and rural development.