Anna Hazare, originally named Kisan Baburao Hazare, was born on June 15, 1937, in the small village of Bhingar near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. His family was financially weak, and as a result, Hazare had to struggle throughout his childhood. He was raised by his childless aunt in Mumbai, where he received an education up to the seventh grade. Due to financial difficulties, he was unable to continue his education and had to take up a job to support himself. This hardship shaped his character, making him resilient and deeply aware of the struggles faced by common people in rural India.
Military Service and Transformation
In 1960, Anna Hazare joined the Indian Army as a driver. He served in various regions, including the challenging Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. During this war, he miraculously survived an attack, an incident that led him to question the purpose of life and eventually embark on a journey of self-realization. After serving for 15 years, Hazare retired in 1975 and returned to his native village, Ralegan Siddhi. Witnessing extreme poverty, water scarcity, and rampant alcoholism in his village, he decided to dedicate his life to social work and bring about a transformation in rural India.
The Revival of Ralegan Siddhi
When Hazare returned, Ralegan Siddhi was in a dire state, plagued by unemployment, illiteracy, and agricultural distress. He initiated several developmental projects to improve the living conditions of the villagers. One of his first steps was launching a watershed development program to address the issue of drought. Through rainwater harvesting, construction of check dams, and other sustainable measures, he successfully revitalized the village’s groundwater levels, making year-round farming possible. This marked the beginning of Ralegan Siddhi’s transformation into a model village.
Hazare also worked towards eliminating alcohol consumption, which was a major problem in the village. He persuaded villagers to shut down liquor shops and ban alcohol. His efforts extended to social reforms such as eliminating untouchability, promoting literacy, and establishing Gram Sabha (village council) for democratic decision-making. Due to these measures, Ralegan Siddhi became a self-sufficient village, inspiring many across India to adopt similar models of rural development.
Anti-Corruption Activism
Anna Hazare gained national prominence due to his relentless fight against corruption in India. One of his major achievements was advocating for the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In the late 1990s, he led a movement demanding transparency in governance, resulting in the Maharashtra government passing the Maharashtra Right to Information Act in 2002. This later played a crucial role in the implementation of the national RTI Act in 2005, empowering Indian citizens to access government records and hold officials accountable.
His most significant movement, however, was the Jan Lokpal Bill movement in 2011. This bill aimed to establish an independent body to investigate and prosecute corruption cases in India. Hazare staged an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the government pass a strong Lokpal bill. His protest gathered massive public support, leading to widespread anti-corruption protests across the country. The movement pressured the government into drafting the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in 2013. Although the bill was later diluted, Hazare’s efforts significantly raised awareness about corruption in India.
Physical Appearance
Anna Hazare is a man of simple living and high thinking. He stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. He is often seen wearing white khadi attire and a Gandhi cap, signifying his commitment to Gandhian principles. His appearance reflects his austere lifestyle and dedication to social service. Despite his age, he remains active in social movements and continues to work for the betterment of society.
Net Worth as of 2024
Anna Hazare has never sought wealth or luxury. He leads an ascetic lifestyle, residing in a small room attached to the Yadavbaba temple in Ralegan Siddhi. He has no personal bank account, property, or financial assets. His simple way of living has been a testament to his selfless service. As of 2024, he does not possess a net worth in monetary terms, as his entire life has been devoted to public service rather than personal gain.
Latest News
As of February 2025, Anna Hazare has expressed his disappointment in the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, particularly regarding the recent Delhi Assembly election results. He criticized Kejriwal’s focus on liquor policies and accused him of being overwhelmed by money power, which Hazare believes contributed to the party’s poor performance in the elections. This statement has sparked debates on political ethics and governance.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kisan Baburao Hazare |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Bhingar, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India |
| Parents | Baburao Hazare (father), Laxmibai Hazare (mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Occupation | Social Activist |
| Net Worth | None; leads an ascetic lifestyle |
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
| Not Available | |
| Not Available | |
| Not Available | |
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