Who is Anna Hazare?
Anna Hazare is a Padma Bhushan-awarded, 72-year old social activist from Maharashtra.
What is known about his early life?
Anna started his career as a driver in the Indian Army. He also fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. After voluntary retirement from the army, Hazare came to Ralegaon Siddhi village in Maharashtra and engaged himself in the activities of social welfare.
What have been his special achievements?
He built a self-sustained model village called Ralegan Siddhi (District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra). In 1975, it was village replete with poverty and devoid of development. Anna helped in tackling problems of alcohol addiction, untouchability in the village. He revived the agricultural practices in the village. Ralegan Siddhi is now one of the richest villages in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.
What is he campaigning for now?
On April 5 2011, Hazare started a 'fast unto death' to exert pressure on the Government of India to enact a strong anti-corruption act and constitute an independent body called the Office of the Jan Lokpal which would have the power to prosecute corrupt politicians and government officials without seeking permission from the government.
The bill has been drafted by the members of civil society.
Will he be able to bring a change?
Most likely he would be able to bring about a drastic change. Because, last time when Anna sat on fast -
* 6 corrupt ministers in Maharashtra had to resign* 400 corrupt officers were dismissed from job
* 2002 - Maharashtra RTI Act was passed
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