Anna Hazare against Corruption

Anna Hazare has become a well known name amongst every Indian. Not only in India but Anna Hazare has gained international recognition. But I still feel that not everyone knows about the great deeds that this great icon has done for the society. Till some years back Anna Hazare was like any other social activist for me. But having seen Annaji very closely my family always believed that he is a man of substance. It was my father-in-law who told me about Anna Hazare’s work, who happens to be the MLA of the same constituency where Anna Hazare resides. He is an ardent follower of Annaji’s teachings and has regular interactions with him. So I would like to highlight some of the good work that Annaji has done for society. Annaji is a very modest man who lives a simple life in a temple in his native village.

Having retired from the army after the Indo-Pak war he decided to return back home to his native village (Ralegan Siddhi, taluka Parner, district Ahmednagar). On his way back he happened to lay his hands on a book based on Swami Vivekananda which inspired him to do something for the nation. He dedicated his remaining life for the well-being of the common man.

Since Ralegan Siddhi is a drought prone region Annaji began his work by starting water conservation techniques for the villagers. To arrest soil erosion he started tree plantation. In short he changed the entire face of Ralegan. This arid region was metamorphosed into an ‘ideal village’.

Thereafter he launched a movement for getting electricity supply for the people of Parner.

Annaji took up the noble task of increasing the literacy rates and educating the girls. For this purpose he started a school in Ralegan. This school admits repeaters and students who have been expelled from school. The discipline Annaji got used to during his tenure with the army helped him inculcate the same qualities among the students.

Annaji took up the issue of alcoholism. He along with the villagers decided to impose a ban on alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes and physically punished the people who flouted this rule.

Annaji promoted milk production in Ralegan. He helped eradicate untouchability from the society. He started the practice of community weddings which helped the poor to get their son/daughter married.

Anna Hazare lead a movement in Maharashtra for the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act which exposed the corruption prevalent in the Government. Now Annaji has been successful with his movement in convincing the Government for passing the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill in the country which will take action against the corrupt people.

As an Indian citizen I truly respect Annaji and have great regard for his work.