Crusade against Corruption

"The dream of India as a strong nation will not be realised without self-reliant, self-sufficient villages, this can be achieved only through social commitment & involvement of the common man."
- Anna Hazare

Anna Hazare, the most admired, respected and loved personality of India today, was born on 15th June, 1937. This 74 year old man brought a revolution in India. As we all know, he was on fast for 12 long days and his mission was to remove corruption from India and secure Indians a corruption free country. He is the voice of common man of India today. Every Indian, whether in India or outside India, today hopes for a better tomorrow only because of a noble vision shown to them [us] by Anna Hazare.

I feel a sense of great honour today to write about him in my blog and before I find myself eligible enough to write about this great saintly man, I had to research and read about him at great length. After reading about him in various newspapers, journals, websites and listening about him in News channels, I feel like writing a few words about him today through whatever little knowledge I could gain in the last couple of days.

Anna Hazare served the Indian Army for 12 years and took voluntary retirement in 1978. He was highly influenced by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and it was from his extensive readings of Swamiji’s books that he decided to lead a life of sacrifice and do render selfless service towards upliftment of mankind.

Anna Hazare transformed his Village from acute poverty and drought-prone to a thriving village based on the principles of sustainable development.

He eradicated social evils of drinking [alcohol] and smoking [cigarettes and beedis] from his village. In order to ensure that no one is hungry in his village, he started “Grain Bank” in his Village, where surplus food grains are stored for use of the needy and hungry and also during natural calamity. He introduced several programmes for social welfare which includes Watershed programme, milk production and education.
He strogly advocated against caste system which is still prevalent in rural India. He also initiated the system of collective wedding ceremonies to help the poor people shoulder the burden of heavy expenses incurred during wedding ceremonies.

Bhrastachar Virodhi Jan Andolan [BVJA] which is a movement against corruption was luanched in 1991 by Hazare.

For the implementation of the Jan Lokpal bill, an anti-corruption bill, he was on fast for 12 long days in New Delhi. People from all over India supported him in this crusade against Corruption. On August 28, 2011 he broke his fast with a glass of coconut water mixed with honey offered to him by two little girls. This is the victory of ‘People power’. Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption brought thousands of Indians on the streets. Thousands of people prayed for him, supported him and believed in his noble cause.

This movement has given people a positive hope towards a corruption-free society. Anna Hazare is a follower of Gandhism by faith, belief and practice. He has inspired, motivated and mobilized Indians particularly the Youth with his magnetism, zeal, enthusiasm,patience, simplicity and commitment..