Anna Hazare Birthday: Lesser-Known Facts on the Soldier-Turned-Activist

Social activist Anna Hazare turns 86 years on June 15, Thursday. Here are some lesser-known facts about the staunch soldier-turned-Anti-Corruption activist.

In his 86-year-long journey, he has fought many battles. Some against corruption, alcoholism, and even as a soldier in the Indian army.

Anna was born as Kisan Baburao Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra.

Did you know? The activist who could study only until Class 7, has received various awards including the prestigious Padma Shri Award.

After taking voluntary retirement from the 9th Maratha Battalion of the Indian Army in 1978 at the age of 39, he returned to Ralegan Siddhi and transformed the place into a sterling model village.

In 1992, he received Padma Bhushan for the same. He had rid the village of alcoholism and had set up rainwater harvesting systems.

His most famous battle was in 2011 and 2013 for anti-corruption law, the Lokpal Bill, which gained massive public support. Hazare’s hunger strikes exerted pressure on the UPA government, which had to agree to the laid demands.

His anti-corruption fight was a turning point in India's political scene because it had indirectly paved way for fall of the UPA government and rise of the Aam Aadmi Party.