A former Indian Army soldier who dodged enemy bullets during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Anna Hazare shot to limelight when he motivated masses of the nation to protest against corruption. The 76-year old who protested against rising malpractice in Government agency demanded that an ombudsman be instated to curb the incompetency and illegal behavior. He went on fasting after the Government denied his demands.

His non-violent practices inspired the citizens of the country to support his mission and finally after overwhelming support from public, the Lokpal Bill was passed and Anna ended his fast on the 13th day.

Though he became a national icon during the anti-corruption movement, Anna's achievements are not only the Lokpal Bill. The social reformer took the initiative of transforming his native village of Ralegan Siddhi as one of India's model village. He took one problem at a time and came up with unique solutions to make the lives of people better in the village. Beginning from better irrigation facilities to food stock development, from opening schools to helping social evils such as untouchability to end the use of alcohol and tobacco, the village set an example in all aspects.

And the hunger strike during the 2011 anti-corruption movement was not the first time he fasted unto death. During the anti-corruption protests in the state of Maharashtra too Anna Hazare fasted for 9 days.