Social activist Anna Hazare was admitted to a hospital on Monday after suffering from a viral infection, acute dehydration and kidney-related problems. The veteran Gandhian activist is receiving treatment at Bombay Hospital. Doctors have kept him in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring.
Hazare reached the hospital in a cardiac ambulance. Caretakers from his native village accompanied him. Dr Gautam Bhansali is supervising his treatment. He said doctors were conducting several tests and would decide the next course of treatment after reviewing the reports.
Anna Hazare’s public life
Hazare became a nationally recognised social activist through the India Against Corruption movement in 2011. However, he had already built a strong reputation in Maharashtra through decades of social work and campaigns against corruption.
His work in Ralegan Siddhi, his native village in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, also gained widespread attention. The village became known for its watershed development projects and rural transformation initiatives.
Last month, Hazare interacted with a group of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers who visited Ralegan Siddhi as part of their training. The group included 20 IPS probationers from different states. They were undergoing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
During their visit in late July, the probationers studied the village’s approach to watershed development and rural transformation. Hazare told the young officers that India’s youth represent the country’s future. He also stressed the importance of integrity and selfless service in nation-building.
Hazare stresses peaceful protests
Hazare has consistently supported peaceful protests and democratic dialogue to address public grievances. While speaking about the Cockroach Janta Party protest, he said that people should resolve disputes through discussion rather than violence.
"Any issue gets resolved through dialogue. Dialogue leads to solutions. Creating tension and going down the wrong path will not solve anything. Dialogue is the most crucial thing. I have conducted 22 hunger strikes, but I never resorted to violence. Things should be resolved through dialogue. The welfare of society, whatever is right, should be done," he said after the CJP stir was called off.
Hazare also pointed to his own history of peaceful activism. He said he had carried out 22 hunger strikes without using violence. "I did 22 fasts, never used violence, and because of that, 10 laws were enacted. This is essential; creating violence is not right. Whoever the person may be, one should never indulge in violence," he added.
Focus on democracy and public welfare
Hazare also stressed the responsibility of governments to listen to citizens. He said people should use democratic methods to raise their concerns and push for change.
"One has to see what the public is saying. For the public's welfare, even if we have to step forward, there's no harm in it. But public interest must happen. Issues are never resolved by violence but by dialogue among people."
He further emphasised the importance of following democratic principles. "Whatever happens through democracy happens. One should always follow the path of democracy," he added.
Hazare’s latest hospitalisation comes after decades of public activism focused on rural development, social reform and anti-corruption campaigns. Doctors are currently conducting tests to assess his condition and determine the appropriate treatment.