Indian Social Activists have strived throughout the years for the betterment and development of the Indian society. It is their unending zeal and the spirit to earn rights for fellow Indians that have aided natives for their unfathomable progress. Indian Social Activists had attempted to eliminate social evils like caste distinctions and promote equality among all. In the post-independent era, Indian traditional ideas about social change and political protest went through a revolution. The Gandhian form of Satyagraha or non-violent protest through parades and marches, meetings and other passive forms of protest is still admired.
Social Activists in India have worked intensely towards uplifting the standards of living of not only men and women, but also the animals and heritage buildings of the nation. They worked together to combat communalism, female foeticide and for women`s empowerment. Some Indian social activists are working to combat drugs or alcohol abuse, AIDS and to promote education for the masses and ecological conservation. Some of the more social movements include the Narmada Bachao Andolon, the Chipko Movement and the Right to Information Movement, which promotes lucidity in the workings of the State.
Famous Indian Social Activists
The most prominent Indian Social Activist amongst the countrymen was undoubtedly Mahatma Gandhi, a great spiritual and political leader. In modern days, Indian social activists bestowed unlimited thoughts and implementation for different aspects of the Indian society. The Indian social activists are legendary in their respective fields. Some of the leading social activists who have brought changes in the society are as follows:
Anna Hazare: Anna Hazare in the recent times has attracted the headlines for his protest against the corruption. His demand for the formulation of a separate Lokpal to take care of corruption issues has been successful in striking a chord among the people of the country.
Kulandei Francis: Kulandei Francis has dedicated his life to serving the most underprivileged populations in southern India. He was felicitated with the most prestigious Magsaysay Award in 2012 at the age of 66 years.
Vinoba Bhave: Vinoba Bhave has been a pious activist like who successfully brought about radical changes in society through socialist movements like Sarvodaya and the Bhoodan Movement.
Medha Patkar: Medha Patkar is chiefly known for her work with people displaced by the Narmada Valley Development Project. She is a known face in social activism and has been involved with several NGOs and other social work related organisations.
Baba Amte: Baba Amte was an Indian social worker and activist who worked for the empowerment of poor. He was honoured with numerous national and international awards for his selfless service to the society his entire life.
Arundhati Roy: Arundhati Roy, an author turned social activist, was active in various environmental and human rights causes, often putting her at odds with Indian legal authorities and the country"s middle-class establishment.
Aruna Roy: Aruna Roy is a social activist best known as a leading voice behind people"s struggle for Right to Information, Employment and Food, her efforts to fight corruption and promote government transparency.
Some of the other most notable Indian Social Activists include, Arvind Kejriwal, Nafisa Ali, Kiran Bedi, Maneka Gandhi, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Pratibha Naitthani, Karem Shivaji, Abid Surti, Prakash Pohare, Mirai Chatterjee, Kudmul Ranga Rao, Arige Ramaswamy, Pundit Hulasa Ram Dutta, Basava, Satish Shetty, Vidyaben Shah, Reetika Khera, Mosa Walsalam Sastriyar, Giridharilal Kedia, Mundlapati Ramanadha Rao, Azhagar Ramanujam, Ayaz Mughal, Vithal Krishnaji Khedkar and C.R. Neelakandan.
Several NGOs and volunteer organisations also work under the guidance of Indian social activists and they concentrate in specific areas of urban and rural India. The Indian social activists work non-profitably for the homeland and its people and are truly committed to the cause of making India a better place to live.