The family that Anna Hazare never visits

Although, the village of Ralegan Siddhi, calls veteran anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare as its Kutumbha Pramukh (head of families), his immediate family has little or no connection with him. 

His younger brother Maruti Hazare's family has never seen Hazare stepping into their home in the last 40 years.

Also, Hazare never eats with the family to show that he he has no special ties and has dedicated his life to the welfare of the country. Kausalya Hazare, daughter-in-law of the house, has never seen Hazare coming into her home since her marriage.

“He had attended my marriage but has never come to our home. On his rounds in his village, he waves at us as he waves out to others,” said Kausalya.

She also spoke of Hazare's absolute refusal to accept anything from their house. "His meagre meals are supplied from the kitchen of the watershed management institute run by the Hind Swaraj Trust,"she said.

This reluctance, Hazare's brother points out, is a sign of considerable foresight. "In case he had kept any social relations with us, people might have doubted that he has some special interests and so he decided to cut all relations with us," he said.