T-55 Tank Used In India-Pakistan Wars Installed At Anna Hazare’s Village Ahead Of His Birthday

A decommissioned Indian Army T-55 battle tank that served in the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars has been installed in Ralegan Siddhi, the Maharashtra village associated with veteran social activist Anna Hazare.

The tank, allotted by the Ministry of Defence, was brought to the village in Ahilyanagar district and placed on display as a symbol of military valour and national service. Hazare, who himself served in the Indian Army, expressed gratitude to the government for the gesture, PTI reported.

“The tank provided by the Ministry of Defence will inspire people in the village as well as the visitors who come to see Ralegan Siddhi. It displayed exemplary valour on the battlefield during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars,” said Hazare.

Villagers

welcomed the arrival of the tank, which is set to be formally dedicated to the public on June 15, coinciding with Hazare’s birthday. A resident said efforts had been underway for a long time to bring a military tank to the village.

“Receiving the tank just days before Anna Hazare’s birthday is a matter of great joy for the village. On June 15, his birthday, the tank will be formally dedicated to the people of Ralegan Siddhi,” he said.

Who Is Anna Hazare?

Anna Hazare, born Kisan Baburao Hazare, is a former Indian Army soldier and one of India’s most prominent social activists. After serving for 15 years in the Army, including as a truck driver and soldier in challenging postings across the country, he devoted himself to rural development and social reform.

He transformed the drought-prone village of Ralegan Siddhi into a model of sustainable development and gained nationwide recognition through his anti-corruption campaigns, including the movement for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Hazare was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to society and rural transformation.