Anna Hazare received the Padma Bhushan mainly for which major contribution to society?

Introduction / Context:
Anna Hazare is a well known social activist from Maharashtra. Before he became famous for anti corruption movements, he was recognised for his work in rural development. This question asks about the specific reason for which he received the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian honours in India. Knowing such details is important in general knowledge related to awards and social reformers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award mentioned is Padma Bhushan.
• Anna Hazare is the recipient.
• We must identify the primary contribution recognised by this award.

Concept / Approach:
Anna Hazare converted his native village Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra from a drought prone and poverty ridden settlement into a model village. He introduced watershed management, tree plantation, community work, ban on liquor and strong local participation. This transformation into a self sufficient and ecofriendly community was the key reason behind his Padma Bhushan. His later anti corruption agitations came after this recognition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall major phases of Anna Hazare public life. Step 2: Note that his earliest fame came from the transformation of Ralegan Siddhi. Step 3: Remember that the Padma Bhushan was awarded in recognition of his rural development work, not mainly for later anti corruption protests. Step 4: Compare options and identify which one clearly describes the Ralegan Siddhi transformation. Step 5: Choose the option that mentions converting the drought affected village into a model self sufficient village.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by connecting the time frame. The Padma Bhushan was conferred before the large media covered anti corruption movements in the twenty first century. At that time his main identity was as a rural reformer who used community participation, water conservation and strict village rules to improve life in Ralegan Siddhi.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Leading a national war against corruption at the central level: Although he later played an important role in anti corruption campaigns, this was not the primary cited reason for the Padma Bhushan at the time of award.
Outstanding service in the Indian army during war: Anna Hazare did serve in the army, but the civilian honour is for his social work, not for military action.
Remarkable social service in tribal areas of Bihar: His work is mainly in Maharashtra, particularly in Ahmednagar district, not in tribal regions of Bihar.
Launching a nationwide literacy movement: He is not chiefly known for literacy programs, so this does not match the documented citation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may focus only on the more recent image of Anna Hazare as an anti corruption crusader and forget his earlier and deeper work in rural development. Another pitfall is not paying attention to geographic clues and assuming that any social service description is correct. Connecting the award date and the location of his work helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
Anna Hazare received the Padma Bhushan mainly for transforming the drought affected village Ralegan Siddhi into a model of self sufficiency and rural development.