Who is widely regarded as the major driving force and leading activist behind the social movement "Narmada Bachao Andolan" in India?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to Indian polity and social movements. Narmada Bachao Andolan is a well known people's movement that arose in response to large dam projects on the Narmada river, raising issues of displacement, rehabilitation and environmental impact. The question asks you to identify the key leader associated with this movement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The movement is Narmada Bachao Andolan, which literally means Save Narmada Movement.
• The issue is related to large dams and displacement of people along the Narmada river.
• The options list prominent Indian social activists.
• We assume you are aware of the main faces associated with different movements.

Concept / Approach:
Each activist in the options is associated with a distinct social cause. Medha Patkar is the most prominent face of Narmada Bachao Andolan, working for the rights of project-affected people and against unplanned large dams. Anna Hazare is known for rural development and anti-corruption movements, Shantha Sinha works for child rights and against child labour, and Manasi Pradhan is associated with women's rights campaigns. Recognising these associations allows you to choose correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Link Narmada Bachao Andolan with the struggle against large dams on the Narmada river. Step 2: Recall images and reports of prolonged protests, hunger strikes and legal battles led by Medha Patkar. Step 3: Match Medha Patkar's name with the movement, as she is widely acknowledged as its central leader and organiser. Step 4: Distinguish Anna Hazare as more strongly associated with anti-corruption agitation and village development in Ralegan Siddhi. Step 5: Recognise Shantha Sinha and Manasi Pradhan as activists in different domains such as child rights and women's safety, not the Narmada movement.

Verification / Alternative check:
Newspaper archives, documentary films and civil society publications on Narmada Bachao Andolan consistently highlight Medha Patkar as the main leader and spokesperson. Her name appears in court cases, negotiations with governments and public campaigns connected to the movement, confirming her key role.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anna Hazare: Known primarily for anti-corruption campaigns, such as the movement for a strong Lokpal Bill, and for rural development initiatives in Maharashtra, not for the Narmada issue.

Shantha Sinha: A distinguished activist for children's rights and former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, but not associated with Narmada Bachao Andolan.

Manasi Pradhan: Recognised for her work against violence toward women and campaigns for women's safety, again unrelated to the Narmada dam protests.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse activists because they have all worked on social issues. The key is to associate each activist with their flagship movement: Medha Patkar with Narmada Bachao Andolan, Anna Hazare with anti-corruption and rural development, and others with child and women's rights.

Final Answer:
The major driving force behind Narmada Bachao Andolan is Medha Patkar.