The Foundation for Democratic Reforms (FDR) launched the ‘Surajya’ Movement in Hyderabad on 9th August, 2012 to mark the commencement anniversary of the Quit India Movement. By taking up the slogan ‘Quit Corruption’,  the movement advocated for the youth of India to be at the forefront in transforming India. Initially, the Surajya movement was launched as a citizen movement by the Lok Satta Party on 23rd March, 2008 (77th Death Anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh) in Hyderabad. Prominent activists like Sandeep Pandey, Madhu Kishwar, and R. Desikan have supported the movement, which has attracted over 350,000 volunteers across undivided Andhra Pradesh.

Drawing inspiration from the Swaraj Movement (self-rule), which achieved independence through non-violence, Surajya seeks to liberate citizens from kleptocratic rule using the power of the vote. Surajya meaning good governance, the movement seeks to ensure equal opportunities for all, uphold the agency of the subaltern and most vulnerable in society and minimize incidence of corruption. The movement envisions a credible, just, and equitable society that guarantees dignity, justice, and opportunities for all. Its objectives include eradicating corruption, ending political dynasties, ensuring equitable access to quality education and healthcare, empowering local governments, eliminating caste-based discrimination, and providing speedy and affordable justice. These objectives will be realised through achieving:

• Quality Education, Health and Opportunities for all
• Right to Government Services;
• Achieve Strong Lokpal & Lokayukta;
• Empowerment of Local Governments;
• Electoral Reforms

In order to achieve ‘surajya’, mobilizing the youth to take active part in governance and social reform was the primary objective.  Speakers at the launch, including Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, highlighted the need for systemic reform to empower citizens, ensure devolution of power, and establish accountability. As part of the movement, FDR and its supporters organized several initiatives such as round-table conferences, voter registration drives in colleges, youth empowerment seminars and training, youth exposure visits, surveys on youth issues, state level competitions on short films, slogan-writing, photography, case-studies, and photo exhibitions advocating the goals of the Surajya movement.