RTI activist Kewal Semlani passes away

[sidmis]

RTI activist Kewal Semlani passes away

As reported in Express News Service, July 08, 2008

Mumbai, July 7 RTI activist and social activist Kewal Semlani passed away on Monday, following a prolonged illnesses.

The septuagenarian was an ardent advocate of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and was known for filing several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) on civic issues. All this even as he has gone through one by-pass surgery, three angioplasties and being on and off ventilators.

His successful PILs include the ones on illegal speedbrakers, potholed roads and high mortality rate amongst BMC’s conservancy workers.

“He is one of very important RTI activists in the country. He was always available when anyone wanted to help with drafting RTI applications. Even at an old age he carried out several campaigns in Mumbai and traveled all over to encourage the use of RTI,” said Arvind Kejriwal, RTI activist from Delhi and a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

“He was a true fighter who remained committed to the social causes till his last breath,” said Dhiraj Rambhia president of Tarun Mitra Mandal, a organisation of young professionals that lends helping hand to anyone who wants to file an RTI. Semlani was instrumental in starting the movement which has today spread to 10 centers and some 200 professionals. “We are fortunate to have realised his dream to a certain extent,” said Rambhia.

Juhu Corporator Adolf D’Souza credits Juhu residents’ knowledge of the RTI Act to Semlani. “Locals here had opportunity of knowing him when we organised a RTI campaign. Then, we knew nothing about RTI. He not only gave us a crashcourse on RTI, but kept coming every week for the next months to help people draft the applications.” D’Souza recalls that the Semlani was very adept at drafting RTI applications and his queries were very articulate.

Rajesh Darak of Whistleblowers India, remembers Semlani as a pioneer in spreading awareness about RTI through lectures, campaigns and his website mahadhikar.org. “Whatever awareness on RTI we are witnessing today could be attributed to his efforts,” said Darak.

James John an Agni activist remembers Semlani as someone who fought with the authorities to make the system more transparent. “While he fought with the authorities for transparency, he was also of the view that the problems of the authorities should also be addressed,” said John.

RTI activist Kewal Semlani passes away - ExpressIndia.Com

[shakti]

May his soul rest in peace.

[jps50]

May his soul rest in peace.