Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Sep 17: Fr Claude D’Souza and Fr Ambrose Pinto memorial lecture on ‘Right based approach to social movements’ was delivered by RTI activist Aruna Roy at St Aloysius College here on Tuesday, September 17.
Addressing the gathering, RTI activist Aruna Roy, said, "Three years ago, when we visited Rajasthan, there was severe drought and we were struggling. The government response to the problems faced by people was very poor. The demand from the people was not for food or water but for employment. With the help of our organisation, we had to fight for justice in providing employment for the people,” she said.
She also said, "Inequality is multidimensional as there are many intersections. We need to unite everyone and start fighting for our rights. Multiple tools are needed to correct inequality. Article 19, which deals with the freedom of expression, is genesis of RTI. Democratic process does not end after we cast our vote. It is a long journey. We send our representatives and it is our responsibility to ask them questions. The promises which galore in election manifestoes are many a times not kept. Who is going to monitor the promises?”
“The overnight decision of demonetization affected several people. The decision, which needs a process, was taken without the consent of anyone. Is this democracy? RTI enables us to ask questions. Voices of dissent are being heard. However, it takes less time to liken the people who raise their voice to traitor, anti national. We need to remember we are in a process of building democracy by people’s participation to create better India,” said Aruna Roy.
“There are over 60 lac RTI users. It is legitimate to ask questions and this has laid the foundation of democracy. There was a time when debate on MNREGA and RTI was taking place. But today we can only see what Ambani and Adani do. Unfortunately when truth is questioned, the power does not listen to you or it imprisons you. Legislature is using legislative muscle power and bringing out laws without any debate,” Roy felt.
Conveners Fr Francis Guntipilly and Prof Joselyn Lobo briefed about Fr Ambrose Pinto and Fr Claude D Souza respectively.
St Aloysius College principal Dr Praveen Martis welcomed the gathering. Shwetha Rasquinha proposed vote of thanks and Arathi Shanbhag compered the event.