Indian Express: Pune: Saturday, February 09, 2013.
A social
worker’s catchy idea of taking the RTI to the doorstep of rural people through
a song based on a folk tune is making waves on blogs and the social media.
The four-minute song asks villagers to use the
RTI to pave the way for an informed citizenry to ensure transparency and
strengthen the fabric of democracy.
The song,
composed and sung by Raju Inamdar, a 38-year-old artiste and social worker from
Purandar taluka of Pune district, is part of an audio CD released by NGO Masoom
to raise awareness on the institution of local-self governing bodies.
A Google
group on RTI, initiated by Additional Collector and Director, Centre for Right
to Information at YASHADA, Pralhad Kachare, has hosted the song that is now
receiving appreciation from netizens.
“The song is
appealing indeed. It catches the pulse of people, especially that of rural
community since it communicates with them in their own language. We at YASHADA
are looking to maximize the use of such songs that directly relate to the rural
population,” Kachare told Newsline on Friday.
The song,
which starts with a brief introduction on the procedure of filing RTI
applications and general benefits of the RTI Act, terms the RTI as a right that
would enrich the lives of many. “Developmental works like construction of roads
and digging of wells should not remain on paper. You have to monitor the work
and also the spending on it, through RTI,” the song asks of villagers.
Inamdar, who
is associated with several governing bodies and NGOs, said he could write
appealing lyrics for the song. He said he was aware of the lack of knowledge
about RTI in rural areas.
“I have been
witnessing working of democratic institutions in rural parts for the last two
decades as a social activist. The government comes out with several welfare
schemes for rural population, but the real beneficiaries are often deprived
from its actual benefits. The RTI Act can surely bring in the desired social
change. This very concern of mine has reflected in the song lyrics,” the artist
said.
Santosh
Phapale, who was the first to post Inamdar’s song online, said it has reached
several villages in Maharashtra.
“It is like a
powerful tool of communication. The otherwise unapproachable villagers start
understanding the Act because of the song,” said Phapale, who is associated
with the YASHADA as coordinator.