Moneylife: Pune: Tuesday,
24 September 2024.
Commodore (Cmde) Lokesh
Batra (retd) was felicitated by Moneylife Foundation and prominent
right-to-information (RTI) activists from Mumbai for his tireless dedication to
promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance through the Right
to Information (RTI) Act. Cmde Batra's relentless pursuit of transparency in
political funding, mainly through his challenge to the electoral bond scheme,
led to an unprecedented judgment that has inspired concerned citizens across
India.
The event, presided over by Sucheta Dalal, founder-trustee of Moneylife Foundation, recognised Cmde Batra's relentless efforts to use RTI as a tool for public good, particularly his fight for transparency in areas such as political funding and government expenditures.
In her address, Ms Dalal read a heartfelt felicitation letter, highlighting the profound impact of Cmde Batra's work. The felicitation ceremony was marked by Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner, presenting a shawl to Cmde Batra. Debashis Basu, founder-trustee of Moneylife Foundation, presented him with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Foundation and the RTI activists of Mumbai.
Speaking at the event, Mr Gandhi said, "It is a privilege to honour my friend Cmde Batra. His post-retirement achievements are monumental and more valuable to the nation than even his distinguished service in the Navy. His fight for transparency continues to inspire all of us."
Since the inception of the RTI Act in 2005, Cmde Batra has played a pivotal role in shedding light on critical issues, including the PM CARES Fund, the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the 2007 Nithari killings investigation. His efforts also led to the introduction of electronic Indian postal orders (e-IPO), empowering Indians living abroad to seek information through the RTI Act.
In his acceptance speech, Cmde Batra thanked the RTI community and emphasised the continued need for vigilance in using RTI to ensure accountability. He said, "The fight for transparency is far from over. We must continue working together to keep the RTI Act a strong tool in the hands of every Indian. Although I had thought about concluding my transparency campaign after the victory with electoral bonds, the need for inspiring the younger generation to carry forward this fight has kept me going."
Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat (retd), former chief of the Indian Navy, was also present for the felicitation. Admiral Bhagwat expressed his pride in seeing Cmde Batra transition from a Navy officer to a formidable RTI activist. "It is inspiring to see how Lokesh has switched over from the uniform to becoming a transparency campaigner, constantly fighting for justice. His journey is commendable and should inspire the younger generation," said admiral Bhagwat.
Among the attendees was also Moneylife Foundation's trustee Walter Vieira, who commended Cmde Batra's dedication. The event also allowed other RTI activists to share their experiences.
Anil Galgali, a veteran journalist and RTI activist, emphasised the need for creative approaches when using the RTI Act, advising, "Sometimes, the key is to build a rapport with the information officer rather than relying on appeals. RTI, combined with persistence, is a powerful tool."
Bhaskar Prabhu, convener of the Mahiti Adhikar Manch, stressed the importance of persistence, adding, "If you sustain your efforts, as Cmde Batra has, you will see change. Start small and look at local aspects. Look at the expenditures of your local municipal corporation on parks and gardens in your ward. Don't stand on the shoulders of RTI activists to seek information under RTI. Put in your efforts, build relationships and be persistent."
Krishna Gupta, an RTI activist and advocate, shared how RTI applications helped remove illegal hoardings and banners from public spaces in Mira-Bhayander. He said, "After years of sustained efforts using RTI, we have managed to keep Mira-Bhayander free from illegal banners today. It may have started small with RTIs seeking information on permissions granted by the municipal corporation. Still, we have continued to use the information to file FIRs and complaints further, ensuring banners and hoardings do not reappear."
The event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role RTI activists like Cmde Batra plays in strengthening democracy and ensuring transparency in governance. The gathering celebrated Cmde Batra's extraordinary efforts and the broader RTI community's collective fight for accountability and good governance.
The event, presided over by Sucheta Dalal, founder-trustee of Moneylife Foundation, recognised Cmde Batra's relentless efforts to use RTI as a tool for public good, particularly his fight for transparency in areas such as political funding and government expenditures.
In her address, Ms Dalal read a heartfelt felicitation letter, highlighting the profound impact of Cmde Batra's work. The felicitation ceremony was marked by Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner, presenting a shawl to Cmde Batra. Debashis Basu, founder-trustee of Moneylife Foundation, presented him with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Foundation and the RTI activists of Mumbai.
Speaking at the event, Mr Gandhi said, "It is a privilege to honour my friend Cmde Batra. His post-retirement achievements are monumental and more valuable to the nation than even his distinguished service in the Navy. His fight for transparency continues to inspire all of us."
Since the inception of the RTI Act in 2005, Cmde Batra has played a pivotal role in shedding light on critical issues, including the PM CARES Fund, the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the 2007 Nithari killings investigation. His efforts also led to the introduction of electronic Indian postal orders (e-IPO), empowering Indians living abroad to seek information through the RTI Act.
In his acceptance speech, Cmde Batra thanked the RTI community and emphasised the continued need for vigilance in using RTI to ensure accountability. He said, "The fight for transparency is far from over. We must continue working together to keep the RTI Act a strong tool in the hands of every Indian. Although I had thought about concluding my transparency campaign after the victory with electoral bonds, the need for inspiring the younger generation to carry forward this fight has kept me going."
Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat (retd), former chief of the Indian Navy, was also present for the felicitation. Admiral Bhagwat expressed his pride in seeing Cmde Batra transition from a Navy officer to a formidable RTI activist. "It is inspiring to see how Lokesh has switched over from the uniform to becoming a transparency campaigner, constantly fighting for justice. His journey is commendable and should inspire the younger generation," said admiral Bhagwat.
Among the attendees was also Moneylife Foundation's trustee Walter Vieira, who commended Cmde Batra's dedication. The event also allowed other RTI activists to share their experiences.
Anil Galgali, a veteran journalist and RTI activist, emphasised the need for creative approaches when using the RTI Act, advising, "Sometimes, the key is to build a rapport with the information officer rather than relying on appeals. RTI, combined with persistence, is a powerful tool."
Bhaskar Prabhu, convener of the Mahiti Adhikar Manch, stressed the importance of persistence, adding, "If you sustain your efforts, as Cmde Batra has, you will see change. Start small and look at local aspects. Look at the expenditures of your local municipal corporation on parks and gardens in your ward. Don't stand on the shoulders of RTI activists to seek information under RTI. Put in your efforts, build relationships and be persistent."
Krishna Gupta, an RTI activist and advocate, shared how RTI applications helped remove illegal hoardings and banners from public spaces in Mira-Bhayander. He said, "After years of sustained efforts using RTI, we have managed to keep Mira-Bhayander free from illegal banners today. It may have started small with RTIs seeking information on permissions granted by the municipal corporation. Still, we have continued to use the information to file FIRs and complaints further, ensuring banners and hoardings do not reappear."
The event served as a powerful reminder of the critical role RTI activists like Cmde Batra plays in strengthening democracy and ensuring transparency in governance. The gathering celebrated Cmde Batra's extraordinary efforts and the broader RTI community's collective fight for accountability and good governance.
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