`Gandhigiri solves most problems`

Raju bhai who runs an NGO in Navi Mumbai talks to Cityplus about his life and work

S P Ramavat is an interior designer by profession and a social activist by passion. The 36-year-old follower of Anna Hazare is fondly referred to as Raju bhai (brother) by most. The Koperkhairane resident has been running the ‘Save Water, Save Life’ NGO at Koperkhairane. A father of two daughters and one son, he spends 10 per cent of his earnings on such activities.

My NGO
I have been spreading awareness about conservation of water among residents of Navi Mumbai for the past three years.

Campaigns
I started the save water campaign about three years ago ago. We have put up posters, that urge people to use water intelligently, across Vashi and Koperkhairane. These banners are legal, and prior permission is always taken from authorities to put them up. The posters are clearly visible to people walking, driving on the roads.
Our NGO has also installed water tanks at Koperkhairane, Ghansoli and Panvel for pedestrians to quench their thirst. The water supplied is 100 per cent pure. At the start of the campaign, stalls selling packaged drinking water at a nominal rate of Rs 10, were put up at Koperkhairane.
My NGO has also placed 'Say no to plastic bags' banners on Koperkhairane highway near D-Mart. We want people to read these messages and behave responsibly.
I began the no plastic campaign because I realised the ill effects of plastic bags on the environment. The bags that are thrown away in water bodies cause harm to marine life. They also choke drainage lines. Burning plastic bags in the environment can lead to cancer among people. I wanted to create awareness among citizens so that they think at least once before using them.
In the past, I also conducted anti-alcohol and anti-corruption campaigns. The problems of corruption and alcohol are affecting people to a large extent. If not addressed correctly, the whole society can fall prey to these issues. 
When I started this campaign I was alone, but now 280 people from all over Navi Mumbai are associated with my NGO. I want at least 1000 people from all over the city to become a part of this NGO. It would be nice if they can even help spread awareness about minor issues. I am happy that many citizens have come forward to join me in the recent few days. People have also said that the awareness campaign is helping to bring positive changes in the locality. After the plastic awareness campaign, I will spread awareness about female foeticide. It is very disheartening to hear about girl children being killed even before they get a chance to see the world.

My inspiration
I derive inspiration from Anna Hazare. He stood against corruption alone. He is supported by people living all over the world.
Another incident also urged me to do social work.  Once when I was hospitalised for illness, I believed that  this was the end of my life. At the time, my whole life flashed in front of my eyes. I thought about the things that I had done for the society.  I had only taken care of my family, my business. I realised that I hadn't done something to bring a smile on a stranger's face. I made a promise to myself then that if I would survive I would dedicate a part of my life to social work. I promised that I would bring a positive change in the society.

Gandhigiri
Whenever we hear of a problem causing harm to either an individual or society, we try our best to solve it.  If we are met with opposition, we give flowers and request people to take a step back.  Most of the problems get solved this way.
I  realised recently that the use of  plastic bags can be stopped only if vendors and shopkeepers stop giving them away to customers. It is very important to make them aware of the hazards of plastic. In order to do this, we adopted Gandhiji's style. I distributed rose and cloth bags among vendors and shopkeepers. This step helped us in spreading a awareness among them.

Change is good
I believe it is important to change people's thinking if we want to see a positive change in society. We regularly organise promotional drives to encourage people to make positive lifestyle changes.

Children's Day special
Recently, on the occasion of Children's Day, we visited Bal Ashram near Balaji Garden, Koperkhairane to distribute books and other necessary items among children. We spent time with children and had a lot of fun.

--Indira thakur