JAGRUTI HABBA – A platform for social transformation and active citizenship among the youth 23/12/2009
A prominent voice of Karnataka echoed the avowed words – “Of the people, for the people, by the people” at a huge gathering of students, staff and general public. Lokayukta, Honourable Justice Sri. N. Santhosh Hegde was speaking at an event organised by Kannada Vedike – the Kannada literary and culture wing of Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, at its campus on 13th January 2010.
Sri R. Chenraj Jain, Chancellor – Jain University presided over the function. Also present on the occasion were the Principal and staff of Jain College.
Sri Chenraj Jain, in his address congratulated Sri. N. Santhosh Hegde for his courage, conviction and task orientation. He urged the students to emulate Sri. Hegde and termed him ‘a great personality who lived by example’. He also said that education was not merely about acquiring degrees but a process of building character and right conduct.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Justice gave an insight on the post independence developments of India in the socio – economic contexts. “Although India features among the major world powers, there are huge inequalities within the country”, he said. The Urban – Rural divide, biases in the urban systems, corruption and faulty administration were some of the primary bottlenecks in developing into a just country, he observed. He pressed on the people to avoid over consumption so as to maintain a balance in the social ecosystem.
The talk was followed by an interaction with the audience. Here are the excerpts:
Q: If the position of Lokayukta was given to a woman, what are the outcomes that you anticipate?
A: There is no differentiation of gender in undertaking the job. What is required is initiative and boldness in undertaking the responsibility.
Q: What are the challenges that you have faced during your investigations and what is the role of media in this regard?
A: Media plays a vital and a proactive role in supporting investigations.
Q: Why not outsource the tasks handled by the RTO and other government offices to check on corruption?
A: Will this change bring in any difference? No. It’s not the people in those offices that need to change but the system that drives and shelters them.
Q: Government officials are under scrutiny but why not politicians?
A: If specific and true facts come to me, I would certainly take necessary action.
Sri. Hegde then concluded by saying that any issue within his jurisdiction would be adequately addressed and that he would strive towards bringing down corruption. He also said that he was optimistic and would like to see society change for the better.
