Social Activism through poetry

One of the BEST ARTICLE from SHRI. Raghavendra Odeyar,

Link to this article is http://www.planetthane.com/news/0802201406.htm
 

Social Activism through poetry

By Raghavendra Odeyar

Thane’s social activist Satyajit Shah who is known for his crusade against city’s social and political issues released his compilation of social poems last Sunday. The anthology titled Aajchi Satyageet (Songs of Today’s Harsh Reality) published by Sharda Prakashan was released in the presence of distinguished litterateurs, social activists and senior journalists. Those present on the dais included poet Ashok Bagve, Anuradha Prabhudesai, president of Lakshya Foundation, editor of Navakal Jayashri Khadilkar Pandey, BJP ex MLA Sanjay Kelkar, playwright Pradeep Dhaval and Editor of Thane Vaibhav Milind Ballal. The venue was Kashinath Ghanekar Mini Theatre.

Satyajit’s poems reflect the social activist’s angst at the current political system, inefficient and poor governance. He is a resident of Thane and has spearheaded several agitations against a plethora of ills plaguing the city. Some of the issues against which he has fought relentlessly include stray dog menace, air pollution caused by a textile factory on Kolshet Road, inordinate delay in starting of Kopri bridge expansion, bad roads, illegal parking/hoardings, etc. The most notable among his crusades was helping the rehabilitation of the students of Parshvanath College of Engineering following the derecognition of the college and saving the jobs of employees of Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) which was on the verge of closure. What is unique about Satyajit is that he is a relentless crusader and his tenacity in chasing matters is amazing. He is a regular blogger and his blogspot ‘fightofacommonman’ has a huge following.

Speaking on the occasion the activist turned poet expressed his concern at the general apathy of citizens on social issues. He appealed to the Thaneites to remain alert and vociferously voice their grievances. Even a simple email to the right authorities does work, says Satyajit. He regretted that today’s youngsters are obsessed with social networks like Facebook. “Many of us frequently change our Facebook profile picture. What do you get out of it? Change the picture of India. Be an alert citizen. Wake up from you slumber,” goaded the activist. Armchair criticism hardly serves any purpose. We should be a part of the system. Further, he said, “we talk about CSR. I am talking about ISR – individual social responsibility. Each one of us should be a good individual citizen and play our part well. Satyajit wanted to donate part of the sales proceeds of his book for a charitable cause. He further said irrespective of whether his book gets sold or not, he is committed to give for a social cause he has espoused. He handed over a cheque of Rs.5,555 to the representative of Vidyadaan Sahayyak Mandal present on the occasion.

Satyajit believes that you should stand up for what is right, even if you’re standing alone. “Evil triumphs when good people sit quiet,” is Satyajit’s mantra. Satyajit’s zero tolerance against inaction and apathy of government and civic body has cost him his cool. His blood pressure shoots up when he encounters inactive and corrupt officials. Milind Ballal who also spoke on the occasion, told in a lighter vein, “Satyajit, don’t allow your blood pressure to rise. Create pressure groups and give blood pressure to erring administrators and politicians.”

Lauding Satyajit for the good work he was doing to the society, Kelkar said, “If every people’s representative had one Satyajit behind him that will bring a sea change in the society.”