Students learn RTI filing at one-day workshop

Bhatkal 4 November 2018: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Association for protection of civil rights (APCR) Uttara Kannada District on Sunday organised a one-day workshop on RTI at Rabita hall here in Nawayath colony Bhatkal, wherein over 40 students participated in the workshop that was followed by a legal awareness cum public program in the evening. Prominent RTI activist of Karnataka and a veteran of over 1200 RTIs Shafi Ahmed Shaikh of Gulbarga and state coordinator of APCR was the resource person for the workshop who addressed a range of issues about filing an RTI application and following it up. Convener of the workshop, Ismail Zaorez while speaking at the inaugural event added "RTI is not just a law or act, it a weapon, perhaps weapon of mass destruction in a country and democracy like India. It gives the citizen to speak eye into eye with the authorities and government". Qamaruddin Mashaikh, District Secretary APCR introduced the guest, followed by self-introduction of participants. The workshop was divided into two sessions with several topics discussed in it, including a 40 minute sub-session dedicated for ppt presentations, and another sub-session for questions and answers. The workshop which began at 10.00 am and concluded at 4.00 pm had a mix over 40 male and female participants including a few from adjoining towns of Bhatkal like Murdeshwar and Honnavar. Workshop was followed by a legal awareness program cum valedictory event for public in the evening which was presided over by Moulana Zubair SM, President APCR Uttara Kannada district. Dr. Haneef Shabab, Ex- General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem and prominent local journalist while addressing the valedictory event spoke about the current affairs of Indian and how right-wing forces with their agenda are converting the democracy into a Hindu rashtra, and hoped that the youth of the community will realize the fact and brace themselves for the challenges ahead. Qamaruddin Mashaikh, presented annual report of the organisation, and stressed upon the youngsters to join the association and be its activists for the betterment of the society. The event concluded with the presidential remarks of Moulana Zubair SM, followed by vote of thanks and certificate distribution to the participants. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez)