People become the change

We all want the authorities to clean the roads, reduce pollution and ensure security. But have we ever bothered about doing anything ourselves? That's exactly the motivation behind Delhi-based Citizens' Alliance. They lobby for transparency in the functioning of the government, create awareness among residents about their rights and empower ordinary people. 

Says Charushilla Narula Bajpai, founder director & key mentor of the Citizens' Alliance, "As a citizen, I observe limitations all around me. There is a cause to be taken up right outside your doorstep. We are asking people to firstly acknowledge the same and then take action."

The Alliance is involved in a host of activities aimed at improving walk-ability in the Capital - uncluttered and safe footpaths, improved lighting and the freedom to walk. "It's evident that we want a better environment for our children in the future, but who will carry this mantle of having difficult conversations? It's crucial to not just demand a change but be the change," says Suchita Meena, general secretary, of the Citizens' Alliance.

Prior to this, the organization has undertaken various other civic issues. In Stop the Mega Mall, several residents gathered together for a Save Alaknanda Andolan meeting to protect their community centre land from blatant commercialisation. After holding an agitation campaign in colonies, RWAs and community centres, a case was filed in the court asking authorities to probe over how a land earmarked for a sports hub by the DDA suddenly got marked for a commercial mall. The construction has been stopped as of now.

— Neha Kirpal