Civic activist N.S. Ramakanth passes away
Senior civic activist N.S. Ramakanth, 88, who worked for over three decades for sustainable solid waste management in Bengaluru, passed away on Monday due to
Senior civic activist N.S. Ramakanth, 88, who worked for over three decades for sustainable solid waste management in Bengaluru, passed away on Monday due to age-related ailments. His eyes were donated, apart from his body, for medical research to M.S. Ramaiah Medical College. Almitra Patel, one of the pioneers of sustainable SWM in Bengaluru, recalled how Ramakanth was a “practical, hands-on, action-oriented” activist.
“While most of us used to say what needed to be done, Ramakanth travelled extensively, meeting various communities like Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), apartments, temples, police groups, and painstakingly convinced them and eventually helped them manage their waste as well,” she said. Hailing from Bengaluru, Ramakanth studied at College in Bengaluru and later studied Mining Engineering in Benaras.
He worked in various countries for nearly two decades, with a long stint with a German firm in Liberia. He chose to retire early and returned to Bengaluru in 1988. “Once we returned to Bengaluru, he became active in the nascent RWA movement here, first in Rajajinagar and later in Seshadripuram in the 1990s. Later, he became interested in sustainable waste management and dedicated himself to the cause for nearly three decades,” said his wife Vedha Ramakanth.
Ramakanth also tried his hand at politics and stood for elections from Lok Satta party and lost. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
The BriefWire