Chaturvedi was transferred 12 times in 5 years
Sanjiv Chaturvedi with his mother
New Delhi: Speaking after receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Mr Chaturvedi said, “I am disappointed with the functioning of the PMO as I worked with the policy of zero tolerance. Even though the Prime Minister has sloganeered against corruption by saying ‘Na khaunga, na khane dunga (Neither will I take a bribe, nor will I allow anyone to)’, it is far from reality.”
Mr Chaturvedi has been awarded under the “Emergent Leadership” category for his exemplary integrity, courage and tenacity in uncompromisingly exposing and painstakingly investigating corruption in public office, and his resolute crafting of programme and system improvements to ensure that the government honourably serves the people of India.
On the other hand, Mr Gupta has been awarded for his creative vision in transforming the culture of giving in India, his enterprising leadership in treating cloth as a sustainable development resource for the poor, and in reminding the world that true giving always respects and preserves human dignity.
Mr Chaturvedi, talking to the Deccan Chronicle, said the entire award money will be given to the AIIMS poor patients treatment fund. “AIIMS is like a temple for me where lots of poor patients turn up every day for treatment. Award money of around Rs 19 lakh will be utilised for treatment of such people,” he added.
Talking about his 13-year-long battle against corruption, Mr Chaturvedi said he was able to survive only because of an independent and robust judiciary which took decisions based only on facts and evidence.
Mr Chaturvedi claimed that despite submitting the factual position to the PMO about his removal and demanding a fair probe, nothing had been done so far. In five years, he was transferred 12 times.
Mr Anshu Gupta had left his corporate job to start Goonj in 1999. Goonj collects used clothes and household goods and distributes them to the needy. Mr Gupta said the award was a recognition of the work of thousands of volunteers of the NGO. “There are three basic needs of a human life — food, cloth and shelter. But unfortunately cloth has become a charitable commodity,” Mr Gupta added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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