Achievers Talk is honored to feature Ranjan Tomar, a multifaceted individual who has made significant strides in various social and environmental domains. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. from Amity University, Noida, Ranjan is a lawyer by profession and a dedicated social worker by choice. His journey began with water conservation efforts in his village in Noida, and today, he is a prominent figure in environmental protection, working tirelessly towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Achievers Talk: Ranjan, it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Can you share what inspired you to start your journey in water conservation and environmental protection?
Ranjan Tomar: Thank you for having me. My journey began with a deep concern for the water scarcity issues in my village. I realized that small, consistent efforts could lead to significant changes. This led me to initiate water conservation projects, which eventually expanded into broader environmental protection efforts, including wildlife conservation, tree plantations, and spreading awareness about environmental issues.
Achievers Talk: You’ve been involved in various fields, from fighting corruption to advocating for democratic decentralization. How do you balance these diverse roles?
Ranjan Tomar: It’s all about passion and commitment. Whether it’s fighting corruption through RTI activism or strengthening local bodies, my focus remains on empowering the common man and ensuring accountability. The key is to see problems as opportunities for positive change and to work with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Achievers Talk: Your RTI revelations have made waves across various ministries and have had a considerable impact. Can you highlight some of your significant achievements through RTI?
Ranjan Tomar: Certainly. Through RTI, I’ve exposed various issues, including the killing of endangered species by poachers and corruption within public offices. Notably, my RTI revelations about poaching led to the recruitment of over 80 SPRF personnel in Kaziranga to protect one-horned rhinos. These efforts have been acknowledged by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, resulting in new policies to safeguard wildlife.
Achievers Talk: Tell us about your NGO, ‘Youth Leaders of Noida,’ and its impact on the community.
Ranjan Tomar: ‘Youth Leaders of Noida’ aims to empower the community through education, environmental initiatives, and social justice. We have organized tree plantation drives, fought for the rights of economically weaker sections, and worked on traffic safety issues. Our focus on disseminating information about government policies and using the Citizen Charter to achieve SDGs has been instrumental in our success.
Achievers Talk: Your efforts have led to the construction of over 80 public toilets in Noida and the integration of African students with local villagers. Can you elaborate on these initiatives?
Ranjan Tomar: Building public toilets was crucial for improving sanitation in the region. It was a collaborative effort with the city administration, driven by persistent advocacy. Integrating African students with local villagers was about fostering understanding and combating discrimination. Through dialogue and cooperation, we have built a more inclusive community that works together for mutual benefit.
Achievers Talk: Your booklets on the RTI Act and the Citizen Charter are making waves internationally. What motivated you to write them?
Ranjan Tomar: The aim was to empower citizens with knowledge. The RTI Act booklet provides a straightforward guide for the common man, making it easier to fight corruption. The Citizen Charter booklet explains how it can be used to attain sustainable development goals. Both are available for free to ensure accessibility and widespread use.
Achievers Talk: You’ve received numerous awards for your social work, including the ‘Enviro Care Ambassador Award’ and the ‘World Youth