NLU Jodhpur student wins runner up prize in NDTVs Greenathon

Abhijay Negi, a student of the National Law University, Jodhpur (Class of 2016) was one of the founding members of “Making A Difference or M.A.D”. The organisation was recently awarded the second prize for NDTV’s Greenathon Teens for Green prize. Bar & Bench spoke to Abhijay on how the organisation started, the response of friends and family and future plans.Bar & Bench: So what is “Making a Difference (M.A.D.) all about? How did it start?.Abhijay Negi: “Making a Difference- By being the difference” is basically about how the youngsters in general and the teenagers in particular can productively utilise their free time for something which is action oriented. We are an association of determined youngsters established on the June 8, 2011 by me along with six of my friends in Dehradun, my home city.. In our first meeting held on June 8, 2011 we decided that we shall serve as a platform to all those youngsters who wish to do something worthwhile but haven’t got much support..That is the precise reason why M.A.D. does not focus on any one issue or problem..B&B: So what activities have arranged so far?.AN: We have organised over five dozen clean-up drives in Dehradun city, distributed food and supplies such as toothpaste and toothbrush among the poor, have collaborated with the Govt. of Uttarakhand to actively promote the Right to Education (RTE) among these slum areas, etc. We have even submitted a 76-page thesis on the improper garbage disposal system in the city and a 58-page thesis on why the RTE is not meeting its goal in the slums of Doon to the Chief Minister of Uttarkhand..B&B: And what made you start such an organisation?.AN: Well, the thing which provoked me to do something like this stems from a touching experience. In January last year, when I had my Board exams on my head, I saw a very very heart-breaking documentary on the Bhopal gas tragedy- and how the victims were given meagre sums of money as compensation. A wild idea struck me and I shared it with a few of my friends. We decided that we are going to write to all schools, colleges and institutions of Dehradun city, collect 1 crore somehow and dispatch it to Bhopal. I actually wrote that letter. When I was on the verge of posting it, it struck me that this was such an impractical idea ! I decided that once my boards, CLAT exam etc. were dealt with I would strive towards making a difference in all those fields where I think change can be ushered in..B&B: And how have the people of Dehradun reacted?.AN: I am glad to say that our activities have been quite popular in Doon. We presented the concept of M.A.D. in over 10 schools of the city, and today we stand at 896 registered members committed towards change..B&B: What was the reaction of your friends and family?.AN: To be candid, I did not inform my parents about any such idea cooking in my mind. I was apprehensive of a negative response (Not many parents will allow their kid to step into oceans of garbage to clean-up etc.) I think some relative who saw me in the course of a clean-up drive told them about it. To my surprise, they did not object and have been very supportive about it ever since. When I started with M.A.D., almost my entire friend circle was morally compelled to be a part of it. But then given our intensive activity schedule, some did leave. It would be wrong on my part to say that my personal life did not suffer a bit. When my friends made plans for movies, picnic excursions etc, I had to repeatedly turn down all the invites with the same reason – busy with M.A.D. work. But over time they started understanding and accordingly adjusted..B&B: Are you still an active participant with M.A.D. or is this something you had to leave once you joined law school?.AN: I am very much an active participant in M.A.D. It was established on June 2011 and I had to leave for NLU Jodhpur in June end. I continued to stay updated from Jodhpur, addressed meetings through Skype and offering my suggestions through the internet. I kept in touch with my friends and they started managing things when I was not there..When I returned to Doon in November 2011 after my first semester, I gave a series of presentations and edited the report on garbage disposal. When I came back in May 2012 we worked on the cause of dying streams of Doon and organised a marathon run, named MADATHON on our first birthday. We had over 600 participants for this event. So I take stock of things when I am back and the rest of the co-founders manage things when I am not there..B&B: How did you hear of the NDTV Greenathon awards?.AN: I heard of the Greenathon award through a commercial which I saw while in Jodhpur (while eating food in the mess). Our semester ended on May 2 and the final date of submission was May 6. So I had to really do things very quickly while in Doon..B&B: Is there a website where we can view the video you sent?.AN: You can view the video here..B&B: What was your reaction on winning the 2nd prize?.AN: My reaction was that of disbelief. The only unfortunate thing was that they could inform me about it only on the night of May 19, and we could not personally attend the function in Mumbai, which was scheduled for the 20th. But the honour is really morale-boosting. When I look back at M.A.D.’s journey, this one year has been far better than I had estimated. Successfully holding so many activities, getting such positive responses (we were given the “Green Crusaders” award by Times of India and ONGC), the constant encouragement from noted personalities such as BC Khanduri, Tom Alter and Ruskin Bond all this is just overwhelming. For more information you can visit our Facebook page..You could also mail me at abhijaynegi93@gmail.com or call at 09680007198. I always value feedback and suggestions..B&B: Any plans on starting similar campaigns in Jodhpur?.AN: Yes. There are plans. I have already met the Vice Chancellor and appraised him about M.A.D. He has granted me permission to present the concept to NLU-J students sometime in Mid-late July. So efforts are on in that direction. I was particularly motivated by Justice Mathur’s response. I just hope that the students support the venture. Unlike M.A.D.-Doon, M.A.D.-Jodhpur cannot conduct very frequent activities. Nonetheless, we will revise our style of functioning to suit the new conditions.