Over the past decade-and-a-half, Srikant Sastri founded two market-leading companies( Solutions Integrated-2500 employees; and TeamHR-15000 employees) that were acquired by global majors( Publicis Groupe, and Randstad respectively). Srikant’s current day job is as India Chairperson of Publicis Groupe’sVivaKi unit in India.

Apart from this, Srikant is an active member of TiE Delhi, Indian Angel Network, and Action for India. Srikant enjoys angel investing and mentoring, besides a deep interest in social development space, where he ran a successful experiment via his foundation, Growth For All.

The recent tragedy of the rape incident in Delhi spurred Sastri to take action to change the status quo. He talked to Lokvani about the campaign.

Could you tell us more about the 'Save the Republic - Resign before Jan 26" campaign?

The 'ResignBeforeJan26th" campaign http://www.facebook.com/ResignBeforeJan26th is focused on 2 MPs & 42 MLAs charged with crimes against women.

This is a campaign focused on getting some immediate results by Jan 26th. To put pressure on 2 MPs & 42 MLAs who have been charged with crimes against women.

Given the fact that many people believe "nothing will change", and " this is too big/complex a problem to solve" we need something tangible & immediate that everyone can relate to.

This is true with regard to many of the issues that are bothering citizens; be it corruption, or be it the current issue. Periodically, there is intense focus and hysteria around an issue, and then it gets forgotten because there is no progress or something else becomes a headline. In 2011, it was corruption centered on Commonwealth Games & 2G scam. Gradually disillusionment set in.

While crime against women has always been a live issue, it acquired a totally different kind of urgency and importance after the tragic gang-rape in New Delhi. In order to ensure that this issue doesn’t get forgotten, tangible and immediate outcomes are critical. Outcomes that everyone can relate to.

Hence, the 'ResignBeforeJan26thCampaign". www.facebook.com/ResignBeforeJan26th

What motivated you to take such a courageous action?

Like many others in India, who have felt anguish and frustration at the recent developments, and also the overall lack of governance, I and others in the core group felt the need to step out and do something, rather than just complain.

When things reached a crescendo in New Delhi last week, there came a sense of urgency. Hence, this campaign was born.

Who else is part of this campaign?

The core group that launched this campaign includes- SrikantSastri, Sunil Kalra, Alok Mittal, PurviSheth, Rama Iyer, Suresh Shankar and Dev Raman. But, the group is expanding fast.

Have you had any response to your campaign from the politicians in question or any political party chiefs? And, why do you believe that political parties or these MPs & MLA will heed this call?

It’s too early for that. At this point, we are focused on scaling up the number of people signing the petition. We plan to actively reach out to some of these parties by mid-Jan.

The leadership of most political parties is comprised fundamentally of decent people, with many of them being run by women- with an iron hand! They would appreciate that voters are extremely concerned about this issue, and it is in the parties’ interest to take a strong (moral) stand on this topic even though these lawmakers may not have been convicted yet.

What is your hope for the final result of the campaign? What is the backup plan, if they do not resign?

We are demanding that these 2 MPs & 42 MLAs resign voluntarily, and have the shame or embarrassment to do so.  If they do not resign, we will submit the signed petition to President; this will also make the movement stronger. We also believe that the innate political instincts of some of the parties( esp those led by women or forward-looking leaders) will lead them to the conclusion that this is also the right political move at this stage. Parties that take the high ground and demonstrate morel & ethical leadership, on this issue, will gain rich dividends electorally in next two years.

We will also request for a change of legislation forbidding the participation of these leaders from next election.

How effective has the social media been in helping move your cause forward?

Social media is the main vehicle to move this cause forward. Given the short time window, and the need to reach large numbers, this is the most effective route. This includes the main Facebook page, twitter, besides reaching out other active tweeters & bloggers.

Since this campaign was literally born overnight, we are adding things as we go along. We expect to use videos and on-line endorsements in a big way soon.

You are a successful business man leading a large business in India. Indian politicians are famed for creating hassles for those who cross their path. Do you worry about any negative consequences that your action may bring?

At this point, I am not even thinking about that! Others, around me, worry, but I hold the view that we can’t remain scared, and not do anything to address the situation.

Do you believe that the movement that this great tragedy has triggered will sustain and we will see effective changes that will make Delhi safer for women?

Like this campaign, there are many other groups and individuals who have come out and raised their voice about this issue. There is intense public & media debate , including a commission headed by a respected, retired judge to recommend and adopt a set of reform measures. All this should help making Delhi safer. However, any reform measure, to be successful, needs strong governance. We hope that the ResignBeforeJan26th campaign, with its focus on top lawmakers will lead to an example being set down the line, thereby leading to better governance. We also need to keep in mind that we are battling entrenched social behavior patters that cannot be changed overnight, but this can be a good start.

What can the NRIs do to help the cause?
Here is what NRIs can do:

1. Click on the link here, and sign the petition at. http://www.facebook.com/ResignBeforeJan26th.
     Alternatively, if someone’s not on Facebook, please go to  http://www.change.org/en-IN/petitions/president-of-india-ask-2-mps-42-mlas-charged-with-crimes-against-women-to-resignbeforejan26th

2. Spread the word. Ask others ( especially youth) to spread the word.
3. Send messages to your contacts in India or US, in the press or in political parties or Election Commission, to get this message across.
4. Enlisting support from personalities among NRIs in civil society, academia, policy, industry, arts/culture/literature

Most important, governments in India are generally sensitive to NRI & world opinion. It would help to mobilize and convey this to the parties involved.

How can NRIs reach you to get involved?

Reach us at: ResignBeforeJan26th@gmail.com

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