Obituary to Shri Avdhesh Kaushal. (Died – July 12, 2022 at Dehradun)

 The Crusader has left us however His Fight Continues

                                   Nitya with Mr. Kaushal in 2016

Shri Avdhash Kaushal was an eminent social activist. He was awarded with PadamShree by the Government of India for his extraordinary services in social field. As a Chairperson of the N.G.O. named Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra, he contributed to the society in a very positive manner. We remember him as a man of his words. 

Mr. Kaushal remained eager to raise the public cause in courts. It was his public interest litigations in the Hon’ble Supreme Court which resulted in the banning of limestone mining in Doon Valley area. Mr. Kaushal was firm supporter of sustainable development and throughout his life, raised the cause of hydropower projects in Uttarakhand. He always fought against the closure of hydropower projects in the State. 

It was the winters of 2010 when he first discussed the cause of removing Ex-Chief Ministers from the public properties. I was a bit skeptical in the beginning as it would be a huge fight against state machinery. It was Mr. Kaushal's constant motivation to us which kept us going.  And as expected, State tried every trick in their book to win that case which was heard for long ten years. Finally it took some extraordinary judges, who could think beyond State set boundaries to hold that occupation of government bungalows for life time is against public interest in R.L.E.K. v. State W.P. (P.I.L.) No. 90/2010 and issued recovery too.  

Crusader of public rights has departed this world and it’s a great loss for humanity. Mr. Kaushal took R.L.E.K. to the heights of a United Nations recognized N.G.O. in India. Under his supervision, R.L.E.K. maintained various Schools for the Tribal areas in Uttarakhand. Mr. Kaushal fought for the rights of Van Gujjars. He was even slapped by frivolous criminal prosecution by the State. Without a blink of eye, he accepted to go to Jail for the fight of rights of Van Gujjar community.

Its with a very heavy heart, we say good bye to him however, I am certain that what he has done for the State and its people, shall be remembered till eternity.

Kartikey