The 28-year-old criminal defence lawyer is a guy next door who takes his job very seriously. Where many lawyers are part of the corporate rut, Trivankumar Karnani works for the people (for free) and tries to resolve their civic problems.
When I was pursuing law from Rizvi college (Mumbai), I often saw how the concerned governing bodies used to act deaf to public complaints. There was lot of apathy. I always wanted to do something for the society, and use my knowledge for the betterment of the society. Hence, I came up with Mumbai North Central District Forum,” Trivankumar Karnani, Founder.
"It was launched on Twitter in 2013-14 and in the span of four-five years, the forum got 2,500 followers. When I started this forum, I started taking up issues concerning the interest of the public at large, resolving public grievances, getting in touch with our elected representatives. I used to receive complaints from the citizens and I used to forward them to the elected representatives. I always tell them that if they fail to act on the complaint, I will have to take legal action."
Complaint given to Mumbai North Central District Forum about open drain at chruch avenue, santacruz resolved, within few hours by ward councillor Hon. SMT @alkaskerkar . We welcome the swift action taken in the aforementioned matter. pic.twitter.com/06VANFpeq3
— M.N.C.D.F (@MNCDFbombay) July 5, 2018.
As he was known for his selfless work, in no time, his forum garnered support and followers. Among the citizens, many celebrities followed the forum. One such is former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli who now helps Karnani in solving public grievances and is a follower as well.
I know him for a long time and I have been following his good work. Once, I was driving near Mehboob studios (Bandra) and I got a flat tyre, thanks to the potholes. I immediately send the photos to Trivan, he then forwarded it to the concerned authorities. The very same evening, the potholes were covered by using temporary asphalt. I feel this forum brings about progressive change in the locality,” Vinod Kambli, Former Cricketer.
@MNCDFbombay #BMC. As I was on my way to drop my kids to school,before good luck restaurant my car landed its wheel on a puddle which caused a puncture to the tyre... Another matter that needs to be taken seriously!!! pic.twitter.com/g2UuNiiTI0
— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) June 25, 2018
Thank you to the AMC Shri. Sharad Ughade for providing swift response & quick temporary relief to residents, on complaint of Shri @vinodkambli349 given by Mumbai North Central District Forum bearing complaint no: 1101 to disaster management dept. We welcome the speedy solution. pic.twitter.com/Wd3gyY8omw
— M.N.C.D.F (@MNCDFbombay) June 25, 2018
Kambli said that there is no speed breaker installed near Bandra’s Lilavati Hospital due to which, it becomes difficult for the patients to cross the road. Hence, he would be accompanying Karnani and meet Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and recommend him to install a non-fibre speed breaker near Lilavati Hospital.
"I check my forum thrice a day. Once, before going to the court, then during my lunch break and once, after court hours. On a daily basis, I receive 10-15 complaints and I try my best to resolve all by forwarding it to the concerned authorities and following up about the same.
He humbly puts that so far his forum has resolved 1500 complaints.
The collection of tree debris carried out on complaint given by Mumbai North Central District Forum to SWM H-west Ward. An appriciation to Mr. Tambe & all other SWM H-Ward department officials who redress complaints of residents swiftly. pic.twitter.com/HRNnqDuIPG
— M.N.C.D.F (@MNCDFbombay) June 30, 2018
Traivankumar has decided to help more citizens and hence, his forum takes filtered complaints across Mumbai, which requires urgent attention and is influencing the society at large.
People at large ignore civic issues until it starts affecting them directly. I feel if people like Trivankumar Karnani can dedicate their time and effort into helping the society and developing our surroundings, we are equally responsible to help him bring in a change. Henceforth, if you see any pothole or crack on the road or around you, instead of abusing the authorities and doing nothing about it, bring to their notice.