Nitin Ghope is a man driven by a singular mission: to empower through knowledge of the Constitution. Whether he’s advocating for the rights of students, teachers, or tribal communities, his efforts are rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to fundamental rights and that institutions should uphold fairness and equality.
One of Nitin’s most impactful initiatives has been his fieldwork with tribal communities in Maharashtra. He regularly meets people who are cut off from basic services like healthcare, electricity, or even rations. The lack of institutional support has forced the women to give birth at home in dangerous conditions. During his stay, Nitin created a gathering space where villagers could share their problems, and utilise their constitutional rights to gain access to necessities.
However, Nitin’s mission to spread constitutional awareness is not limited to tribal areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nitin, through his organisation, Shikshan Kranti, began sending daily WhatsApp messages about constitutional rights, which eventually grew into weekly updates reaching thousands across the country. His emphasis on the Constitution as a living document has led to successful outcomes - whether it’s securing basic services, understanding government schemes, or interacting effectively with authorities to resolve community issues.
But Nitin’s journey didn’t start here. His activism goes back to the early 2000s, when as a student, he noticed systematic delays in exam results and unfair fee structures. These issues weren’t just administrative annoyances; they had real consequences for students, many of whom missed entrance exams and opportunities because of the delayed results. Nitin took matters into his own hands, writing petitions, raising awareness, and eventually resolving these delays.
After joining North Maharashtra University as an Assistant Professor of Geography in 2012, Nitin faced severe challenges when his salary was withheld for nearly two years due to corruption. This financial strain lasted three years, but rather than backing down, he fought back, involving commissions like the Human Rights Commission to address the issue.
Recently, Nitin was tested again when his father was hit by a speeding vehicle. At the hospital, he sought justice but faced indifference from local police. After two weeks of delays, Nitin sent evidence directly to the Superintendent of Police, who responded quickly. However, the police havaldar in charge of Nitin’s case tried to intimidate him for bypassing the hierarchy and demanding he sign blank papers. Undeterred, Nitin stood his ground, citing the law. Though the case is ongoing, Nitin continues to file RTIs, exposing police failures.
These early experiences with systemic flaws fueled his passion for constitutional awareness, teaching him that knowledge of rights is the most powerful weapon against injustice. His focus continues to remain on bridging the gap between communities and the establishment, whether in the villages of Maharashtra or within university walls. Through his work, he continues to dismantle systemic inequalities, one step at a time.
The above story has been written and published with the explicit consent of the individual involved. All facts presented are based on WTPA's direct interaction with the individual, ensuring accuracy and integrity in our reporting.
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