Civic activist NS Ramakanth passed away

NS Ramakanth | Photo credit: File Photo

Senior civic activist NS Ramakanth, 88, who worked for more than three decades for sustainable solid waste management in Bengaluru, died on Monday due to age-related ailments. His eyes were donated, apart from his body, for medical research at MS Ramaiah Medical College.

Almitra Patel, one of the pioneers of sustainable SWM in Bengaluru, recalled how Ramakanth was a “hands-on, hands-on and action-oriented” activist. “While most of us were saying what needs to be done, Ramakanth traveled a lot, meeting various communities like Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), flats, temples, police groups and working hard to convince them and eventually help them manage their waste as well,” she said.

Hailing from Bengaluru, Ramakanth studied at the National College, Bengaluru and later studied mining engineering in Benaras. He worked in different countries for almost two decades and worked for a long time in a German company in Liberia. He decided to take early retirement and returned to Bengaluru in 1988.

“Once we returned to Bengaluru, he became active in the nascent RWA movement here, first in Rajajinagar and later in Seshadripuram in the 1990s. Later he became interested in sustainable waste management and devoted himself to the cause for nearly three decades,” said his wife Vedha Ramakanth.

Ramakanth also tried his hand at politics and contested elections from the Lok Satta party and lost.

He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 20:36 IST