Attempts at answering the questions

Since others may have questions just like Dr. Shenoy, here is an attempt at answering them.

The petition was created after some thought just like the rest of the campaign. Here are some of those thoughts though this list is not comprehensive:

1. Instead of assuming that Dr. Manmohan Singh and his cabinet are aware of all the issues, we are assuming that they do not know the harsh ground reality. This is because we want to believe that at least the PM would not allow the future of children to be destroyed by ignoring the problem.
2. Even if our assumption is wrong, since his priorities seem to be elsewhere, the postcards and emails are to show his team that there are many people who are concerned and want him to take action.
3. You may already know that recent research has shown that online petitions are not very effective. Still we created this online petition to enlist the support of those who are unable to send individual postcards and emails. So, the online petition is complementing the postcard and email campaign.
4. Yes, our responsibility does not end with signing a petition or sending a postcard. However, many of the people signing such petitions are at least aware or becoming aware of the problem. For example, of those who have signed our primary education petition so far, we personally know many who are actively working on many issues of pressing concern and some who have withdrawn temporarily for personal reasons.
5. Many of the people who are participating in this campaign directly in Vizag have already visited some government primary schools in the last few months. Some of them were visiting them for the first time while others have been doing so for many years. Not only that, they have been giving a lot of their time, energy and other resources. Hopefully, some of the students will start volunteering in these schools.
6. The brightest sign of this campaign is the participation of many students from various degree and professional colleges from Vizag (and now from other cities and towns in AP). Some of them have narrated their past experiences in primary schools and are eager to help children from going through the same poor standards. Many of them have been trying to do something for society and did not have any guidance regarding what they can do. They now have that.
7. Participants of the campaign have been talking to their parents and siblings as well as their neighbours thereby increasing awareness. Yes, many people many not have voted but maybe this might give them a reason to reflect on their apathy?
8. Many of us who volunteer in organizations working on different issues have started off with something small and a lot of ignorance. We are hoping this is the same with others who are joining this campaign and will learn more just like the rest of us.