Kanak Dhanai
Kanak Dhanai (born March 20, 1994) is an Indian advocate, political activist, policy enthusiast, and writer from Uttarakhand. He is known for his focus on community-driven governance, transparency, and indigenous rights at the regional level. Dhanai has gained recognition for his work in local activism and protests in Rishikesh.[1]
| Kanak Dhanai | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | March 20, 1994 Raiwala, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | LLB, UPES Dehradun MA Public Policy, Queen Mary University of London |
| Occupation | Advocate, Political Activist, Writer |
| Known for | Local activism in Rishikesh, Founder of Yojna Think Tank |
Early Life and Education
Kanak Dhanai was born in Raiwala, Rishikesh, Dehradun to Mr. Dinesh Dhanai, a former MLA and state cabinet minister. He completed his law degree from UPES, Dehradun and earned a master's in Public Policy from Queen Mary University of London. Additionally, Dhanai completed a certificate course from the Department for Continuing Education (In-House), University of Oxford, in "The Ethics of War, Protest, Revolution, and Terrorism".[2]
Career and Activism
Dhanai began his socio-legal career by filing writs in the High Court in 2016, addressing issues of public interest. His commitment to local politics and governance led him to contest the Rishikesh Assembly elections in 2022 as an independent candidate at the age of 27. He secured the third position with over 13,000 votes, demonstrating significant local support.
In 2021, Dhanai's activism led to his imprisonment for seven days due to his participation in an ongoing protest against the administration. This event highlighted his dedication to grassroots activism and willingness to face personal consequences for his beliefs.
Literary Contributions
Dhanai is the author of "Why Balkanization" (2017) and is currently working on his upcoming book, "India's Anti-Defection Law". His writing reflects his interest in political structures and governance issues.
Yojna Think Tank
In 2023, Dhanai founded the Yojna Think Tank, an organization focused on governance and policy-making. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to influencing policy discussions and promoting informed decision-making in governance.
Political Philosophy
Dhanai's work consistently emphasizes community-driven governance, transparency in public affairs, and the protection of indigenous rights. His approach combines legal expertise, policy knowledge, and grassroots activism to address local and regional issues.[3][4]
References
- ↑ https://uktez.com/many-bjp-members-including-asha-nautiyal-kanak-dhanai-reached-shakti-kendra-path-sabha-in-doiwala/
- ↑ https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/uttarakhand/state/dehradun/kanak-dhanai-arrested-for-protesting-near-premchand-agarwal-house-regarding-assembly-recruitments/uttarakhand20220902140629474474666
- ↑ http://www.myneta.info/uttarakhand2022/candidate.php?candidate_id=255
- ↑ https://myneta.info/uttarakhand2022/candidate.php?candidate_id=255&print=true