Monday, May 23, 2011

Narmada movement: Non-violence is not easy

IIPM Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri on Internet Hooliganism

It is important for us to increase the support base of the Narmada Bachao movement

In the last two and a half decades, Narmada Bachao Andolan has been a great learning experience for me. But the aspect that has influenced me the most is my belief in the non-violent means of struggle. Non-violent struggle is not easy. It is often long drawn out and requires patience. It can never be a lone struggle. It requires the spine of an organisation and the help and support of the masses. This struggle was possible because of the love and support of the people of the Narmada Valley. Apart from that, the moral support provided by similar movements in India and world also came handy.

I am of the opinion that it is necessary for this sort of struggle to remain non-violent. In fact, we have always considered nation building and constructive approach as a part and parcel of my struggle. But my idea of building, idea of construction is different from the prevalent perceptions. It is an antidote or rather alternative to the current development model that is destructive in nature. A development that is inclusive and has respect for nature and other organisms.
Also, I believe that being non-violent does not mean being a coward. It is not about being quiet. Non-violence is about posing a challenge and keeping your dignity intact. But I don’t want a development that is at the cost of displacement and infringement of rights. In my view, development must respect and protect the rights of everybody. It should work for the benefit of the downtrodden. But the government does not want this kind of development. The government’s idea of development is based on giving goodies to corporate houses and protecting their interests. Laws are being made that are not pro-people, whether it is land acquisition laws or rehabilitation laws. All these laws have been made to suit the interests of the capitalists. But this will not continue for long. The masses will not wait till eternity. They are joining us in this struggle. We need to give them the alternative. We need to give them justice.

We are facing the challenge of globalisation threatening indigenous industries. How will we face this? In the last 25 years, Narmada Bachao Andolan has seen several ups and downs. But we have continued our struggle. We have changed a bit and have started focussing on inclusive development. But we need to formulate effective strategy. I am working on that. I am also trying to connect more and more people with this movement. We are trying to bring different sections together. We have challenged casteist forces. But we need to further increase the support base of our movement.

We have been trying to harmonise the society with the movement but it has only been partially successful. But the time has come when the society will see the benefit in joining the struggle. It is at a critical stage and people from all parts of the country are coming forward. It is because this developmental model is not merely affecting Narmada Valley people but the entire nation in some way or other. People are being displaced in Mumbai. Lands are being forcibly acquired in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Dams are being built in North-east that will displace hundreds of thousands of people. The big dams stand completely exposed today. The damage done by these dams is irreparable. The harm far outnumbers its benefits.

On the completion of 25 years of the Narmada Bachao movement, we did a series of rallies in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. People from 21 states, including Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, UP, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu participated in the rallies. It reflects people are still optimistic about non-violent struggle. Also, apart from the masses, we also need to bring in more and more intellectuals.

The structure of the development models are based on laws. But laws are anti-people. This has led to continuous infringement of Human Rights Violation. It is also against the basic fundamental rights of the constitution. The conflict between constitution and law is very evident. I want to make the masses aware of this conflict. Everyone has to do his or her bit. The struggle needs better co-ordination. We need to take up newer causes too. The issue of agriculture land and industries needs to be taken up. In every part of this country, livelihood is at stake. There is a need of a consolidated movement. This movement will pose a challenge to anti-people policies. We also need to intervene in electoral politics. We had constituted a Lok Manch prior to the elections. We need to strengthen this. Only if we are able to expand the movement that we can intervene forcefully. We have carried the flag for 25 years and will continue doing so. New ideas and new strategies will infuse new lease of life to the movement. We are positive that we will win.

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