The pan-Indian Kisan Swaraj Yatra, a nation-wide mobilization drawing fresh attention to the continuing agricultural crisis in India, and calling for a comprehensive new path for Indian agriculture, reached Bhubaneswar today on its 46th day of a 71-day tour covering 20 states of the country. In Orissa, it is demanding the scrapping of the partnership of the state government with Monsanto under a project called “Project Golden Days” for promotion of hybrid maize with tribal farmers in the state. This will only allow seed monopolies, environmental unsustainability and would impact the socio-cultural and economic lives of tribals of the country, members of ASHA (Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture, organizing the Kisan Swaraj Yatra) pointed out.

“It is apparent that corporations like Monsanto are only out to grab ready markets for themselves through taxpayers’ funds whereas it is the responsibility of the government to protect the livelihoods of the marginalized. It is clear from what is emerging on the ground with projects such as ‘Project Golden Rays’ that high-external-input-driven farming with hybrid seeds will only increase indebtedness of farmers, is already changing their dietary habits posing questions on future nutrition security, is threatening environmental sustainability in fragile eco-systems and is taking away our seed and food sovereignty. There is a need to question the intentions of the government when it partners with corporations like Monsanto which have a sordid history of corporate crimes, falsification and omission of data, bribing and anti-farmer behaviour like suing and jailing farmers in the name of IPRs”, said Kavitha Kuruganti, Member, ASHA.

The Kisan Swaraj Yatra, which drew in more than 400 organisations across twenty states of the country in its mobilization effort, will reach Rajghat on December 11th 2010 and has already reached out to thousands of citizens in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh. In its first leg in Orissa, it interacted with hundreds of adivasi farmers in Koraput on November 11th, before going to Chattisgarh. Yesterday, it re-entered Orissa through Sambalpur where a massive rally of farmers put forward demands to the state and central governments on issues concerning farmers.

In the public meeting at Bhubaneswar on November 16th, eminent citizens like Professor Radhamohan, the pioneer of Organic Farming movement in Orissa and former State Information Commissioner; Natabara Sarangi, a seed conserver who has been growing more than 350 varieties of traditional rice; Rabi Das, senior journalist; Sudhir Patnaik, Independent Film Maker; Akhshay Kumar, Gandhian; Saroj Mohanty, farmer activist; Aditya Biswal, a safe food activist; Prafulla Samantra from NAPM; Biswajit Mohanty, environmental activist; Abhiram Behera, President of All India Kisan Sabha–Orissa; representatives of Small Traders’ Association of Orissa; Brahmakumari Iswariya Viswa Vidyalaya; Art of Living representatives and more than 1000 farmers from 15 districts of Orissa participated in addition to representatives from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra traveling in the Kisan Swaraj Yatra.
The Yatris had a big rally from Master Canteen to Lower PMG square earlier in the day. The rally had tribal dance and music interspersed with slogans against the MoU between Government of Orissa and Monsanto to promote hybrid maize in the state, against the “Green Revolution in Eastern India” plans, conversion of food-growing land for non-food purposes, use of pesticides in agriculture, the disempowering provisions of the pending Seeds Bill 2010 and for promotion of local resource-based, farmer-centered sustainable agriculture. The rally ended with a powerful street play that drew attention to farmers’ suicides and agrarian distress in Orissa.
Saroj Mohanty of Paschim Odisha Krushak Samanway Sanghatan, Kavitha Kuruganti of Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) and Debjeet Sarangi of Living Farms spoke on behalf of the Yatra and presented the demands related to income security for all farming households in the country, protection of farmers’ rights and resources and on the need to secure environmental sustainability and food safety in our farming.
Professor Radhamohan and Natabar Sarangi, released a booklet titled “Monsanto-ising Indian Agriculture” outlining the corporate strategies being deployed to take over Indian farming by corporations like Monsanto. The yatra demanded large scale promotion and adoption of self reliant ecological farming as the only way forward for Indian farming.
For more information, contact:
1. Debjeet Sarangi, Living Farms: 099-385-82616
2. Saroj Mohanty, Paschim Odisha Krushak Samanway Sanghatan: 09777154149
3. Kavitha Kuruganti, ASHA: 09393001550

Time for Action!
The Maheshwar dam is one of the largest dams being built on the river Narmada affecting around 50,000 to 70,000 peasants, fisher folk, boatmen and landless workers. This hydel power project was privatised and handed over to the S.Kumar’s group of companies in 1992. The oustees of this dam have been relentlessly fighting against this destructive dam for the last 14 years under the aegis of Narmada Bachao Andolan. As a consequence, many international companies and banks such as Siemens, Bayernwerk, VEW Energie from Germany, the German bank Hypovereinsbank and a US company, Ogden, departed from the project, and the German and Portugese governments also refused to provide guarantees to the Maheshwar Project.
From the year 2001 to 2005, taking cognizance of the diversion of 106.4 crores of project funds by the S.Kumars group, the Indian financial institutions and banks such as Indian Financial Corporation of India, Industrial Development Bank of India, Power Finance Corporation, Bank of India, Dena Bank, Central Bank also stopped funding the project. From 2001 to 2005, also, the properties of Maheshwar dam was attached by the Madhya Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation because of wilful default on loans. Work on the dam site remained stalled for 5 years. However from the year 2006, work on the dam resumed, and construction was carried on rapidly, without providing any rehabilitation and resettlement measures to the affected families. In violation of the conditions of the environmental clearance, 80-90% of the construction work on the dam was achieved as opposed to a meagre 10% in the case of rehabilitation. In this grave situation, the oustees demonstrated in Delhi in February and then in April 2010, urging the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to stop construction on the dam. On 23.04.2010, construction of the dam was stopped on orders from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, for being in violation of conditions of the statutory environmental clearances under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act.
During the last fortnight, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests wrote once again to the State government pointing out that even in the six months when the dam construction has remained stalled, no progress was made in the implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement measures. No R&R Plan detailing the full extent of submergence and details of agricultural land to be allotted to the oustees was submitted either.
The State government has failed to establish the public purpose of the Maheshwar Project. It may be noted that 6500 families have filed individual objections to the acquisition of their lands and the public purpose of the project under S.5 A of the Land Acquisition Act in the last few months. Although these 6500 families have been individually heard, the Land Acquisition Officer has not yet been able to give any report deciding the public purpose of the project.
Under these circumstances, when it is clear that rehabilitation and resettlement of the oustees can and will never be done and where it is also clear that the Maheshwar project is not in public purpose, the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the oustees call on the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Central Government to revoke the environmental clearance on the project. For this purpose, the oustees of the Maheshwar dam are holding a large JAN ADHIKAR RALLY on the 23rd November, 2010 at Mandleshwar to voice this resolution. The struggling oustees of the Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, Man and Upper Beda dams will also join in an attempt to stop destruction of the Narmada valley.
People of the Narmada Valley invite you to be with them at Mandleshwar on the 23rd of November 2010, to stand united with the oustees in their struggle for their rights.
In solidarity,
Chittaroopa Palit, Alok Agarwal, Bhagwan Mukati, Radheshyam Patidar, Kadvibai

Note : Mandleshwar is 2:30 hrs by road from Indore and Khandwa.

Khet ka paani, khet maan…

Yashita Jhurani, Delhi Coordinator of Indian Youth Climate Network traveled to the oasis in desert state of Rajasthan. Must read travelogue for all those who want to do some thing “out of the box”.

Date: 22/08/10

The day started with getting up all drenched in sweat due to the electricity cut all night. Sleep deprived and tired I moved on to prepare and leave for Alwar. Where Rishab and I would meet Kabir and drive down to Tarun Bharat Sangh(apparently 70 kms from Alwar). It is the organization of Dr. Rajendra Singh working on water conservation.

Indeed our day started early, to make it to the city to continue on our journey together form there. The ride from Delhi to Alwar was fun and we had our own adventure, but upon entering Rajasthan it didn’t feel like we had entered the state that housed India’s desert. The view was nothing like we expected and it had been further beautified by the monsoons, which by the way have been really benevolent on us this year. Upon entering Alwar it was a clearly a city “under construction” just like our very own Delhi for the beloved and upcoming “Commonwealth Games” in Delhi. And on our way to Tarun Bharat Sangh close to a village called Kishori from Alwar the view just got better. And the conversations inside our car very equally enriching, hearing about Kabir’s experiences and adventures in Jaitpura as Guruji to the students he is teaching in the school there as a Gandhi fellow. Hearing about his day to day work, actions, reactions and reflections, it delivered marvelous. And on the other hand hearing about Rishab’s experiences while working abroad for the past 3 months. Hearing of old concepts being adapted to today’s problems and of designing and implementing solutions.

The road to Kishori was like every other Indian road fool of potholes and now recently filled with water creating mini ponds (one of them actually looked like the map of india). But that was just the beginning of long ride to Kishori, for whenever we asked for directions all we were told was- seedhe ja, 3 km door(ya ek kos). But somehow these 3 kms felt more like a good 30. A couple of observations we made on our way passing through other villages was the kind of bright colors adorned by the tribal women, the old houses probably from the times of the Rajputs were still standing and inhabited by the locals, the relaxed life of the villagers.

On our entry to Tarun Bharat Sangh we were welcomed by a poem on water and the need to conserve it. The ambience to the entire organization was just so peaceful and calm in itself that one felt relaxed upon entry. Dr. Rajendra Singh’s belief in Gandhi’s teachings of local autonomy and self reliance led him to help the villages in and around the area to set up local bodies of governance. After lunch we proceeded to see the work done by the organization in a village close by.

During the (unexpected) short trek we got an opportunity to examine the small check dams made by the combined efforts of the villagers and Dr.Rajendra Singh and his organization. The design was of digging up some land to form small ponds and use the dug up earth to create small check dams. Thereby creating a catchment area that allowed the water to stop and be used by the farmers collectively for farming and other activities and also the rejuvenation of the wells around the area.. The design has been replicated in and around the area so as to benefit everyone. And as our guide said, kheta ka paani, khet mein hi rahe.

After this we started our journey back home with ideas of holding retreats in the ashram, for it was truly considered a good place for personal reflection combined with a tinge of adventure in reaching the place. The journey back to Delhi was long and tiring as the jams and rains slowed us down. But upon entering the outer limits of Delhi, we knew we were back not only because of the change in scenery and the exorbitant toll at the toll gate(don’t’ know for what…we still have horrible roads), but the air and energy around you had that effect. In the recent past we have seen just too many changes in the landscape of the Delhi. And none of them mind you have been good or healthy. We need to work to make our city such a place where sustainable methods of livelihood can be adopted and convert it into a city where I don’t need to get away for a day or two to get some fresh air or energy, I just need to step out from my home, class or office to sense it and absorb it and move on.

Lavanya Julaniya, the very own IYCN member interned with Canandian Youth Climate Coalition. Sharing her learnings, insights and reflections. Hope you all will agree that another world is possible after reading this.

Memoirs
It was the morning of May 12th 2010; I boarded the Air India 187 flight to Toronto and embarked on a journey which changed my life. And the way I perceive things. Forever.
It was a month prior to that when my application to work with the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, the largest environmental network in the country was approved and I was called to intern with the organization for a period of two months. I was excited about being given this wonderful opportunity and I knew that a there would be a lot to learn and unlearn in the coming few weeks.
It took me quite some time to get used to the different time zones, post mid-night munching and randomly falling off to sleep between work hours. However, my boss Kimia Ghomeshi under whose mentorship I learned and gained immensely, was wonderfully cooperative and insisted that I take out time to relax and get over my jet-lag.
With time I started getting a better understanding of issues and challenges Canada confronts. I was required to read up immensely on Canada’s climate policies, projects the youth in the network have undertaken which included some incredibly inspiring movements by the CYCC– the Power Shift Canada which mobilized over 1000 people to take stronger action, the Canadian Youth Delegation to COPs, Climate crews.
During this time, I built massive connections and networks with young people, social activists, and brilliant minds, university professors who have taken this challenge and are doing their best to stop the catastrophe which is now hitting our planet.
And thus, with my increased level of interaction of working with people from similar backgrounds, who have been actively involved in the climate movements and extensive reading, I came to understand Canada’s challenges and issues better than ever before.
I also was the G20 coordinator and was required to launch and coordinate events in order to raise consciousness and awareness among people about the policies of the G20 and to push the Canadian government to put climate change as its agenda during the summit.
Here are some highlights of my work with the CYCC –

Toxic Tour – The toxic tour on June 23rd was deemed as the Environmental and Climate Justice Day of Action. Climate justice organizers and campaigners took a toxic tour of Toronto to expose institutions responsible for the environmental and social impacts of Canada’s extractive industries at home and abroad. It was a very colorful demonstration with people coming dressed as corporate zombies, clowns etc and several colorful floats. I myself came dressed in oil sledge to depict the Gulf Oil spill. The tour stopped at various key locations – RBC branch, Canadian Mining Hall to name a few. And there were climate witnesses from Guatemala, Kenya, Alberta, B.C. who talked about the devastating impacts of climate change and the impact of mining abuses.
People’s Summit – one of the most enriching experiences was the People’s Summit. The 2010 People’s Summit was a civil society’s alternative counter summit to the G8 and G20. Community organizers, activists, independent media, impacted communities to create a movement and a space for global justice. There were several workshops on climate change issues, human rights, economic issues and with presenters from over 80 organizations. People had flown from across Canada as well as round the globe to attend the summit.
I was one of the panelists at the climate justice session and the talk on climate change through women’s eyes. I shared stories about my experiences of working in India, about the climate vulnerable communities, about the daily water crisis which are only getting more visible day by day, our daily struggles and the youth movement building in India to combat this.
Green Jobs tour speaking tour- I helped organize and was a part of the Green Jobs speaking tour across South- Western Ontario. The objective of the tour was to engage members of each community on the issue of transition to a green economy. We challenged the individuals to define what a green economy and green job would mean to them. During the stop at different cities and the community forums, I was amazed to see how individuals and communities were working within their capacity and outreach to create a change. I felt like Canada had all the resources to make a shift to a greener economy and help inspire other countries in the process.
People’s Assembly; moving from Cochabamba – This event was organized during the week leading to the G20 being hosted in Toronto. Through the several workshops and group discussions, I came to learn about the Conference on Climate Change and Rights of Mother Earth which took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia in April, 2010. As Kimia explained that unlike the disillusioning Copenhagen Accord, the conference which she attended was a space for the world’s indigenous people and poor who were silenced in Copenhagen. It was about them finding a space to voice their concerns as they always get neglected in the decision making process. It was here that a Universal Declaration for rights of mother earth was declared and was submitted to the UN.
This day had such a profound influence and made me realize as to how uniquely interconnected all our struggles across the globe are, whether it is the poor farmers committing suicides in India due to lack of water or communities having to drink filthy water and deal with mining abuses.
Reflections:
It was prior to G20 that several organizations, networks, social activists, young people came together to launch events and oppose the destructive policies supported by the G20 countries. The week leading to the G20, I witnessed massive movements to resist the destructive policies supported by the G20.
Canada is home to 75 percent of the mining corporations in the world, Tar Sands being the largest and the most destructive industrial project on planet earth. Its impacts on communities, livelihoods and the ecosystem are devastating.
To add to that, the Canadian government spent more than $1.3 billion on security to host the three day summit. The people I interacted with said that they were disgusted to pay taxes which go on to finance high level security events without bringing any advantage to the average Canadian. Three years worth of vastly improved health facilities for women and children, $1000 tuition cuts for every student in Canada, 11,000 new construction jobs is what $1 billion could buy, they tell me.
What I did realize amidst all the meetings, organizational work and interaction, was that every country has its own major issues and problems to deal with. And these issues had to be looked differently and not the way we view the ‘ideal’ developed world from a Third World country. I see the Indian middle struggling and chasing in order to fulfill their Great American dream of bigger houses, more number of cars and an extravagant lifestyle.
I also interacted with grandmothers, with fathers and mothers who were so deeply concerned about the future of their children. Hearing their stories, filled with so much fear and anxiety, I had tears in my eyes.
So what point is the present development if we are just moving backwards since what is increasingly obvious is that nature can live without us but we cannot live without nature.
However, working as a G20 coordinator with the CYCC has opened my eyes to hope.
The people I worked with were among the brightest, most passionate and dedicated individuals I have met so far. Their level of energy and enthusiasm has swept a new hope of inspiration within me. I learnt that science is about facts and the art touches the soul. And we managed to communicate in both the ways.
This opportunity to engage with not just the international climate movement but also the local struggles has led me to believe that we indeed need to focus on the love that binds humanity and not the hatred and anger towards the institutions. The real change indeed comes through people and movements like these not necessarily only through government institutions.
Another world is possible.

A brilliant thing is happening in the world this Sunday- 6127 parties are going to be held, all day long in 187 countries.

Spectators to the climate movement- or for that matter, even political movements, or any movement for change- have long asked why if we all want the same thing, can’t we come together and make it happen.

That’s just what the ‘Global Work Party’ is doing on 10/10/10. This worldwide campaign organised by 350.org has brought together thousands of NGOs and independents with the plan to combine their green activism with political participation. 6127 parties have registered to engage in carbon cutting gestures. Not only is this a ‘party-party’ in the sense, a celebration of what we can do together, but these are also ‘work parties’, quite like a ‘search party’ and in this, it ceases to be an oxymoron. Their slogan this year, is ‘Get to Work’ and they are all posing this question to their respective governments- if we can get to work, what is stopping you?

With 2010 being the hottest year on record, and floods in Pakistan, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, what are some of the possible theme-parties people have come up with?

Well, they’re planting trees in Tanzania and Kampala, having a bike-ride from Jordan to Israel, organizing a giant bike fix-up day to get every bicycle in the city back on the road in Auckland and installing solar stoves for a massive carbon neutral picnic in Bolivia. Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed already got on top of the job, and installed solar panels himself, at the Muliaa’ge, the President’s residence. Obama is sending out the message from his roof top as well. He is bringing a revival of something that Carter initiated and Reagan abandoned- he is having solar panels installed at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the First Family’s residence.

India likes to party as much as any of these other countries, and the Indian Youth Climate Network in Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad, is organizing carbon cutting events as well. Delhi is having a photography competition and exhibition, Bangalore is planting trees, Goa is bird watching and Hyderabad is saving some lakes.

In the run up to COP 16, and with Kyoto expiring in 2012, with India being recently crowned as third largest emitter.. and with a leadership head start being made by Obama and Nasheed, let’s be typical, and throw a party, what say?

Originally blogged at: http://soapboxfound.blogspot.com/