04-29-2006, 08:18 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Fasting to Blackmail</b>
epaper.hindustantimes.com
Khushwant Singh
MEDHA PATKAR went on indefinite hunger strike for one side; Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, on a token fast for the other. Patkar was concerned with the fate of thousands of villagers, whose lands were being submerged because of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat; Modi harped on the water and power shortages in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which would be met by the project when it was completed. Which of the two is right? Is either justified in going on hunger strike to put pressure on the government and the Supreme Court?
In such cases, our point of reference has to be Bapu Gandhi. He often resorted to fasts when he was convinced that the truth was on his side. And invariably succeeded in convincing those opposed to him of their error. Would he have undertaken a fast over the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam? I donât think so. Fasts should not be reduced to arm-twisting exercises.
First, take a look at the facts. For facts, I turn to my friend Ashutosh Tuli of Delhi. Dams are a must for increasing agricultural production and hydro-electric power. In 1952, our farm output was 52 million tonnes. Last year, it was 210 million tonnes (wheat, paddy, jawar, bajra, makka, pulses, chana etc.), mostly due to water stored in dams like Bhakra and others. People displaced were provided adequate land and housing as compensation. Nevertheless, as much as 70 per cent arable land still depends on the bounty of the monsoons: if they are good, we have bumper crops; if poor, we have droughts and go short of food.
<i>Barsaat ka baadal to diwaana hai Voh kya jaaney! Kis kay raah say bachna hai! Kis chhat ko bhigona hai.</i>
(Rain cloud is a rum kind of guy He does not know the reason why He should avoid soaking one field While leaving many roof-tops dry.)
Consequently, much as I respect Patkar, I disagree with her tactics. I have no doubt she will succeed in getting fair compensation for the ousted farmers of MP.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
epaper.hindustantimes.com
Khushwant Singh
MEDHA PATKAR went on indefinite hunger strike for one side; Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, on a token fast for the other. Patkar was concerned with the fate of thousands of villagers, whose lands were being submerged because of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat; Modi harped on the water and power shortages in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which would be met by the project when it was completed. Which of the two is right? Is either justified in going on hunger strike to put pressure on the government and the Supreme Court?
In such cases, our point of reference has to be Bapu Gandhi. He often resorted to fasts when he was convinced that the truth was on his side. And invariably succeeded in convincing those opposed to him of their error. Would he have undertaken a fast over the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam? I donât think so. Fasts should not be reduced to arm-twisting exercises.
First, take a look at the facts. For facts, I turn to my friend Ashutosh Tuli of Delhi. Dams are a must for increasing agricultural production and hydro-electric power. In 1952, our farm output was 52 million tonnes. Last year, it was 210 million tonnes (wheat, paddy, jawar, bajra, makka, pulses, chana etc.), mostly due to water stored in dams like Bhakra and others. People displaced were provided adequate land and housing as compensation. Nevertheless, as much as 70 per cent arable land still depends on the bounty of the monsoons: if they are good, we have bumper crops; if poor, we have droughts and go short of food.
<i>Barsaat ka baadal to diwaana hai Voh kya jaaney! Kis kay raah say bachna hai! Kis chhat ko bhigona hai.</i>
(Rain cloud is a rum kind of guy He does not know the reason why He should avoid soaking one field While leaving many roof-tops dry.)
Consequently, much as I respect Patkar, I disagree with her tactics. I have no doubt she will succeed in getting fair compensation for the ousted farmers of MP.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->