SOCIAL ACTIVISM – recalling an event @ Erode - 12/12/2021

What would be the most exciting thing for a sociology student who lacks a clear goal? Or for someone who searches for something but realises nothing? This particular event was truly inspiring for a person like me who searched for a reason to be a social worker.

The event:

This event was conducted on 12.12.2021(Sunday) by Cuckoo forest school in commemoration of Dr. Jeevanandham at the Siddhartha Matriculation higher secondary school, Erode.. The event was an inauguration of Dr. Jeeva Trust in the memory of Dr.Jeevanandham. Dr. Jeeva is known for his contribution to creating a cooperative health sector to oppose the privatisation and corporatisation of this sector. Several young social activists, workers and enthusiasts were recognised and awarded in this event. Personalities like Medha Patkar Ji and writer Jaya Mohan were a part of this occasion, making it even more inspiring.

Several youngsters gave a short speech about their social works, which was definitely an eye-opening experience.

Medha Patkar’s Speech:

Medha Patkar, a social activist, chiefly known as the central organiser for Narmada Bachao Andolan and several environmental, political works, was the event's guest. She began her speech about Dr. Jeevanandam and his contributions. She addressed the need for comprehensive legislation which provide justice, equity and sustainability. She quoted how Dr. Jeevanandam took the ideologies of Periyar – Gandhi – Marx for his idea of cooperative hospitals. She emphasised the need for support and commitment in the health sector other than the financial needs to which Dr. Jeeva always stood by. She also raised the issue of ideological violence in the medical field, denoting the decisive situation of government in the use of allopathic medicines. 

Medha Patkar pointed out that Article 48 to 51 in our constitution states the duty of the States to protect the environment and wildlife, but still, the international summits speak about the same ideas without any groundwork. She also said that rather than having an approach to save forests, the government could have an approach to save and protect forest dwellers. This approach would result in participatory development.

She demanded creating alternatives in every sector that would provide confidence to go against the mainstream. Just like what Dr. Jeeva aspired and represents !

She questioned the unequal economy, which depends on power and position and capital accumulation in the hands of few. Medha Patkar strongly criticised the destruction of natural resource capital for the sake of industrialisation and globalisation. She said that statism or corporatisation would never bring inclusive globalisation. Rather, Cooperatisation with a direct link between farmers – consumers- producers would be the catalyst for inclusive globalisation.

Another critical issue was the government's positive outlook on liquor shops bringing loads of money but privatising and abandoning the government infrastructures like schools, hospitals, etc.

Medha Patkar commented about the current policies, which are ignorant of the kids who could not afford "online" education and many other e-based facilities. 

Her speech represented the need for community-based work from the government. It also meant bringing equity, justice and sustainability within the human-nature relationship.

The Ambience:

Not only was Medha Patkar's speech thought-provoking, but the whole ambience was filled with ambitious and socially responsible young minds. This event was wholly organised with the help of youngsters who aspire for a better nation and a stronger future. Various books based on environment, education and economy were also on Display. Another fascinating fact was that only eco-friendly products (posters, pamphlets, recycled papers) were used for the event. There were also stalls which displayed artistic postcards to promote the intrinsic feel for writing letters thereby omitting digital platforms and virtual emotions. You can take any number of these exclusively designed postcards and pay as much you wish. This event envisions the mind of those young people to be sincere and honest for the sake of a healthy, happy and socially responsible society.

 I learnt that activism is not only being aware of or questioning injustice but also about being a humanitarian by heart.

S. Deeptika

III B.A. Sociology