The following article is written by Tony Kurien, a student activist from TISS, Mumbai. The article focusses on the disparity that exists in India today at many levels and the scant regard shown by the government to these concerns, which is solely focused on achieving its target growth rates.
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Dr. Binayak Sen spoke recently (19th Jan 2012) at Sixth Henry Volken memorial lecturer, Bangalore. Firstly he spoke on the shocking socio-economic conditions of the poor in India and the callous attitude of the government – the death in North Bengal of 9 people due to starvation: a forty year old pregnant women denied admission in two government hospitals & only to deliver the twin babies on the streets; Sharad Pawar statement on Right to Food Security Bill “We cannot take responsibility to feed every mouth” & finally the PM statement on 42% malnourishment in children as “national shame”.
The following article written by Shruti K, a student activist from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore and involved in the Repeal AFSPA campaign (which includes the New Socialist Alternative CWI-India) in solidarity with Sharmila Irom’s 12 year long fast.
As the momentum towards building a nationwide campaign to pressure the Indian government to repeal AFSPA continues, such as petition campaigns which has been submitted to the President of India, Indian ruling class shows no sign of relenting. On the 10th December Human Rights Day, the government prevented the yearly symbolic solidarity dharna (sitting) in support of Sharmila Irom at Jantar Mantar (well known protest point in Delhi).
We gathered to speak our rights
They came and told us we have none
We resisted them with our fights
They called us names and snatched our bun.
They told everybody we were evil, enemies of the nation
Hypocrites with words and heckled our mission.
Some who did not believe their tongue
Were made to swear on god
They had to prove their innocence
With their hand on their children’s head
The following article written by Modoko J Pfoze, a Manipuri Student activist studying at St. Josephs, Bangalore and also a close supporter of New Socialist Alternative (CWI -India). This article appeared in Jan-Feb 2012 edition of Dudiyora Horaata (Workers’ Struggle) and is based on the recent controversial decision of the Indian government to increase the FDI in retail, which has currently been put on hold.
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