Medha Patkar
Among the most respected development justice activists, Medha Patkar, said that even though everyone agrees "climate change is a big issue internationally" but our governments are not acting on the climate emergency. "Governments are supposed to be fulfilling their duty towards the environment, socio-cultural diversity, as well as unity, equity and justice (as per our constitution). These values form the framework for not just our lives but also the governance in this country" reminded Medha Patkar.
There can never be any dichotomy between environment and development. "A present leader said in the parliament that people have to choose between environment or development" said Medha Patkar. "Environment is not just ozone or coal - as it really consists of all sources of livelihood as well as is also the life support." As it is the humanity which owns the land, water, forests, minerals, air, and other natural resources, so the people must protect them too - as we cannot just depend on the governments alone to protect it, said Medha.
"The youth has to fight against killing, destruction and exploitation of nature, as same cannot be compensated, and losses are such that these are not necessarily quantifiable - as they are qualitative, and damage is irreversible. This happens when the rivers are polluted, groundwater is extracted to an extent that aquifers are also emptied, when glaciers are coming down, and even the agriculture land is being diverted and food security is lost" she added.
production by masses and not mass production
Medha Patkar reminded the young people about Gandhiji's message "my life is my message." She said: "Gandhiji showed us a path of simplicity that would give us a different kind of prosperity which is essential for just and sustainable development. Gandhian economy is the real socialist, sustainable, and equity-based economy. When we want to address the problem of employment, we realize that it could only be through production by masses and not mass production. So, the change must be in everything - in life, lifestyle, and sources of livelihood. If we follow the Gandhian path then the lifestyle changes will again be based upon his conclusions, that the Earth has enough to fulfil every one's need but no one's greed. And hence our lifestyle needs to be based on as minimum resources as possible."
She was speaking from the Narmada valley and said: "I have seen how Adiwasi lifestyle has tried to save the forest, river, and land in the valley of Narmada and they have saved the living beings as well. So, when they fought this battle it was not just for themselves (not only for getting rehabilitated) but also to save the river valley resources because without forest the river cannot flow. And without the river flowing the sea cannot be stopped from coming in. The sea ingress has come into the Narmada up to 50-80 km in past years. We must realize that how badly these development projects are damaging the natural resources. People's struggle is also a constructive work and a positive statement of what they value."
Swayam Nirbhar Gaon is must for Atma Nirbhar Bharat
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