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DAM-L LS: Children in Narmada Valley Celebrate Peace Day (fwd)
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subject: LS: Children in Narmada Valley Celebrate Peace Day
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NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN
B-13, Shivam Flats, Ellora Park, Baroda-390007
Tel: 0265-382232 baroda@narmada.org
58, Gandhi Marg, Badwani, M.P.
Tel: 07290-22464
Press Note: 7.8.00
"Fight For Peace - In A Peaceful way"
CHILDREN IN NARMADA VALLEY CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY WITH
SKIT, SONG AND RESOLVE FOR A BETTER, PEACEFUL LIFE
Over 500 children, both boys and girls, were a part of the
celebrations of the International Peace Day in the Narmada Valley on
Monday ( 6th August), as they sang the song to protect the Mother
Earth from destruction -either by the bombs or the dams. As a mark of
the life with the peace and harmony, the first ever book of songs in
their own Adivasi language, Pavri was also released on this occasion.
Along with the children, about two hundred village representatives
and the supporters were present at these celebrations.
On Monday, August 6, the Satyagraha place of Domkhedi was rustling
with the bright faces and vibrant shouts of the Adivasi children and
their parents. Most of the students belong to the 'Jeevan -shaalas'
(School of Life) run by the Narmada Bachao Andolan in the villages
for last nine years. They came from the villages in Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh like Nimgavhan, Bharad, Savariya,
Jalsindhi, Turkheda etc., affected by the controversial Sardar
Sarovar Project (SSP). The programme coincided with the ongoing
Satyagraha against the impending submergence and displacement due to
the dam.
Along with the school-children came the teachers of these Jeevan
Shalas. Keval Singh Vasave, one of the veteran activists in the
Narmada movement and a teacher in Nimgavhan Jeevan shala chaired the
function. He explained the propriety of the Peace Day celebrations in
the village, confronting the submergence due to the dam. Keval Singh
Vasave, the main activist from Nimgavhan made it clear that the dam
has been threatening the adivasi society, their harmonious and
relatively peaceful way of life. He described in details how enriched
their life has been in contrast with the people languishing in the
small apartments, slums and footpaths of the cities. He made it clear
that, "We grow all type of crops and vegetables, some oilseeds needed
for their good life and nutrition and never need hybrid seeds or
pesticide and fertilisers. The cattle and poultry supplements our
food, the pure air, river water and open vista to live on the plateau
and valleys, which must be envy for the townspeople who live a
miserable life in the small, dingy houses and surroundings". For him,
this life of Peace and Harmony has to be safeguarded and nurtured,
developed. Vesta Pawra, another experienced activist from village
Sikka compared the dam with the bomb, waiting to be exploded on the
lives of Adivasis. 'Like bombs, the dam is for the destruction', he
said.
Among the supporters from outside were Dr. Leo Rebello of Amrit
Manthan, Dr.Nicky Sushiela Cardozo from Coastal People's Movement,
Mr.Hemant Ugale, all from Bombay, Ravi, Aravinda from AID India,
Dr.Naresh Dadhich, a scientist from Pune and Mr.Anilkumar and others
from Kerala, who are working on Micro Hydel Power generation and
presently installing one at Domkhedi, representatives from Samvada,
Bangalore.
The peace day programme started with the song and a skit by the
children on the dangers of the bombs, other arsenal and how it brings
wound to the Mother Earth. While speaking Dr.Leo Rebello, who had
been at Hiroshima last year, said that, "even after 55 years of the
blast at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, people are still suffering from
various ill effect of it reaction".
On this occasion, the first ever book in Pavari language was released
by Dr.Naresh Dadhich and Sadhana Dadichh. The book published by NBA
comprises of village stories written by the Gurujis (teachers) of
Jeevanshalas.
While concluding the celebrations Medha Patkar of Narmada Bachao
Andolan said that, "the struggle in the Narmada Valley is not only
the struggle against unjust and destructive developmental projects
but a fight of Peace and happy, enriched life for all, in a peaceful
manner".
There was an exhibition of photos showing the destruction caused by
the atom-bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and a resolve/oath to
fight for peace in a peaceful manner.
M.K. Sukumar Joe Athialy
==========<medhapatkar@vsnl.com>==========
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