ISF begins to give voice to marginalised peoples struggle

New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) A cultural extravaganza showcasing the struggles of tribal, downtrodden and marginalised people to achieve their dream of 'Another World' marked the first day of the five-day long India Social Forum.

About 50,000 people from across the country converged here at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium for 'Building Another World: Visions for the Future' under the aegis of the India Social Forum. It has provided these diverse movements, groups, organisations an opportunity to come together under the broad slogan, 'Another World is Possible. Let us Build it! ''Hundreds of organisations and panels have collected here to discuss the issues of injustice, atrocities, destruction and displacements being faced by the common people. This gives them the feeling that they are not alone in their struggle and also encourage them to move forward,'' Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar said.

Pointing out that globalisation has reached to the homes of the people affecting their livelihood, she said only a few people are trying to control the lives of the majrority. The Forum provide an opportunity to these oppressed people to learn from the experiences of the others like them.

The Forum would deliberate on issues of equal distribution of resources like forest, land, casteism, globalisation, neo-colonialism and role of women in the peoples struggle against all these, she pointed out.

Winner of Alternative Nobel Prize Ruth Manorama said the hydra-headed impact of globalisation could not be fought by a single person or organisation, it required a collective effort. Activists and social movements from across the country and globe are participating in the ISF which gives them an opportunity to voice the peoples perception.

Ms Subhashini Ali, President of the All India Democratic Women's Association, said AIDWA was the first to raise voice against the negative impact of globalisation on women in 1992. Now other social organisations have also realised that globalisation has thrown people at the mercy of market forces and that of affects the marginalised sections the most.

More UNI AJ SB RN1946