Winds of Change

‘Team Anna’ has become the new face of the civil society in India today. With the 12-day fast of Anna Hazare forcing the Parliament to look at the Jan Lok Pal Bill with a new perspective, it was a triumphant moment not just for the team but for the entire nation. The highlight of the event was the mass movements organised by common citizens not just all over the country but also in certain parts of the globe. Though the motive of Anna and his team cannot be questioned, some did raise eyebrows on the means that they resorted to. Amidst such a scenario, One India One People looks at the past, present and future of civil society movements in India, in its September 2011 issue ‘Winds of Change’.

‘Civil Society in India: alive and kicking’ focuses on the vibrant civil society movements in India. It is just that the term got more popular, thanks to Team Anna. While some may be alarmed by these developments, some may herald them as nourishing agents of our fragile democracy. Whatever be the case, these movements are surely turning a new leaf, says Prof. Vrijendra, a professor and an active voice on social and human rights issues.

My-way or No-way, not the right way – this approach cannot yield enduring results in a complex society and may cause damage to democratic foundations in the long run. Civil Society must strive for depth, expertise and consensus among all its stakeholders, advocates Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, the founder and President of Lok Satta Party.

Is the civil society crossing limits? N. Vittal, former Central Vigilance Commissioner, opines that though the motive of Team Anna in the fight against corruption cannot be questioned, what has become debatable are the methods adopted by them. He believes that in focusing their energies on impractical objectives, the civil society has definitely crossed its limits and failed.

Empowering people is the solution, says Justice Hosbet Suresh (retd.) and avers that civil society groups should understand that law by itself, strong or weak, will not solve the problem. The real solution lies in strengthening the human rights movement, express solidarity with them, with a view to empower people to live with human dignity.

Prof. Ram Puniyani, former professor at IIT Mumbai and also an active participant in social issues, particularly those related to preservation of democratic and secular ethos in our life, observes that the ruling government and civil society groups should not be looked at as hostile opponents but as complementary groups meant to take the society further. 

Kamayani Bali Mahabal, an expert in gender, health and human rights issues writes on the global movements that brought social change. Suppression and injustice cannot last for long. When people rise against autocracy to demand justice, no authority, however powerful, can ignore or defeat it.

Who is the true representative of the people? – asks Tanveer Jafri, columnist with popular daily newspapers/portals in India and abroad and a recipient of many awards in the field of communal harmony and other social activities. People elected their representatives so that they would speak for the common man and address his grievances. But today, people have lost faith in them as they have become corrupt and self-centred. No wonder then, a new order is rising who is fighting the system. But can they be entrusted to be the true representatives of the people, wonders Jafri.

A civil society of Gandhi’s imagination - Dr. Ravindra Kumar, Indologist and former Vice Chancellor of CCS University, Meerut, writes about a civil society as perceived by Mahatma Gandhi.

As usual, the ‘Know India Better’ section features an enthralling piece with lots of information and astonishing pictures. This issue, we are featuring ‘ALMORA - an enchanting town on the ridge. The beauty of Almora and its surrounding areas, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is unmatched. Almora is historically significant and a pilgrim’s delight with many ancient and beautiful temples. Today, development may be fast encompassing the region, but the serenity and beauty of this charming hill town remains untouched. (Text and photos : Dr. M.A. Haque)

In the ‘Face to Face’ section, Dr. Shantha Sinha, the Chairperson of the newly constituted National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and renowned anti-child labour activist, speaks on eradicating child labour and granting children a dignified life.

This issue we feature the following great Indians:

Phulrenu Guha – Crusader for women’s freedom (1911-2006) – She was a freedom fighter, social worker, philanthropist, founder of institutions and a pioneering leader of women’s movement. Her contribution to the upliftment of women and societal development is incomparable.

CQMH Abdul Hamid PVC – Inspiring bravery (1933-1965) – Displaying complete disregard for his own safety, CQMH CQMH Abdul Hamid PVC, put up a brave fight against intruders. His actions inspired his comrades to put up a gallant fight and beat back the enemy assault. His bravery in face of the enemy was a shining example to the whole division and in the best traditions of the India Army.

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh – A great son of Mother India (1914-2009) – Chaudhary Ranbir Singh (Hooda) was one of those brave sons of Mother India who fought for our freedom under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and post independence worked day and night for rebuilding the nation.