There is a common saying “You are what you think you are”. This applies well when we are referring to convincing and constantly motivating our inner self. However, when it comes to representing yourself to the world and convincing them about your motives, vision, aspirations and action plan it is important to not only think but act in a way which communicates “ what you are “ and “ What do you intend to do” and most importantly “ The means you will use to reach your end”.
The above mentioned facts are quite relevant in regards to our research on Narmada Bachao Andolan. At the Grass root level it is very clear that Narmada Bachao Andolan has diversified is activities and its approach has been multidimensional. However, the interpretation of this Andolan by a person living in a distant place, miles away from the action has always been that it is an Anti Dam revolt which has probably reached its saturation point. But I don’t think it is true.
There have been a few observations which has helped me in identifying the cause and affect of such a situation
Misrepresentation
The misrepresentation of facts by the Media (both print and electronic) has formed an impression in the minds of the people and Narmada Bachao Andolan is facing it difficult to break the cobweb of stereotypes surrounding them
I used to be conceited but now I am perfect
This attitude can be one of the biggest factors of holding ones progress. NBA no doubt has been a revolution of its kind and has discovered a way to keep to the momentum going against all odds. However it has often taken all the responsibilities in their own shoulders and its ideologies and vision has not quite disseminated among the masses.
Let’s take each day at a time
Everyday there is something new that NBA deals with and NBA cannot be blamed for that, it is just the nature of the movement. However concentrating and confining its thinking to today have often questioned its vision. Every revolt requires a clear objective and a powerful vision. Unfortunately for NBA that vision is lacking today. The best way to overcome this problem is to make NBA visible because people seem to have ignored it for some time now and we all are responsible for it (Including me)
Quality and not quantity
Today NBA Requires people who possess diverse skills and work in a way that can contribute (in a big or small way) to the organization. It might involve a minor thing like getting an important document Photostatted, preparing a database in which everyone who has been associated with NBA is named or arranging the communications that NBA has received from NHDC OR NVDA. However the bottom line is that the work should be done within reasonable timescales, avoiding duplication of work and most importantly prioritizing work.
Creating new ways
The fight has been long and just like a metal which has been kept in the sun for years, exposed to rain, sun catches rust. Similarly the people who have been involved in this struggle have lost their enthusiasm to an extent and hence there is greater need to involving volunteers- national and foreign, initiating brainstorming sessions and finding new ways and methodologies. The volunteers can bring a fresh approach to this movement and can provide valuable inputs such as – the kind of rehabilitation practices that is done in foreign countries and the kind of strategies used. The Volunteers can also assist the movement in their minor projects in terms of experience and skill through well defined volunteering Programmes. We can definitely resort to creative mediums such as Blogging, street plays, Citizen Journalism, undertake small surveys and approach environmentalist, policy makers across India to comment on the findings and get these surveys propagated. Last but not the least International Organizations need to be approached such as united nations and the Humanitarian issues which are at stake need to be questioned.
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