Thursday, April 06, 2006

She was not meant to be mortal: Medha Patkar

What would you make of the arrest of Medha Patkar? Is it an alleged instance of the "Government machinery having been let loose on peaceful democratic demonstrations?" Does it illustrate the chicanery of politics in having found an escape route from a deep rooted problem? Is it proof of how thick-skinned rulers have become when it comes to the salvation of the weak and the vulnerable? Does it show the autocratic ways of power in a democratic country, which is adamant on raising the dam at the cost of the public, irrespective of public moods?

The move to arrest Ms Medha Patkar could involve all of those aspects. To me, it is an unintentional noble deed that resulted from ulterior intentions. It's sad that Medha Patkar hasn't received even a fraction of the attention that has been showered on Ms Sonia's (Gandhi) "renunciation" of power. To have people who are ready to die for the lives of others, in this age, is a miracle! To dedicate one's life for a selfless cause propels Medha Patkar to the echelons of the likes of Mother Teresa. Ironically, even the Mother's beatification was done after much debate, posthumously.

The Government's intentions could well have been to avoid a huge public uproar and the prospects of the situiation veering off control if her indefinite fast proved to be fatal. But it might well result in the noble deed of saving the life of a great person whom India has to be proud of. People like her are not supposed to be victims of their own strengths. They have to live on - as they have the power to change the lives of many more. Medha Patkar would be able to make a difference to the state of affairs not by dying for one cause - but by fighting for many more, still greater causes.

3 comments:

PP said...

this land of the mahatma weeps silently as a peaceful protestor has been labelled with the charges of"attempt to suicide".
this is most shameful that the strong willed followers of the "father" are turning out to be the symbols of 'justice denied'.
the need of the hour is immediate response to the myriad issues concerning the displaced millions for whom ms. patkar has been fighting for so longand not the hospitalisation gimmick to show concern for her deteriorating health status. if development comes at the cost of playing with the life and bread of a section of the society and that too the lowest rung in the indian socioeconomic heirarchy it defies the meaning of development itself .
the government should plan a proper rehabilitation and resettlement programme for those affected.
a nationwide support for this gandhian agitation is expected from every nuke and corner of india and especially from the so called "intellectual" and elitist middle

Mridula said...

Or for that matter attention showred at a certain Gracias!

Krish said...

That doesnt ring a bell, would you elaborate?