Mysuru: Satyagraha is the weapon of the common man and very effectively used by Gandhi and Gandhians. Prasanna, renowned theater artist has now wielded this weapon to fight the juggernaut of the present model of development.
Badanval a small hamlet near Nanjanagud taluk of Mysore district is buzzing with the preparation for an agitation drawing activists from all over the country, to create awareness and influence on the government to follow a sustainable model of development. It is not a coincidence that Gandhiji had visited this village in 1932 to witness the functioning of the khadi spinning unit started by Sri Tagadur Ramachandra Raya, an ardent follower of Gandhiji. The wheels are spinning even today, with Prasanna spearheading the movement to see that the products reach the market.
Prasanna points out that governments are focusing on indiscriminate industrialization and mechanization which results in alienation of village artisans. Though the movement is gaining momentum and is expected to be a grand success the agitation if it can be called so, has no particular demand. Its focus is on `sustainable development’.
Theatre artists, film stars, writers, social activists have extended their full support to this satyagraha. Actor Irfan Khan came down with his wife and stayed in humble dwellings with Prasanna in support of the cause. Medha Patkar too visited Badanvalu. During the visit she said, “We are not against industrialization but against corporatisation that takes away livelihood of the poor. We are for development but want social equity in distribution of the fruits of development”.
As a part of this satyagraha, padayatras from different parts of the state have started culminating at Badanval on 19th April. On the same day discussions (Panchayats) were held on different aspects of sustainability. Workshops, Street plays, visual art campaigns were also conducted as a part of the satyagraha. A national convention was also planned.
`India lives in her villages’ is the adage; if it is true, then make in India should focus on the workmanship available in the villages, is the bottom line of this agitation.
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