There is no way out except through building alliances with others located
outside Kerala --
I would disagree with Devika on this point . [ Not because somebody in this
forum is assuming it through imagination,
'representing' it wholesale, making democracy others' burden, placing
oneself conveniently
outside of any ethical responsibilities !!]
Let me point out couple of instances in which local level resistences
succeeded to a large extent in mobilising issue based support and
intervened effectively . My presence in them may be discounted as that
of an observer. [I don't privilege 'experience' to ideational practices]
1. Few months back, in Ethakkuzhi [ Kallara] a protest meeting was
organised by Panchami, Dalit Women group and Anil- Biju Cultural Centre
against the murmuring campaign maligning the victim of the rape incident.
Kallara being a stronghold of Dalit movement for long, this incident sparked
internal opposition as well as discussions which took a positive turn due to
this public intervention. In that meeting the alliance formed was so wide
that it showed the flexibility and self confidence of the Dalit intiative in
Kerala.
Rekha Raj welcomed the gathering and posed the whole issue in focus. C S
Chandrika
[ Samskarika Nayika] inaugurated it. Mersi Alaxander [ Streevedi] presided.
Apart from block panchayath and Panchayath members, MLA, CPI [ M] , SNDP,
KPMS representatives, Anila George, Elizabeth, Sanni Kapikkad, M.B. Manoj [
Dalit Students Movement], V. C. Harris, A.K.Ramakrishnan, Reshma Bharadwaj
spoke.
>From the atmosphere it was conspicuous that this intervention had major
influence on the
public opinion. At least it exposed and isolated murmuring campaigns.
They are supporting the victim on legal and social level. She work in a
petrol pump now.
I am not trying to paint a neat picture, but this at least shows the
necessity of speaking from SPECIFIC situations, whether it be real or
virtual. From within a purely 'cultural intervention' context and
'academic' politics or an organisational / idealogical concern your call
for pan Indian alliance may make sense. But on issue based movements, I will
say that the sort of alliance is unpredictable . It seems that Devika and
the [pradhana ] interlocuter share certain location specific concerns. I
would suggest that it will become more clear if you specify that instead of
assuming a putative 'we'.
2. As Devika and those who live in Kerala might be knowing well, [ sometimes
I feel ashamed to describe ceratin background information in this forum as
if we are translating it for a foreign audience, though I could do it when
I am sure about the audience ] immediatel;y after the state terror in
Muthanga, it was the visit of Arundhati Roy [ samskarika Nayika from
outside] that made a difference in the whole atmosphere. Even before that I
rememeber those days in Trivandrum when ' Samskarika Nayika Nayakanamar'
sat on night vigil while Antony government decided to dismantle the
protest huts built by
Adivasi samara Samithi. It was one [rare] instance where the visual media
in Kerala
played a [ real] positive role by keeping nightlong vigil. That
intervention succeeded in
foiling the government move.
An experience which demand the need to view the whole issue of 'samskarika
Nayakar' from the point of view and interests of people who are resisting [
not from that of those
who claim to represent it and start abusing everybody]. I personally have
approached
all of them on issue based campaigns though I have publicly criticized
their political position . though I am not egoless [!!], while intervening
in such circumstances I consider the issue, not myself as important. If the
signature campaign or public s peach will be of help to the movement, why
should we unnecessarily mix our personal political assessment of certain
individuals with that?
3. [Un] fortunately I don't have much exposure to the diasporic
intellectuals as you have. But my close acquaintance with Dalit activists in
Kerala allow me to say that they are
the vanguard in intellectual and activist domains of present day Kerala. In
fact the Dalit students Movement proves that theory and practice could have
close linkage even without
the 'performative' acts of "irritation " . In their platforms, healthy but
fierce discussions are taking place where nobody is afraid to disagree. I
am sure that this is not a ghettoized space but intellectuals and other
activists look forward to it not to support it but for their own
inspiration. That is a good sign . That indicate the way in which they are
beginning to occupy the mainstream space.
I could provide more instances but am limiting it for the time being.
What I find objectionable is the juxtaposing of Samskarikanayakar to
diasporic intellectuals.
Comparing unequal entities I am afraid! Also comparing a situation which is
not even documented [ i.e; the local history of Kerala's new social
movements] with that of
a purely 'cultural activist' outside..
I have more to say about the gaze of malyalee intellectuals from outside
which is driven by certain tested paradigms. Most often they end up in
finding
more and more 'evidence' for their apriory conclusions
On 7/22/07, anil m <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Dear Ranjith
> Since you choose to be in 'hell", why can't to you go to Kerala and take
> initiative to form a " Samarasamathi" to support Chitralekha. The actual
> resistance should start from there. Then, we can think of forming support
> groups in the virtual world of Web ("heavenly" support!!). If you can do
> that I can assure you support from at least 10 "samaskarika
> nayikamar/nayakanmar" for your delight.
> Hope i can hear some positive news on this front from you shortly.
> Abhivadhyngalode
> Anil M
> *Ranjit Ranjit <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* wrote:
>
>
> hi all,
>
> DILIP RAJ'S JOKES APART...
> let us come back to our business..
> As venugopal in his mail pointed out;
> It is hoped that members of this forum may well recognize the implications
> of the continuing struggle of Chithralekha and come forward to extend
> substantial support.
>
> And as Ms Devika suggested let us all those who r concerned in greenyouth
> (is Anivar listening) do something either individually or as group for
> Chitralekha....
> and if possible attempt to construct a forum to problematise the caste
> hegemonies ruling our cultural/social/political/academic realms by
> initiating a debate centerd on caste (many pro-dalit/subaltern run away
> hearing this and get only a few ...nevermind...)
>
> so all the best for those who r leaving for hell and those who prefer to
> enjoy traditional privileges of the heaven wher they can rule without any
> 'competetion'
>
> regards
>
> ------------------------------
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>
--
Dileep Raj
Tel: 09447316701
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