*An interaction on Farmers’ suicide and Mining Scam*
Dear Friends, Our state is undergoing drastic changes in all aspects of development process whereas the concern of the civil society had not been taken up seriously by the state and market due to its fragmented nature. The recent issue of Farmers’ suicide and the mega mining scam have posed serious concern before all of us. You may also be aware that since the *Earth Summit* in 1993, the term “Civil Society” has become a catchword and mantra for those seeking an alternative between absolute reigns of the state and competing agendas of the market. Very recently, *CIVICUS- the World Alliance for Citizens’ Participation*, a UN nodal body, had undertaken a study of the fragmented Odisha Civil Society covering four important aspects namely its structure, environment, values and impact. One of its recommendations is to establish an inclusive state level mechanism for systematic interface among the 40 plus sub sectors of Odisha civil society. NGOs are just one of these 40 sub sectors. Since then, some right thinking and well meaning citizens of the state have been discussing the idea of bringing together all the sub sectors for building an inclusive civil society which could collectively articulate the legitimate interests and concerns of the state, a little more forcefully. In this context, a concept outline of the proposed ‘*Odisha Nagarik Samaj’ *is enclosed herewith for further your reference*. * Initially, on 18th December, 2009, we are meeting in Jayadev Bhawan at 10AM( Suchana Bhawan) to listen to some affected farmers’ families & civil society groups about their field report on farmers’ suicide and possible civil society response. We will also be discussing the mega mining scam and what can we do about it. * * Therefore, we would request you to participate in the discussion, share your insights and join the process which will go a long way in the history of development of the state. In solidarity, On behalf of Odisha Nagarik Samaj, Dr. Bhagabanprakash(9238385285) Er.Lalit Patnaik(9437007865) Md. Ziauddin Ahamed(9438256894) Ananta Charan9437508839) Subas Chandra Panda(9861033329) Manoj Jena(9437178921) Madhusudan Das(9438536248) Ms. Rituparna Mohanty(9437033341) Gobinda Ballava Dalai(9437936315)
