Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Narmada issue

The growing support for the Narmada Bachao Andolan brings to mind U.S. anthropologist Margaret Mead's famous words: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Medha Patkar and her NBA deserve all the support they can get. The Mahatma would have been proud of Ms. Patkar.

Gopi Rajagopal,
Bangalore

The manner in which Ms. Patkar was whisked away by the Delhi police is in stark violation of human rights and reminiscent of the British days. We do not seem to have progressed much from the times of Jatindra Nath Das, who died after fasting in the Lahore Central Jail for 63 days, and revolutionary Baba Lakhu Ram who died after resisting forced feeding by the British in the Montgomery Central Jail. Actor Aamir Khan's gesture of solidarity towards the NBA activists and Bhopal gas victims is a welcome sign. He appears to be the conscience of the world of glamour and glitz.

Gautam Das,
Kolkata

A developed nation is one in which the weaker sections are content and well represented. When one section progresses at the cost of others, development is not justified. The Government and sections of the media describe the NBA activists as coercive and opposed to development. Don't they have the basic right to speak for themselves? Environmentalists, NGOs, and rehabilitation experts should be made part of the official team that assesses the impact of such projects. Only then can a just and pro-people decision be arrived at.

Neha Dewan,
Ambala, Haryana

What about crores of Indians who are in dire need of water for drinking and irrigation not only in Gujarat but also in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh? As for `Mr. Lagaan,' he should start a Bharat Bachao Andolan and impress upon all film stars to stop endorsing products manufactured by multinational companies.

Hans Raj Bhat,
Mumbai

Ignoring peaceful protests will only lead to the growth of violent protests. The government's policy is not only unjust but also short-sighted. And we, the people, who are not lending our voices to the cause openly, have to share the blame.

Kheya Sengupta,
New Delhi

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