Update on RTI Application on Aldei de Goa

Continuation Reply from PIO giving more details on the application.

Original RTI Application (click)

First Appellate Order

Here is update on First Appellate Hearing

Diwali in Goa

I was in Goa for a specific reason, to meet my relatives and celebrate Diwali and Secondly to actively contribute to the protection of Goa from illegal real estate projects.

While in Goa, watched 2 movies, Sawariya and Om Shanti Om. Each film had some essence which touched me, and gave more energy for the bigger reason I was in Goa.

In Sawariya, Ranbir Kapoor, explains how to fight unhappiness as if its a boxing match, and how every round if you dont fight back, unhappiness starts entering your mind, your family, your work.....

In Om Shanti Om, SRK explains that any film is incomplete without an happy ending, and hence the movie is not over. And stealer was inspired words of Paul Coelho in the movie, that when you desire something pure coming from deep within the heart, the whole universe comes together for your to achieve it.

After spending time with family, pals and movies, it was action time on 11 November, With the meeting call from Divya Iyer (CNN IBN Reporter-Delhi). I had been in touch with Divya, to cover the story of how citizens were fighting the project Aldei De Goa, a clear violation case study.
The concept was to build on the storyline of Citizen Journalist reporting violations of the project and struggles of citizens against Aldei De Goa.

The cameraman was Chintamani from Mumbai branch, with amazing photography skills. We first went to the through the whole story along with the activists involved. Followed by visit to the site, where I was shocked to see the sights of the massive construction under progress.

There 3 sites in this project, one where occupancy has already started and there is a weak case of illegality. Second site is violation of CRZ norms as construction is within 100 metres of High Tide Line. And third site is violation of Illegal Hill Cutting under Sec 17 A of Town and Country Planning Act. We visited both the controversial sites and identified places where to take the video and interviews such that the stringent security would not be aware of.

In the afternoon, we brainstormed the template for the report, which would explain how and why I got into this activism, As is Scenario, Interviews of locals and other activists, Closure.
But the destiny changed the template and content to great extent. Post noon I was ready with my report script, and after chai at my place, 3 of us- Divya, Chintamani and myself along with our Vehicle incharge Vincent we went to the site to take the first cut of the report.

Divya suggested that the photoshoot must have in background some of my pals, as i would be talking about nostalgia of the beach. Much to my surprise none of my friends turned up, nevertheless destiny had its own participants. There were many locals and villagers playing cricket and soccer over the beautiful sunset which gave a wonderful natural background. I spoke about the memories of my childhood and youth and how everything is now at stake.

Using the contacts of Albertina, we had 3 locals one of them belonging to the Panch, who spoke of the hurdles faced by the locals, the threats issued against them by the real estate lobby, she spoke with helplessness that someday they would never get to the sea due to the boom in the real estate. One local named Moti, talked of seeing Gauri Khan visiting the site and in the same week looking at Sharad Pawar. One of the elderly locals Mrs. Kamal mentioned that fisher folk were unable to access the beach and when they do visit the beach the water is not worthy of fishing as the 400 laborers use the beach for their natures call. As well as mud is dumped into the sea, making the sea water visibly muddy.

On Sunday night, We viewed all the photoshots of the day, this acted as feedback for self improvement. The next day would start at 6am, I was told by Divya.

12 November, would be a day difficult to forget. 7 am we were at the site 2 of Aldei De Goa, were I spoke of the violations of CRZ, explaining how the Aldei De Goa identified a loop hole in the laws and how they cooked up a story to legitimize their case, which is still in court.
This was followed by re interviewing on the locals-Panch, who was very much vociferous and aggressive about how they were targeted by Developers and that they would fight if the promise given are not met, with or without anyones support. It was an emotional interview for me, while i interrogated her, there were many moments when i had tears in my eyes, listening to the loss of the locals and their innocence abused.

After risky photography which was not permitted by the security, we then moved to a place where the site 3, where illegal hill cutting had occurred was in background. I spoke of how the Town and Country Planning over the last week had legalised hill cutting by Aldei De Goa, overlooking the clear violation under Sec 17 of their own laws.

As decided over the weekend, all activists fighting for the cause, were to meet the Chief Minister at noon after meeting the bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department. But to everyones surprise, the entire staff of Town and Country Planning had been called to the CMs residence. So all of us chased them. We stormed inside the residence of CM asking for justice and logic. After some argumentative discussion our demand for joint meeting with CM and bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department was agreed.

Since I was wired with wireless microphone, most of the discussion was hopefully expected to be recorded. In round table meeting the CM along with Mr. Morad and Mr. Ashok Kumar from TCP and citizens such as Dr. Oscar, Patricia Pinto, Claude Alvares, Rebina, Ritu, eminent journalists etc were present.

The discussion started by first showing that TCP had passed 2 plans for same plot on same day.
Showing google images as recent as 2003, which showed no activity of construction done on site 3-where illegal hill cutting was done. Showcasing documents of site inspection done by the same staff of TCP some years ago which clearly mentioned the illegality. The discussion then became argumentative with questions as to why the police complaint had been withdrawn against Aldei de Goa. The Chief Minister was very co-operative in listening to the entire case. I requested the CM to visit the site and see personally the extent of damage of the project, i also urged him that the police which was giving security protection to the developers from the villagers, would do bias inquiry about the illegal hill cutting.

He unanimously said that he would immediately issue an order to stop the construction on site 3.
We urged the bureaucrats of Town and Country Planning Department that they should do their job properly and honestly, as it would results in more such scenes. I mentioned to the CM that for the last 3-4 months, i have been asking for the files that have cleared this project (RTI) and as per TCP these files are missing. On which the CM asked Mr. Morad Ahmed about the files, to which he said they are searching. CM informed him on priority basis to get the files and submit all documents to him in a chronological order.


One of the citizens, an eminent photographer and journalist asked the CM to sack the TCP officials for their negligent work and corruption. This resulted in scuffle as TCP officials said it was a direct accusations on their integrity without evidence.

After the decision by CM to issue the stop order on construction. We all citizens marched outside with some ray of hope that at least some of Goa would be saved.

All of us then went to Cafe Tato, the CNN IBN team along with social activists team had a warm meal discussing about the bigger picture and hopes of the citizens for a better Goa with sustainable development.

The last shots of story were taken on banks of Mandovi, where i talked of how fragile Goa is and my message to buyers, sellers, bureaucracy and politicians as a Citizen Journalist.

Since site 2 of Aldei de Goa is in court, any press story with pictures or content relating to CRZ Violations is considered as matter sub judice, it would not be accepted by the Court as it could change the nature of the court case. Hence, this story might be laying in the hands of the CNN IBN management and their lawyers for clearance. It might be never shown on the channel, but when i boarded the bus back for Bangalore on 12 November, with my relatives saying farewell to me, with complaints that I dont spend time with them, and every time i promise to, at that moment, to some extent i felt content with the trip to Goa.

And i thought about the 2 masala films, and my meaning and take away from them.
Dad use to help me write my essays in school, and about topic on Diwali, he would dictate that Diwali is the festival when darkness representing ignorance is removed by light of education and truth.

Jai Hind,
Navendu


More about this
Pics Gallery

http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=111317

http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=4133&cid=10

Transcript of the Report

Death of Regional Langauge

With increased literacy and spoken English, large population of India has started to think in English. The language you think in, perhaps has a major influence on the culture, aspirations and dreams. The fundamental reason why English is preferred in India, is due to the colonial lineage followed by the economic prosperity the language brings in form of jobs. The recent phenomenon is the Accent, which brings BPO jobs from UK and US.

So what happens to our regional languages? Do they die?

I think its time to market languages. The reason why English is accepted is because it brings employment, helps in meeting the physiological needs such as food, shelter, clothing etc.

So where can regional language compete? I feel its no point for Regional Languages trying to compete on the plane of Physiological needs. Regional languages must carve out a habitat for itself in the field of emotional and self actualization levels.

Let us look at how we communicate in our relationships, parent-child, husband-wife, siblings...
We start to communicate in our regional language but then start accepting English as the medium of written communication but prefer using regional language just at a speaking medium. Now if there is strong shift to eradicate the written communication in relationships from English to Regional language, then perhaps these languages might stand the test of time.

So how do we achieve this, perhaps it starts with the masses accepting the simplest fact that love must and always be expressed in regional language. This can be achieved with constant brainwashing in movies, soap operas where all written communication is shown Regional Language. Next shift is the parents writing letters to their child in Regional Language, wishes being conveyed from birthday to wedding anniversary in Regional Language.

Mass Publication of Linguistic Research from evolution of India with conclusion that Regional Language are the best medium to express complex Feelings and Emotions.

Ancient Languages must carve out an aggressive roadmap for propagating their existence in the field of self actualization. For Hindus, on their journey of self actualization must see Sanskrit and Paali as the closest medium to reach their destination. For Muslims it can be Urdu, Similarly Punjabi for Sikhs. With constant push by Religious Heads exercising that real meaning of scriptures and religion is understood only in ancient languages.

From many years, I believe that India must have a strong Inter-State student exchange program, where in formative years, the child is exposed to different India, learns more languages, more cultures and becomes more secular and understands the true spirit of India.

Similarly central government must carve out policies creating a competitive environment between states to ensure literature study. The only threat I see, is, by the day when Internet and computer reaches every home, Many Indian languages might just be spoken and with no written use.
Hence emerges greater dependence on Technology which shall enable people to express their feelings, the shift has to be from QWERTY keyboard to online keyboards for regional language.

One of the good initiatives from Ministry of Communications and Information Technology-The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC),, is iLEAP Indian Language processor, but I believe this software must be clubbed with Microsoft Office and given to every computer in India.

The survival of Regional Languages now depends on the initiatives taken by its users.

Jai Hind,
Navendu

RTI Drive in Bangalore on 12-13 October

It all started on 2nd October, all citizens believing in the power of RTI met up and brainstormed how we could celebrate the anniversary of RTI.


We all, Bangaloreans met on weekends with common thread of RTI as a powerful tool, some weeks ago,

Our efforts of spreading RTI Awareness, with 2 years of its completion, has been pretty eventful so far.

Our efforts of our hard work, are seeing positive results on Radio.

1. Vikram Simha on Radio Mirchi-8 am to 10 am
   
2. Anil Kumar and Kathyayini Chamaraj took part in a programme on RTI on FM Rainbow from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM called Lunch Box today
3. Navendu on Radio City- 10.45 to 11 am.

"It has been a good start"-Aswini

Bangalore Mirror published a special series on RTI as well, i believe other newspapers (Times, Hindu, Herald) also had some articles with interviews of success stories.

NDTV and CNN IBN had special stories on RTI as well. Watch out IBN for more on the real birth of citizen journalist.

Its been a great start, thanks to all you, we have to know build on the momentum, and try making the radio program a weekly or fortnight one, looking at the response today.

Special thanks to Vikram Simha, Col Mathew, Kathyayini, Aswini, Dr. Ravi Rao family, Vineeta, Sameer, Shobha, supreme energy and the all of you who gave direction, motivation and support.

Its just the beginning,

Jai Hind
Navendu Shirali

RTI Awareness on Radio

The fruits on the converge of Bangalore citizens coming together for spreading the message of RTI beared today.

Radio Awareness was done by

1. Vikram Simha on Radio Mirchi-8 am to 10 am
   
2. Anil Kumar and Kathyayini Chamaraj took part in a programme on RTI on FM Rainbow from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM called Lunch Box today
3. Navendu on Radio City- 10.45 to 11 am.

The message by me was crisp and simple.

On 12 October 2005, 2 years ago, The Right to Information (RTI) Act was institutionalized, RTI is an ac that is powerful enough to revolutionize governance with more transparency.

Many sensitive citizens crib about the traffic system, bad roads, power cuts, bad infrastructure, rising pollution etc. But never convert these feelings into actions by questioning the government system. Every one of you has a question to ask the government about its mismanagement.

In pursuit of asking questions, the government department becomes more accountable and takes action much faster.

For example: You see a mud road in the Bangalore with no sign of development, you can apply for RTI asking when this road will be developed, witness the tendering process, be part of the inspection team once the road is being made. For making the system better, we have to better citizens first. If there is a traffic police absent at a major junction, you can now ask for his attendance register using RTI.

Because of RTI act, there is now a transition from a secretive system of governance to one of openness, where citizens can demand access to information held by the government. Using RTI, there has been growing number of successful stories where people have actively taken up the charge to fight corruption and injustice.

Laxmi Hariharan, who stays near Magadi Road, missed her convocation as well as her degree, for 9 years she was moving from one desk to another asking for her degree. She applied for RTI application asking where her degree is, in 17 days she was given her degree.

In Belgaum, poor slum dwellers used the RTI Law to see what stocks had come to their local shop and how these have been distributed. They demanded to see the records of receipt, sale and distribution of their items. After reluctance the shop owners disclosed the information. The stock books are now regularly available for inspection.

Every citizen has the right to know how the government is spending the tax payers money. Without people questioning how money is being spent, there is always a temptation for the government to misuse it. In Maharashtra, retired General Sudhir Jathar used RTI Act to access log books of cars being used for official purposes. He found that the cars were used to visit tourist resorts at Nasik, Shirdi, Lonavala and Khandala. The log book also showed that an official was present at two places at the same time.

As I said, For making the system better, we have to better citizens first.

Remember AS I AM, SO IS MY NATION

Jai Hind

Special thanks to Radio Mirchi- Bijoy and Vineeta to arrange for this. Radio City-Vasanti and Preeti.
Looking at the response of callers, i believe and hope this becomes a weekly event.

Sachin on Power of Mind

THE POWER OF THE MIND

"And then, suddenly, it was all happening. The centuries in my Ranji, Duleep
and Irani debuts took me to Pakistan and a whole different world. Pakistan
was a unique experience, one in retrospect, I was too young to fully fathom
at 16. I was just so excited to be part of the Indian team. But even then,
cricket-wise, I was very focussed on being there, knowing that once I was
there, I had to stay there. This is where my years of preparation and early
training in visualisation, a concept introduced to me by my brother, helped
infinitely. It wasn't something that I was formally trained or told about
specifically but even during school games, I used to prepare by letting my
imagination take over. I would imagine situations, plan out things, try and
get into the opposition's head. Somewhere, in those early years, I had
begun training my subconscious mind. I've always believed in the power of
the mind, it goes way beyond imagination, in its ability to push itself
beyond what you might think is its limit, in its ability to readjust,
realign and refocus. It is something incredible, the mind, and if you
focus, there is no limit to one's imagination and what the mind can
accomplish. I've tried to bring that power of the mind to my game. For
instance, when I walk into the middle, it is my fourth or fifth walk, as I
have already done so several times in my head. It gives one an edge"

DMA- Being the Change

Over the last 1 year, our team of Initiatives of Change has been instrumental with joint initiative of IAS heads of District Municipal Administrative (DMA) , to organize Ethical Leadership based Weekend Programs.
In todays world, Ethics is so commonly used that perhaps it has lost its value. In this weekend residential workshops, we were able to make the hard and tough employees of DMA, bring a change towards listening to their inner voice, having self correction mechanism, vow to fight corruption and more.

Over the last 3 months, we have conducted 3 such workshops, over 100 employees of DMA have been trained in listening to their inner voice, the leadership training has made them more sensitive to their office members and citizens of India.
In their personal sharing, stories of their personal fight against favoritism and corrupt practicing is an inspiring experience. Every workshop though starts with participants cribbing about problems from political interferences to low pay, corruption at all levels, etc, initially it seems like there is no hope about the existing system.

Just in 2 days, the atmosphere mixed with Guided Introspection, Personal Sharing, Group Activities, Leadership Sessions, Interaction with NGOs all result in powerful combination to transform the the negative attitude towards a power of positive thinking, where the same employees give inspiration of better India, a better system to work in.

More pics at Gallery

Jai Hind
Navendu

Allan Octavian Hume

A O Hume wrote this letter letter to the graduates of Calcutta University on the 1st of March 1883. It was this letter which transformed in to the creation of Indian National Congress.

If only fifty men, good and true, can be found to join as founders, the thing can be established and the further development will be comparatively easy. ...
And if even the leaders of thought are all either such poor creatures, or so selfishly wedded to personal concerns that they dare not strike a blow for their country's sake, then justly and rightly are they kept down and trampled on, for they deserve nothing better. Every nation secures precisely as good a Government as it merits. If you the picked men, the most highly educated of the nation, cannot, scorning personal ease and selfish objects, make a resolute struggle to secure greater freedom for yourselves and your country, a more impartial administration, a larger share in the management of your own affairs, then we, your friends, are wrong and our adversaries right, then are Lord Ripon's noble aspirations for your good fruitless and visionary, then, at present at any rate all hopes of progress are at an end and India truly neither desires nor deserves any better Government than she enjoys. Only, if this -be so, let us hear no more factious, peevish complaints that you are kept in leading strings and treated like children, for you will have proved yourself such. Men know how to act. Let there be no more complaining of Englishmen being preferred to you in all important offices, for if you lack that public spirit, that highest form of altruistic devotion that leads men to subordinate private ease to the public, weal that patriotism that has made Englishmen what they are,- then rightly are these preferred to you, rightly and inevitably have they become your rulers. And rulers and task-masters they must continue, let the yoke gall your shoulders never so sorely, until you realise and stand prepared to act upon the eternal truth that self-sacrifice and unselfishness are the only unfailing guides to freedom and happiness.

A Tryst with Destiny

As a child I always knew the first para of this speech, thank to Internet here is the whole speech, its a speech which takes me on trip of nationalism. The spirit of freedom now resides in our generation.

August 14th, 1947- Jawaharlal Nehru

Speech in the Constituent Assembly of India, on the eve of India's Independence

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.

At the dawn of history, India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and grandeur of her success and failures. Through good and ill fortune alike, she has never lost sight of that quest, forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of misfortunes and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?

Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon this Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom, we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.

That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfill the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means, the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and poverty and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest men of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over.

And so we have to labour and to work, and to work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart. Peace is said to be indivisible, so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and also is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments.

To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join us with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.

The appointed day has come -the day appointed by destiny- and India stands forth again, after long slumber and struggle, awake, vital, free and independent. The past clings on to us still in some measure and we have to do much before we redeem the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about.

It is a fateful moment for us in India, for all Asia and for the world. A new star rises, the star of freedom in the East, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materializes. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed!

We rejoice in that freedom, even though clouds surround us, and many of our people are sorrow-stricken and difficult problems encompass us. But freedom brings responsibilities and burdens and we have to face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people.

On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, the Father of our Nation, who, embodying the old spirit of India, held aloft the torch of freedom and lighted up the darkness that surrounded us. We have often been unworthy followers of his and have strayed from his message, but not only we but succeeding generations will remember this message and bear the imprint in their hearts of this great son of India, magnificent in his faith and strength and courage and humility. We shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.

Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward, have served India even unto death.

We think also of our brothers and sisters who have been cut off from us by political boundaries and who unhappily cannot share at present in the freedom that has come. They are of us and will remain of us whatever may happen, and we shall be sharers in their good [or] ill fortune alike.

The future beckons to us. Whither do we go and what shall be our endeavour? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman.

We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for any one of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intended them to be. We are citizens of a great country on the verge of bold advance, and we have to live up to that high standard. All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges and obligations. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.

To the nations and peoples of the world we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom and democracy.

And to India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service.

JAI HIND.

Citizens of Bambolim-Goa -Please Stand Up

Its been a long wait, and now finally the citizens of Bambolim have gathered momentum in their efforts to have access to a beach, which has been comfortable made a private beach by Cidade de Goa. The High Court decision has been a shot in the arm for the citizens. Its now high time, that Government Machinery takes cognizance of the fact and provides access of this beach to same citizens who vote for them.

HC directs GCZMA to file fresh report on Fomento Resorts

NT Legal Correspondent

Panaji, Aug 23 The division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Mr Justice RMS Khandeparkar and Mr Justice R S Mohite has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to file a fresh report on Fomento Resorts and Hotels Ltd.

The court passed the orders after it was brought to its notice that both the petitioner and the village panchayat of Taleigao were not present when the inspection was carried out.

The court has directed GCZMA to conduct fresh inspection in the presence of the petitioner and the village panchayat of Taleigao and to submit a report within two weeks.

Petition was filed by the residents of Vaiguinim valley against the GCZMA, village panchayat of Taleigao, Planning and Development Authourity, Fomento Beach Resorts and others on the ground that the respondents have permitted Cidade to privatise and monopolise the public beach.

In the petition it was stated that GCZMA was derelict in its duty to prevent breach of CRZ notification by Fomento Resorts by refusing to act against the violations committed.

It was brought to the notice of the court that, the entire beach was occupied by beach beds, beach umbrellas and barbeque platforms.

It was also noticed that there was a private jetty right into the Zuari for water sports. Further it was noted that Fomento had erected shed on the beach for water sports activity and another shed was erected on the rocks for generation plant and equipment installation.

They also observed private chambers in a public nullah and that all the sewage was directly released in Zuari river and the sewage treatment plant is close to the residential buildings.

Being aggrieved by the various illegalities committed by the Fomento Resorts and the inaction by the respondents to prevent or abet such illegality the writ petition was filed in the court.

Heat is turned on by CRZMA

All those tears of citizens in Goa, whose once virgin beaches became an eyesore with deforestation and compound walls constructed might feel a sign of relief. (I am still awaiting for information asked in my RTI Application on Goan Real Estate and Construction Ltd project of Aldei De Goa) SEE VIDEO ON VIOLATIONS
Nevertheless here is the news update on this....


Bambolim construction permissions challenged in HC

NT Legal Correspondent

Panaji, Aug 24 The permissions granted by the Curca panchayat to Goan Real Estate and Construction Ltd have been challenged before the division bench of the Bombay High Court.

The Curca panchayat had granted permission to the company to construct a hotel cum residential project at Bambolim village, part of which falls within the 100 metre no development zone according to the Coastal Regulation Zone notification.

When the matter came up before the division bench, Mr Justice R M S Khandeparkar informed the counsel for the petitioner that he was unable to take up the matter.

The court however granted liberty to the petitioner to mention the matter for August 28 and the matter will be now heard by the division bench of Mr Justice R S Mohite and Mr Justice N A Britto.

The petitioners have sought a stay on the developments within 100 metres on the grounds that the area has been classified as CRZ III in the Goa Coastal Zone Management Plan, approved by the central government.

The Curca village panchayat had issued a construction license in July 1995 which was again renewed for three years in October, 1998. According to the petitioners no revalidation could be done without considering the law applicable at the time of revalidation and the series of revalidations is illegal because it was issued after the date of expiry.

It may be recalled that the division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Mr Justice R S Mohite and Mr Justice N A Britto had set aside the orders passed by the Goa Coastal Zone management Authority directing the additional collector, North Goa to a pass a status quo order on construction by the company and also the orders passed by the additional collector, Mr Swapnil Naik to stop the work of the construction project.

Now with this petition the fate of the ongoing construction will depend on the decision of the court.

Independence with dignity

Joe Madiath, has been a major part of Initiatives of Change for several years. He has been instrumental in development of a strong team in Orissa. Had heard about him many times at Asia Plateau, Panchgani. And now a hard hitting article on "The Hindu". Looking forward towards meeting him in person.

Source:http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/08/19/stories/2007081950120500.htm
Article by-HARIHARAN BALAKRISHNAN

For more than three decades, Joe Madiath has been helping villagers in Orissa empower themselves.

The devastating super cyclone of 1999 is fresh in the memory of many in Orissa, and others in India and across the world. But few remember the cyclone that ravaged Orissa, Bengal and Bangladesh in 1971. India, particularly Eastern India, had to bear the burden of 10 million refugees from the erstwhile East Pakistan. At a time when world attention was focussed on Bangladesh’s birth pangs, a great cyclone hit the same part of this globe.

Beginnings

Joe Madiath led a group of 400 volunteers from Young Students’ Movement for Development (YSMD) to West Bengal. They worked in West Dinajpur, Malda and a few other districts but Joe soon found that, while international aid was pouring into Bengal, the devastation in Orissa was not on anyone’s radar. So he shifted base and pitched tent in Kendrapara area of Cuttack district with 40 volunteers.

After some basic work, the group decided that providing irrigation facilities would be the best way to put the victims back on their feet. So, they formed a lift-irrigation co-operative of villagers and helped augment resources. But once the facilities were operational, the big land-owners reneged on their earlier promise to cede some of their land for common benefit. Big landlords got the maximum benefit, smaller ones got less, and the landless were left high and dry. Joe decided this was not his calling. The group handed over the irrigation points to the locals and left.

But Joe’s heart was with the poor. He had seen the misery of have-nots at close quarters. When travelling through Orissa — in Kalahandi one day and Keonjhar the next week — one Collector spotted him and asked if he would like to do something for the tribals of Ganjam district. And Joe landed in Mohuda village to what turned out to be his life’s calling.

A dairy cooperative

Joe visited Berhampur, Ganjam’s largest town, in response to Collector D.P. Bagchi’s call, travelled intensively and met many. Among them was Ramanath Das, President of the District Co-operative Bank. Around that time, a mahant donated 100 acres of land for a milk producers’ co-opearative. Ramanath Das asked Joe to take a part of the land on lease and develop a dairy farm. Joe went back to Chennai and Kerala and returned with five volunteers and 30 acres were taken on a 35-year lease.

This was when I first met Joe. In 1974, some of us were involved in civic improvement of Berhampur, besides weekend health work in another village near Mohuda.

On Sundays and holidays, scooters rolled towards the hills and we held clinics. Young doctors from MKCG Medical College volunteered, and the HOD, Paediatrics, helped with immunisation kits. Soon sisters of the newly-started Missionaries of Charity joined in. Thanks to Mother Teresa’s volunteers, there was no more scarcity of medicines.

After a few years of dairy and horticulture work, Joe realised that milk produced in Mohuda did not benefit the local people. Tribals considered milking a cow a “sin”! All produce was going to Berhampur.

Again, he decided this was not his calling either. Soon Joe and his group formed Gram Vikas, which was registered in 1979.

The dairy farm, horticulture and healthcare were going on apace. Micro-finance had made a small beginning. One nationalised bank opened a branch at Mohuda. Simultaneously, the poor tribals were realising the power of a group. A massive andolan was launched to shake off their burden of debt and bonded labour.

Not only were small holdings of land, but even their children, were mortgaged to the Sahukars who lent them money and supplied liberal liquor to men-folk. Women, under the leadership of Anthya Madiath, made a consistent effort to wean the men from liquor. The freshly-enacted Act against bonded labour came in handy. Before long, land came back to the rightful owners.

Benefits of biogas

Meanwhile, Joe had seen the benefits of biogas (earlier, Ramanath Das had taken him to a tea-snack joint where the fuel was produced from cow dung in a makeshift plant). The Government too was thinking on alternative energy, and offered liberal subsidy.

So, Joe decided to provide power to the people with locally available material. Till date, Gram Vikas has installed more than 55,000 biogas plants in Orissa, one of the smallest States.

While Gram Vikas was on its way to becoming the torch-bearer in the biogas field, Joe was visiting places, sharing and learning about empowerment and development. Much of the mortality in rural areas was related to water and hygiene.

So, an ambitious project was started to get rid of this scourge. Clean, continuous running water for each home through taps in toilet, bathroom and kitchen was the target. Technology for building overhead storage tanks, laying pipelines and such work was the domain of government engineers.

Joe and his team sought to demystify this. Soon the villagers, with help from a core group of trained people, dug wells, drilled borewells and put 40 ft. high tanks in place. Pumps were installed where electricity was available. In remote hamlets, where it was not, the gravity flow principle was used with ingenuity.

Simultaneously, toilets and bathrooms were coming up in thousands, all built by the villagers. Gram Vikas lent a helping hand. All toilets and homes were of one type, irrespective of the owner’s caste, social or economic status. It was an “all or none” decision for the village.

Key contributions

Participation and involvement are the key words in this idea of rural development. Each village has to contribute Rs.1000 to the “core fund”, each villager according to his ability. Every family also had to contribute local materials, labour and some cash. Gram Vikas gives the “social costs” in the form of cement, steel, pan and door. Village boys and girls are given free masonry training.

What used to be bathing ponds were turned into farms for pisciculture. Fish became a source of revenue for many a village. Social pressure plays a great part in ensuring norms.

Young rebel

A Marxist at heart, Joe’s initial protest was at age 12 when he organised youngsters in his native Kerala town to get better working conditions for workers in family farms. His father packed him off to distant West Bengal for schooling.

Returning at 16, he was active as a student leader in college. At 21, while he was President of Loyola College, Madras, he went on a solo cycle trip across the country, right up to Sikkim. He found that poverty knew no language or caste.

At the threshold of 60 today, Joe Madiath has set a target of reaching 1,20,000 families by 2010 for his clean water and toilet scheme. It will benefit a million people in all. He says this is achievable. Joe knows this cannot be done within the confines of Orissa State. Gram Vikas volunteers are interacting with like-minded NGOs in Jharkand, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to take the movement forward.

Recognition

Such sustained effort at development is recognised sooner or later. Last year, Gram Vikas won the India NGO Award and the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize at Mexico City. In February this year, Joe Madiath was voted one of the 10 recipients for the Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship. In material terms, it means three-year grants of more than $1,000,000.

With sincerity and good management at the top, each dollar will benefit the poor and the marginalised. The world would be a better place if Madiath and Mohuda inspire some “citizens of tomorrow”.

That would help a million poor Indians stand up with dignity.

Thats all we have

On February 14, 1990, The Pale Blue Dot is a photograph of planet Earth made by Voyager 1 from a record distance, showing it against the vastness of space. Carl Sagan gives the distance as 3.7 billion miles in the book, while NASA website describes it as "more than 4 billion miles" (6.4 billion kilometres). The picture was taken using a narrow-angle camera at 32° above the ecliptic, and created using blue, green, and violet filters.

Now to think of it, all our individual unhappiness, success, struggles, wars, politics, corruption, career, industry, poverty, fame, movies, love, relationships, hatred, greed, every emotion. When I look at this picture, Every emotion of society, and possibility of our life all seems so insignificant. I mean we are almost equal to nothing.
As Al Gore says, "thats all we have"....
To add I feel, we are already an endangered planet, almost extinct race, our life and our civilization is just a dot in the sky.

Message to Young Indians in India

Message by my close buddy, Sonu Arora to the Youth of India on eve of Independence Day.


aj phir humara swantrata diwas hain.

aaj bhi apne is desh mein kitne hee aise log hoge, jinke liye yeh din , bus ek aur chutti jaisa hoga .

aaj phir ,sarkaari daftaro ki diwaro per latki huyi , shaheedo ki tasveero per se dhul jhaadi jayegi .

aaj phir ,alag-alag t.v channel wale ,radio wale , deshbhakti ke naam per apni-apni rotiya sekhege .

aaj phir ,kayi ministers ke writers ,ko aisi speech taiyyar karne ke liye kaha jayega ,jisey sunaaker woh logo ki deshbhakti ki bhawna ki saath aasani se khilwaadh kar sake .

kitne hi navjawaan apne-apne tarike se , jaise apni-apni motor-cycles,cars per is aazadi ki khushi ko prakat karege.

hmmm :)

yeh navjawaan ,aaj phir desh bhakti ke geet sunker aaj khud ko josh se labaa-lab bhar dege ..magar .....................................................................................................................................

yeh josh bilkul us murgi ki tarah hoga joh kuch feet hawa mein uddhker baitth jaati hain.

pata nahi aisa kitne hi baar hua hain ki , koyi jawaan apne is desh ke liye kuch karne ko josh mein aa toh jata hain

per baar-baar ubaale gaye pani ki tarah bhaap bunker is josh hawa mein kayi kho deta hain .

aao , hum sabhi is aazadi ke pavitra awsar per yeh kasam khaaye ki ,hum desh ke liye kuch karne ko ,humme paida huye is jazbe ko kabhi bhi marne nahi dege

aur apne is jeevan mein apne is aazad desh ki neev jisey mazboot banane ke liye kitne hi logo ne apna khun bahaya hain ,usey kabhi ladhkhadae nahi dege.

itihaas gawah hain ,humare desh ko aazad karane ke liye najaane kitne hi log shaeed huye .yeh aazadi toh humney baahari mulk se haasil ki thi ,

per lagta hain ki hum aaj bhi dhire-dhire ghulaam bante jaa rahe hain aur woh bhi aur kisi se nahi , balki apne hi desh ke kuch logo se (ministers ).

yeh mutthi bhar log purey desh ke liye faisle lete hain .

yeh faisle sirf ek hi chiz soch ker lete ki ,unke is faisle se agle election mein unki kursi surakshit bach jaaye .

yaha hum sabh ko jaagne ki zaroorat hain .

aaj agar dekha jaye toh humarey desh ki aadhey se zyaada public joh vote deti hain ,woh ya toh anpadh hoti hain ya kharidi gayi hoti hain ya jaat-paath ,aarakshit (reservations) sahuliyat paanewali hoti hain .

aao hum sabh aaj ek aur kasam khaaye ki hum kum-se kum 2-5 aise log joh vote nahi daalne jaate unhe apne saath , sahi candidate ko vote dalwaane le jaye.

bus anth mein yeh kahuga agar aaj ka yeh din celebrate karna hai toh , bus

IS AAZADI KE LIYE CHUKAAYI GAYI KEEMAT KO JAANKER .

JAI-HIND

sonu:

Message to Indians Abroad on Independence Day

A message by my buddy, Sonu Arora, to all Indians abroad....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

is desh se bichdey huye dosto ,bhaiyo aur behano ...

agar aap ko yaad hoga toh aaj humara swantrata diwas ..oops ..independence day

aaj yeh bharat mata aapse kuch kehna chahti hain..

'' yeh jhokha ,hawa ka desh se tere

aaj ik sandesh laaya hain

kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah,

chal...maa ne tujhe bulaya hain.

1. manaa rahi hain aazadi ka jashn ,.

maa pyar se tere aaj bhi,

apne parivaar se bichddhey bachho ka

is maa ko intezaar hain aaj bhi ,

bhul naa jaana bete tujhko,

isi maa ne dhudh pilaya hain

kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah

chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain

2.

dekh ke tere maa ki kamzori,

hustey hain padosi sabhi,

kehte hain , rahega sadha andhera yaha

roshni yaha ki kyuki, kahi aur hain jal rahi

umeed hain aaj bhi is maa ki aakho mein

jisey tumne rulaaya hain

kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah

chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain

3.

socha tuney kabhi yeh ki

sabh hain phir bhi mann udaas kyu hain ?

samander mein tair raha hain

per phir bhi ajeeb si aisi pyas kyu hain ?

pooch bete khud se yeh ,kyuki

aise sawalo ne aksar ,soya zameer jagaaya hain

kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah

chal ..maa ne tujhe bulaya hain

'' yeh jhokha ,hawa ka desh se tere

aaj ik sandesh laaya hain

kabh se dekh rahi hain teri raah,

chal...maa ne tujhe bulaya hain.

tujhe bulaya hain...

tujhe bulaya hain

JAI HIND

18 Hours with a Gandhian

On 11 August we the team of IofC-Bangalore visited Fireflies. I reached pretty late, so I missed the introduction part. At the dinner time, our friend Aswini informed the presence of an Old Man, as Gandhian from Wardha. Somehow, as soon I heard those words Wardha, I got up and went to meet him and joined him on table where he was having dinner. I guess that’s when the KT –Knowledge Transfer started. Here our some of the excerpts:

Thakurdas Bang, a Gandhian, had joined Mahatma Gandhi when he was 25 years old. From the time of Quit India movement, assassination of Mahatma, and Jai Prakash Narayan Movement against the emergency has been some of his milestones in path of practising Gandhian way of life. Both sons of Thakurdas, Abhay Bang and Ashok Bang run NGOs in Wardha and have received International acclaim.

Bhagat Singh-

Gandhi personally wrote 4 letters to Lord Irwin seeking release of Bhagat Singh, one of the letters replied by Irwin was addressed to Gandhi as “Dear Barrister Mohandas”, in which he reiterated that Bhagat Singh has expressed in court that he was no regretting for his act of violence, which on based of moral code can be forgiven but not on Legal code. To which Gandhi discussed on impacts of sentence on future generation. All three; Gandhi, Bhagat singh and Irwin, were right on their sides.

Jawarhalal Nehru chosen as PM-

It was not that Gandhi had handpicked Nehru as PM, it was more that he was the undisputed popular Leader amongst the masses and youth specially, as well was a face of India to outer world to whom India was much unknown. For successful democracy most popular leader is to be chosen.

Partition-

Gandhi always stood with will that partition of India can happen only over his dead body. He explained that he would practise Satyagraha and fasting until death. In Congress Party Meeting, Gandhi was invited along with all senior leaders of Congress to discuss proposed partition of India. Nehru and Sardar Patel presented before them that they have given their word as consent towards Partition of India. To which Gandhi in shock asked them, as to why he wasn’t informed before this. Nehru mentioned that Gandhi was in Calcutta, and it was not possible to contact him. To which Gandhi in disturbed manner asked that in 1947, how was he not able to contact him, he could have used a messenger or anything of such crucial nature to be discussed. To which he was replied that it was assumed that Gandhi’ stand would anyways be against the Partition of India. To which Gandhi, thought in silence and said that “Mein Kuch tho rasta nikalunga” (I will find some way out). He gazed into the eyes of Nehru and in few seconds Nehru head was down in shame, and same was done to Sardar Patel and other members. In the Congress Working Committee Meeting when Gandhi asked who would join him against the Partition only 1 member supported him, that was Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan. All other seniors including Nehru and Patel were in favour of the partition. Jai Prakash Narayan along with many abstained from taking any sides. This entire details of this meeting was narrated by JP Narayan to Thakurdas.

Reservation-

There has been a lot of atrocities against communities based on caste and tribes. Reservation was required post Independence, but its benefits have not yet been materialised. If reservation has to be there it must have time limits of next 5 to 10 years.

How did Youth buy the idea of non-violence versus violence? Was it just the charisma of Gandhi?

Non violence has been a concept far before Gandhi came. Yes, Gandhi did have charisma, but it was not accepted just because of that. Because, many decades later, JP Narayan started a similar movement across the nation when millions of Indians protested in peaceful manner against the imposition of Emergency. Weapons were banned by the British to be available among the masses. Since it was difficult to procure arms, Non Violence as a concept to many seemed difficult but a way of achieving freedom. Non Violence shows not cowardice but courage.

Failure of Gandhism as mass movement Post Assassination-was it a failure of Institution building?
Who is follower of Gandhi, his sons, me, you, followers? What is Gandhi, if I drink Pepsi can I be a follower of Gandhi.

Doesn’t anti-Globalisation conflict with concept of Vasudev Kutumbak-
Do we need products from distant places? Should we consume products of what is available near us? Where I as a consumer can go and see the quality of production, how he does it. Why do we buy goods from far? Just to reduce costs isn’t, because scales of production are cheaper in far distant lands. The concept of Swadeshi, and how it relates to the self sustaining economies. Why buy from distant place where there is control by consumer, where he is not witness to the production or creation of a product.

Godse-
There were 7 attempts to kill Gandhi, Godse was arrested at Wardha before, and on Gandhi’s consent he was pardoned. Thakurdas was in Wardha Ashram when this event happened. Infact the Home Ministry was informed by senior person from ICS, that a possible assassination bid was being attempted and planned by some senior people in Hindu Maha Sabha.

Farmer suicides-
Thakurdas asked us, why did Farmer Suicides increase Post Independence? To which some said that it, in those there might information deprivation, now we have access to rural parts of India. To which he talked of modern methods of cultivation which are actually degrading soil and environment, drinking water, long run losses. He reiterated that Farmers are losing methods of organic farming, towards short term benefits of in-organic farming.

Direct Retail Sourcing from Farmers-
Thakurdas mentioned that the entire ecosystem will be abused further. They will be dictated which crops to grow, and with large scale, organizational farming, many will become unemployed. Even the middle layer of present abusers will be unemployed. To which the Youth asked as the middle layer is much worse than direct retail sourcing. To which Thakurdas replied that, today we are less sensitive to fellow humans. We don’t have feelings and compassion for other humans. If these middlemen have compassion they wouldn’t have abused the farmers.

Bitasta Das, one of the young visitors said- “It was a rare occasion for me to meet a person of this stature like Sri Thakurdas Bang. After talking to him one could indeed sense the power of simplicity. I managed to catch him for a while to talk about my interest area- the North East India. On being asked about the integration of the North Eastern states during the freedom struggle, he was of the opinion that the leaders from Assam were ardent Gandhian. In fact the first CM of independent Assam Sri Gopinath Bordoloi had very close contact with Gandhiji. The new blood of Assam showed some spark to topple the negligence from the centre but they eventually got corrupted and things are back to square one. He reaffirmed that Jay Prakash Narayan was a popular and a very influential person in the North Eastern states. The unification of these states with mainland India has been mostly due to his efforts.”

It was memorable day for all us, so much of high energy discussions. Thakurdas offered meeting us at 6.30 am, he was infact ready to meet us at 4 am, but since many of the youngsters were burnt out, we met 6.30 am, he was present at the meeting place well before that, just like Gandhian should be.

The questions he asked us, made me introspect how I have been using my youth. When I discussed with him some of my inhibitions, his personal advice and guidance was really thought provoking, and made me feel grateful towards destiny, for creating an opportunity to meet such soft spoken Gandhian, for so much time, for so much inspiration, for so much knowledge

A Gandhian, whom I shall always hold close to my memories.

Jai Hind.

Navendu

Ramon Magsaysay award for P.Sainath

I met P Sainath, in 2003, the stories and conversations with him, I will remember for the rest of my life. His Book Everybody loves a Good Drought, has completely shaken my version of India and its development. P Sainath has been a great inspiration and I recommend everyone to read his books and articles.

P.Sainath, Rural Affairs Editor of The Hindu and the Mumbai Chief of Bureau is among the seven awardees of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for the year 2007.

In a citation, released on Tuesday afternoon, the Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation recognised Mr.Sainath for his "passionate commitment as a journalist to restore the rural poor to India's consciousness, moving the nation to action." He joined The Hindu in June 2004 and wrote extensively on the agrarian crisis.

"This award is as much The Hindu's as it is mine," Mr.Sainath said, after the announcement came from Manila. "The freedom and flexibility allowed me (by The Hindu) to plan as I wished or react very spontaneously to a new idea or development."

Profile and comments by Sainath on the Award Foundation website.

"In the early twentieth century, the press was at the heart of India's freedom struggle. During those formative years, says Indian reporter Palagummi Sainath, journalism contributed to "the liberation of the human being." In contrast, he says, India's press today merely performs "stenography" for big business and the governing elite. As the economy surges, matters that call for the urgent attention of the public and government are ignored in favor of film starlets and beauty queens, the stock market, and India's famed IT boom. Sainath has taken a different path. Believing that "journalism is for people, not for shareholders," he has doggedly covered the lives of those who have been left behind.

Born in Chennai in 1957, Sainath completed a master's degree in history before turning to a life of journalism. At Blitz, a Mumbai tabloid, he rose to be deputy chief editor and became a popular columnist. In 1993, he changed course.

For the next few years, under a Fellowship from the Times of India, Sainath painstakingly investigated life in India's ten poorest districts. In Everybody Loves a Good Drought, his bestselling book of 1997, and in hundreds of subsequent articles, Sainath presented his readers with a world that belied the giddy accounts of India's economic miracle. In this India, the harsh life of the rural poor was, in fact, growing harsher.

Sainath discovered that the acute misery of India's poorest districts was not caused by drought, as the government said. It was rooted in India's enduring structural inequalities - in poverty, illiteracy, and caste discrimination-and exacerbated by recent economic reforms favoring foreign investment and privatization. Indeed, these sweeping changes combined with endemic corruption had led small farmers and landless laborers into ever more crippling debt-with devastating consequences.

Sainath provided the evidence. He reported, for example, that the number of migrant-swollen buses leaving a single poor district for Mumbai each week had increased from one to thirty-four in less than ten years. He exposed the shocking rise in suicides among India's debt-pressed farmers, revealing that in just six hard-hit districts in 2006 alone, the number of suicides had soared to well over a thousand. He revealed that at a time when officials boasted of a national grain surplus, 250 million Indians were suffering from endemic hunger, and that in districts where government storehouses were "stacked to the roof with food grain," tribal children were starving to death.

Sainath's authoritative reporting led Indian authorities to address certain discrete abuses and to enhance relief efforts in states such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. But his deeper message also struck home. In 2000, nearly thirty of his articles were submitted as evidence at a national hearing on anti-dalit atrocities. In such ways, he has touched the conscience of the nation.

India's press today, Sainath says, is "creating audiences that have no interest in other human beings." He is training a new breed of rural reporters with a different point of view. His journalism workshops occur directly in the villages, where he teaches young them to identify and write good stories and to be agents of change.

Sainath finds hope in these young reporters and in the resilience and courage of the people he writes about - such as the legions of poor rural women in Tamil Nadu who have overcome taboos and learned to ride a bicycle. To advance freedom, even small freedoms such as this, is the most significant legacy of the early giants of Indian journalism to today's reporters, he says. "I'm not ready to give up on my legacy yet."

In electing Palagummi Sainath to receive the 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts, the board of trustees recognizes his passionate commitment as a journalist to restore the rural poor to India's consciousness, moving the nation to action.

AP reports from Manila: A Filipino nationalist at the forefront of struggle for democracy during and after Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship, and a South Korean minister who dedicated his life to curing blindness are among the winners of the 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Jovito R. Salonga, 87, won the award for government service for tirelessly fighting for the rule of law, honest and competent government and showing compassion for the poor - democratic and social ideals that were not always easy to find in the Philippines under Marcos.

A law graduate and senator, he was crippled by a bomb blast at a political rally in 1971, a year before Marcos declared martial law. He fought Marcos' iron-fisted rule by defending the president's opponents and working for the release of political prisoners. He was briefly jailed in 1980 and spent four years in U.S. exile.

He returned a year before Marcos was ousted in the ''people power'' revolt and put his personal ambitions aside to back Corazon Aquino, the pro-democracy icon who succeeded Marcos.

Salonga initiated the government's efforts to recover Marcos' ill-gotten wealth. In 1991, as the Senate president, he clinched his nationalist credentials by leading fellow senators in voting to close down U.S. military bases in the Philippines.

''His rare moral authority stems from a simple fact: he practices what he preaches,'' the organizers said.

The Rev. Kim Sun-tae, 66, from South Korea, is being honored for public service for devoting himself to a hospital dedicated to treating and curing blindness. During the Korean War, Kim was blinded by a mortar shell, but soon learned to read Korean Braille and to type. The Korean Presbyterian Church named Kim director of Blind Evangelical Missions.

In 1986, with support from Korean businesses, he led in founding Siloam Eye Hospital, where sight-restoring surgery and modern facilities are available to the needy at no cost. In 1997, Kim opened Korea's largest rehabilitation and learning center to help blind people cope with daily life.

More than 20,000 people have received free eye surgery, and 200,000 more have been treated at the hospital.

Other winners include Mahabir Pun of Nepal, who received the community leadership award for his innovative application of wireless computer technology that brought progress to remote mountain areas. Tang Xiyang from China received the peace and international understanding award for guiding his country to meet its mounting environmental crisis.

Chung To and Chen Guangcheng of China won the emergent leadership awards. Chung's AIDS Orphans Project provides children who have an AIDS-infected parent with school fees.

Chen, blinded by a fever as a child, became a ''barefoot lawyer'' helping farmers with grievances to file court cases, leading protests against a river-polluting paper factory and documenting abuses. He and his friends were beaten, Chen was held for months under house arrest and in a closed-door trial was sentenced to four years in prison for disturbing public order. He is still serving the sentence. The awards will be presented Aug. 31 in Manila.

The Agents Of Change

A Close pal of mine, Abhishek Thakore has published this article.
I feel its a good "IofC for Dummies"

Source: http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/Spiritual-travel/Life-MRA.asp

Nestled in the hills of Panchgani, Maharashtra, stands Asia Plateau, the international centre of the worldwide movement called Initiatives of Change, formerly Moral Rearmament Army. Here, participants are encouraged to introspect and
first change themselves and then aim at global transformation

“Make God your guru, Let him tell you what to do, Listen, he’s calling clear and true... Take time to listen Take courage to obey, inner voice is calling,calling you...”

These lines catch the essence of an increasingly popular movement of change makers—the Initiatives of Change (formerly known as Moral Re-armament Army, or MRA). This is an international network of people working for reconciliation, justice and the healing of history. Or more simply, it’s a group of people motivated to bring a change within society, starting with themselves.

The Beginning
The Moral Rearmament Movement was started by Frank Buchman of Philadelphia, USA, to counter society’s moral decline in the wake of World War II. Its philosophy is influenced by Buchman’s personal story of change. As an employee of an orphanage, he was embittered by the refusal of its six trustees to grant it a more generous fund.

Eventually, he resigned and moved to the UK. There while sitting in a church he realised that the bitterness was holding him back. He immediately wrote letters of apology to the six trustees and healed his hurt.

Says R.D. Mathur, a founder trustee who has dedicated his life to MRA for over 50 years: “MRA aims at global transformation, beginning with the individual. We aim to re-arm people, not with weapons but with values.”

The cornerstone of the philosophy is fourfold: Absolute Purity, Absolute Honesty, Absolute Unselfishness and Absolute Love. It challenges men to live their lives daily by these standards.

In Buchman’s own words: “These standards are like the pole-star. No ship has ever reached the pole-star, and yet, over centuries, countless sailors have set their course with the guidance of the star. These values are ABSOLUTE. They might not be reachable in completion, but the individual has to keep striving for them.”

MRA in India
The international conference and training centre of this movement is Asia Plateau, nestled in the hills of Panchgani in Maharashtra. What in 1964 was a barren piece of land with a single silver oak tree, is today a verdant 64-acre centre of reconciliation, dialogue and introspection, supported and frequented by people from all over the world. From industrialists to social workers, from senior citizens to youth, Asia Plateau attracts all those striving for personal change.

On October 2, 1963, a group of 70 people from different parts of the country, led by Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and famous scholar-statesman C. Rajagopalachari, marched across the nation advocating a clean, strong and united India. They covered 4,500 miles over 40 days. This was the genesis of the MRA in India. The formation of Asia Plateau followed soon after.

Born with a bang, MRA was among the mainstream activist movements in India, with numerous youth volunteering to join in and work without any pay or stipend. Things changed later. “With the advent of the 1980s and the ’90s there was a wave of materialism—people had rising aspirations, and they began to move on to other jobs that would pay better and give them those comforts,” says Nabnita, a dedicated volunteer who s still with them.

After the slowdown, the organisation today shows signs of growth once again. Slowly, more and more people are coming in contact with its ideologies. The change of name was also a brave step for the organisation.

Looking Inwards
Asia Plateau provides a near perfect environment for a sincere seeker to introspect and look within. The ideology encourages honest self-observation of the wrongs that one would like to see eliminated from society but that are present in one’s own actions, attitudes and relationships.

The centre helps sensitise an individual to his/her own awakened sense of conscience through the practice of quiet time. This practice helps flush out the toxic stress of daily life, and aids in clear thinking, offering time and space to evolve. It also encourages the habit of listening, vital for a meaningful dialogue. The experience has empowered many to change their own lives.

Chantharasy, former Ambassador of Laos in New Delhi, has often been at Asia Plateau with his family. His is an area which has suffered much. He says: “There will not be lasting peace unless there is peace in the hearts of the people. I look to Asia Plateau to do something for the nations of Indochina. Honesty in families is the key to honesty in international affairs.”

Om Prakash Bagaria, a businessman, had a manufacturing company in Assam. After exposure to the MRA, his attitude to the trade union leader in his factory changed. As a result, an eight-year-old dispute was settled in three days and a workers’ housing scheme was started within a month.

Gajanan Sawant, a textile worker from Mumbai, was similarly inspired to de-silt the neglected community well in his area. Later, he and his neighbours started a school for the children.

A trade union leader for 28 years, Satya Banerjee has attended conferences here with his wife. Banerjee’s conviction is: “As I am responsible for my union, so I am responsible for my industry and my nation.” All the 3,000 workers in his union, including himself, lost their jobs when their private railway company was closed down. Due to his initiative and persistence all were relocated in the Indian Railways across the country. Banerjee was the last to find a job.

Former British minister for economic and social affairs at the UN, A.R.K. Mackenzie, does a summing up: “It was interesting to note at the concluding session of the Panchgani Dialogue that 34 people spoke in 90 minutes, each one announcing something they are going to do, a conclusion in vivid contrast to many UN sessions where it would be common to find one delegate speaking for 90 minutes on how 34 other countries ought to act!”

Asia Plateau has a plethora of programmes under the Effective Living and Leadership (ELL) series. An introduction to its ideology can be had at the Open House, a one-and-a-half day programme held regularly. Apart from a basic introduction to the philosophy of Initiatives for Change, the programme has some interesting sessions geared towards giving participants a feel of the place. This is done through open space forums, group discussions, songs, and talks.

A remarkable programme conducted here is the nine-month Action for Life (AFL), where a group of 34 people between the age groups of 19 and 72 and from different countries, travel around the world. This helps cultivate the ‘world is my family’ concept among youth. It is meant to be a learning experience, where a journey through communities leads to an inward journey.

A national youth conference called Let’s Make a Difference is also held for youngsters in the16-25 age group from all over India. Viral Majumdar, its organiser, says: “The values of MRA have brought about a personal transformation in my life. I patched up with a friend after not talking to him for years. Today, I live life everyday by the values of MRA.” Fondly known as Viral Bhai, he is a friend to every participant in the conference.

Asia Plateau can comfortably accommodate over 200 participants. The 64 acres contain a farm and gardens, cottages, a clinic and a post office. A 400-seat theatre facilitates world-class presentations. The dining hall provides tasty food in an ambience that makes meal times fun and meaningful.

Managed by a paid staff of less than 40, Asia Plateau’s spick and span condition compares to the best of hotels. The participants themselves wash, cook, serve and bond over these tasks, deriving a feeling of team spirit.

The thickly wooded centre houses over 85 different species of birds. A large part of the forest consists of trees that are a key source of ayurvedic medicine. Rainwater harvesting provides drinking water around the year, and domestic waste is recycled and used for compost and vermiculture. Hot water is provided by solar water heating, and farm water is pumped by a windmill. The centre is a living example of how a modern and complex structure can be sustainable and eco-friendly.

There are no overt religious symbols at Asia Plateau. It encourages individuals to live according to their highest secular and religious values. It has no membership, no subscription and minimal formal organisational structure. There is a role for everybody, everywhere. To quote a former International Monetary Fund director: “This is an extraordinary place. In the last five days I spent here, I have not figured out who the boss is!”