The
current split between Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal indicates many
aspects of the Civil Societies in our country. When there is need for
millions of Civil Society activists to think and act in unison, the
unfortunate division will make an impact on badly needed process of
socio-economic and political changes. I think this division could have
been avoided by skillful dialogue and positive engagement.
I
have been greatly inspired by Anna's work - Watershed Dev, School for
drop -outs, Social Mobilisation in Ralegaon Siddhi etc. I have also
interacted with Arvind and his spirit of fighting a cause - Right to
Information, Governance, India Against Corruption etc. As I have
understood them, they were co-travelers for a while and parted ways
after covering a distance far from reaching the GOAL.
We
activists have always a false sense of understanding that we can change
the world by our kind of mediation, by our kind of methods. Lets look at
the issue whether the activists can get involved in party politics. I
am afraid we can not. Our role is to impart political literacy but not
to fight an election. Our role is to take side with the struggling
people but not to become their leaders. And the true definition of
leadership is always clear. Our role is to create alternative political
leadership so that people fight their own battles.
I have the
sincere wish that all activists of different hue and colour come
together for a real transformation of our society, economy and politics.
This is what Albert Camus has passionately advocated while fighting the
Nazis - EFFORT OF EACH ONE OF US AND UNION OF ALL.
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