Sep 29, 2007
Last week, I saw an excellent presentation in 'LokSabha' channel (yes, we have once such TV Channel !). I would rate the presentation as one amongst the best that I have ever come across.
It was given by P. Sainath, Rural Affairs Editor of The Hindu. (He got the Magsaysay award this year). And the audience were all MPs, which included Rahul Gandhi, Mani Shankar Iyer and a lot of famous personalities. Everyone was listening with rapt attention. (It seems regular such seminars are being arranged for the sake of improving MPs knowledge on various affairs).
P. Sainath spoke about the problems being faced by our (smaller) farmers and the reasons for the recent spate of suicides. It was a powerful presentation, presented with authority and with a lot of authenticated details. Sainath not only discussed the reasons for such a pathetic situation of our farmers but also did give various possible solutions for the problem.
A few questions raised by him really did made me to think. Banks are ready to lend you money in lakhs to help you buy a BMW car - but not even in thousands to farmers !! If repayment is what the Banks fear for, Sainath went on to quote the loan amount written off by Govt banks to big establishments. The biggest defaulters are rich people and not farmers. The huge money that the Govt has written off so far is for the filthy rich Industrial establishments and not for farmers.
I was impressed by his presentation and the manner in which our MPs were listening. Sainath was the only person who spoke - and everyone else were listening (another surprise, if you have ever witnessed our assembly sessions). If atleast one of them, just one of the huge audience, understands what was told and do go on to do something to stem the tide, it would be wonderful. Even if its going to be just the tip of the iceberg that would reach the farmers - it is ok. Something is better than nothing. It was really pathetic to hear the sufferings of the farmers - it is in far far worse state than we all imagine it to be.
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