Only we can make the difference

As the violence in Iraq boils over again, one remembers the one million that had marched the streets in over 575 cities of 66 countries agai...

As the violence in Iraq boils over again, one remembers the one million that had marched the streets in over 575 cities of 66 countries against the Iraq war last month — a year after the invasion. They were protesting the Iraqi occupation. Activists of all hues, ordinary citizens and several politicians — in Japan, Australia, Spain and Italy — demanded their nations withdraw their troops from Iraq. In London, two demonstrators even climbed Big Ben to unfurl a banner that said, “Time for Truth”.

But while such news was easily available on the net, and in the print media in the UK, US and Europe it became the top stories, the front pages of Indian national dailies were strangely silent on this groundswell for peace. Why is it that the voices of peace – and for social justice – appear to be disappearing from the Indian media?

Some recent facts first. Since the year 2001, world opinion against war and violence and for peace has been growing impressively. Also, a convergence of issues and debates at the regional and worldwide level has been coming to a head. Equally true is the fact that the World Social Forum (WSF) has played an important role in facilitating the strength of this voice. To those familiar with the WSF process, it is clear that this open space is bringing people together despite the barriers of culture, language, race, and their place on the human development index. Through a respect for diversity of thought and action, it has attracted activists and concerned citizens from a broad spectrum of political persuasions. At the same time, it is challenging the established ideologies that have emerged in the 20th century, to renew and transform people for action in the current global context. However, the rising power of world opinion against war and violence — within which the energies and voices of women are the strongest — is beginning to be perceived as a threat. In the US for instance, the Bush administration is reportedly bringing in the FBI for close surveillance of the peace movements in the country. India presents a study in contrast. The lack of media interest in the many serious issues emerging from this process is a disappointing sign.

Where could we possibly go from here? For one, it is amply clear that the groundswell for peace and social justice will only grow over the next decade. Activists could also take heart through the words of an Indian who is also a member of the International Council of WSF. “Many of us,” he says, “had the feeling of being on the margins of social change movements for years. After WSF we’re now at the frontiers of social change.” Given voices like this, it is indeed disappointing that the media, which could have made a crucial difference, remains indifferent to this challenge.

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