Madras Cafe Unlocked 2020: Online Panel Discussion: Struggles for Rights and Justice in India

In this panel discussion we hear directly from Rajagopal and Ramesh about their work towards building community-based governance (Gram Swaraj), local self-reliance (Gram Swawlamban) and responsible government (Jawabdeh Sarkar). Their aim is to see India’s poorest people gain control over livelihood resources, especially land, water and forest.

They will also talk about their current campaign, Jai Jagat 2020. Jai Jagat’s success depends on:

• Eradicating Poverty – Everyone’s basic human needs are met. Removing Social Discrimination – Respect for human rights so there is no destructive discrimination on the basis of race, caste, gender, religion and ethnicity.
• Reversing Ecological Destruction and the Climate Crisis – This requires radical changes in production and consumption patterns.
• Ending Conflict – Conflict has caused so much destruction of human lives and potential and the only way to end it is by generating a collective commitment to build a nonviolent society.

How can we progress these essential changes in India today?Please join representatives of Ekta Parishad for this vital discussion.

About Ekta Parishad

Ekta Parishad is a mass-based peoples’ movement with an active membership of 250,000 landless poor and is regarded as one of the biggest people’s movement in India with an iconic status globally. Since inception (1989) as a Gandhian organization – Ekta Parishad is constantly promoting nonviolence as a way for the struggle, dialogue, and constructive actions towards building a peaceful and just society. Founded by Rajagopal PV as well known Gandhian and other grassroots activists – today Ekta Parishad is actively working in 12000 villages across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Ekta Parishad is known for several milestone successes including securing land rights to nearly 500,000 families, creating grassroots leadership of more than 10,000 people, protecting forest and water bodies, and framing several laws and policies related to the land reforms in India.

If you are enjoying our online events and would like to support our Partners in India, you can donate to Madras Cafe Unlocked.

About Madras Café Unlocked

As a result of COVID-19, WOMAD festival 2020 has been cancelled which has a huge impact on Madras Café and AVI. This is normally a key fundraising event and opportunity to raise awareness about AVI’s solidarity with rural communities across India. Our re-imagined event, Madras Café Unlocked brings you a summer of online content in support of Action Village India and partners. We launch our five ‘stages’: Madras Café Family, Madras Boombox, Food for Thought, Partnerships & Solidarity and our Exhibition: Food for Justice and Peace on the 24th, 25th & 26th of July and events will run throughout the summer up to 26th September, when we conclude with an International meal in support of Jai Jagat 2020.

Please visit our website www.madrascafeunlocked.co.uk for more information.