"Avatar" the movie which is becoming a phenomenon breaking all records and raking in moolhas for James Cameroon and Co.The story about the battle between the humans encroaching a mineral rich planet against the wishes of the nature worshipping indigenious tribe "naavi".Ultimately the the hero JAke Sully with the help of the legendary Turak Maktao unites all tribes and succeeds in driving away the humans.We all feel happy for the Naavi as the movie ends.
But what about the real Avatar story thats happening in our own backyard.I happened to read an article about the struggle waged by the people of Dongria Kondh Tribe people numbering around 8000 against the mining giant Vedanta and its subsidiary Sterlite which is threatening to swallow their sacred mountain in the Niyamgiri Hills which they worship as their deity.
In all ways they are deeply connected to their deity mountain.And the thing to be ashamed about is that a british director ,actress and their team have made a film on this called "Survival" to highlight their struggle.Pity that our indian movie Heroes are either ill informed or dont see any point supporting this kind of movement.
I had already written a post long time back in the same blog about how the indigeneous tribals of Andaman & Nicobar Islands living in harmony with forest were driven out by encroachers from mainland for Timber.
My friend and me also were having a discussion about this when he is asked me if i am proud to be an Indian about the very same incident of Orissa.I said i am proud but sad about whats happening currently.
Its my belief that even a countrys top echelon does not have the right to encroach anybodys space even its for a welfare project.If they are willing to donate their land for the cause it is ok,else an alternative route has to be found.
We may foolishy think that we are civilised,advanced as against the primitives.But the truth is that the idea of saving the nature has only dawned upon the so called civilised community after a huge hue and cry about global warming.Whilst they have been demonstrating this for a long time.
I wish the Dongria Kondhs did have a hero arrive to their place in a Turak Maktao,the god did hear them and helps them win their just war.
4 comments:
Quite a thought provoking post Vijay.
You've done a great job by highlighting the concerns of the isloted tribe.
Technological progress comes at the cost of environment. Harm to nature is inevitable if are to progress.
But growth should be inclusive and ecology must be preserved too. For this the correct balance has to be struck.
Thanx shashank.But Inclusiveness is practiced very rarely thats the point of trouble.
hi.. interesting post..
it's good that u're doing your bit to riase awareness about this issue..
@Manasa-Thanks for stopping by.
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