Jalpaiguri Free Binayak Film Shows

From: prabir chatterjee

On 15th June around 32 people attended a six hour long series of films on topics that Binayak is involved with (around 15 to 20 together at a any given time). The films were from INSAF and from a friend. There was a short NDTV clip of his arrest as well as the film “Development Flows” by Biju Toppo and Meghnath.

Binayak is seen in this film examining the X-ray of a villager displaced by a development project in Chattisgarh. The film had won a prize for Environmental Films in India about two years ago. Have seen it many times, but not registered the fact that he was shown.

A film on Rational drugs (In the Name of Medicine with many of the older AIDAN and MFC members) and “Kora Rajee” on the crisis in tea gardens (relevant in Jalpaiguri and related to malnutrition and illness) were also shown as well that refers to migration of tribals (Garee Lohardaga Mail, which is about a small train that was phased out).

Two of Shankar Guha Neogy’s cousins were present and the audience was much enthused by the fact that Binayak had worked with Neogy, who was brought up in Jalpaiguri town.

Dr Punya Gun, who has worked in Shaheed Hospital starting when Binayak was there, spoke to the audience. He felt the need for more involvement of the common people of Chattisgarh in the movement to release Binayak. Sharmistha Ray, a dental surgeon, who works at Shramajibi (Workers’) Hospital also spoke- on the causes of poverty, of malnutrition and the crisis we face.

Posters on Binayak and on the less well known Lachit Bordoloi (who was mediating for the government in Assam before he was arrested) were distributed. Also Bengali leaflets on Binayak and Hindi and English posters.

Two days later I saw one of the APDR (Association for Protection of Democratic Rights) posters on Binayak in front of the bank in Alipurduar town (over 70km away).

Have also heard from APDR Siliguri that IMA (Indian Medical Association) Siliguri has passed a resolution calling for Binayak’s release. Am trying to get this confirmed.

Another film Iron Is Hot (on the pollution caused by sponge iron factories) is going to be shown on 25th June at the PUCL convention in Raipur. As you all know Sandeep Pandey (Magsaysay Award winner) and others are on fast for Binayak’s release in Raipur since 16th June.

Prabir Chattergee

Share It:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati

Related posts

June 22, 2008 | Filed Under Film Festival 

Comments

Leave a Reply