Raipur satyagraha
Mukti Utsav Raipur: Demanding the release of Dr. Binayak Sen and in support of democratic rights in Chhattisgarh
Freedom Festival (Mukti Utsav)
Raypur Satyagraha May 13th Cultural Event
Sahu Bhavan, Bairan Bazaar, Raipur
To mark two years of unjust incarceration of Dr. Binayak Sen, hundreds of artists, poets, activists, writers, workers and ordinary people from across India gathered for an evening of cultural resistance at 6.30 pm and demanded immediate release of Dr. Sen.
The artists condemned the repression of peaceful democratic dissent by the Chhattisgarh government. The performances reflected the power of people’s resistance and encouraged the people to resist with greater determination. It was a vibrant evening with high energy, hope and celebration of people’s struggles against oppressive state.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ilina Sen asked provocatively: what is a nation? who is the nation? Does it include its people and people’s aspirations? If it does, then how can Mr. Sen, a champion of people’s causes be arrested as being anti-national? She hoped for the speedy release of Dr. Sen and for the day when people of Chhatiisgarh could live in peace.
The messages of the various artists were very powerful and inspiring. The Qawwals led by Mubarak Ali from Bhopal inspired by Amir Khusro’s famous doha ‘the tilak has been snatched away ever since you have stolen my glance’ they sang “government who destroys us, we appeal to you don’t destroy our eyes, they long to see Binayak” Referring to Dr. Sen’s imprisonment they sang “since the time you left us, the city seems deserted”.
The Thurmil’s all-women pandvani group from Durg, who traditionally sing the Mahabharata sang “Chhattisgarh is asking, Give us our freedom, We don’t need Salwa Judum, We don’t need your bullets and sticks, We don’t need your enemy law, All we ask for is, Give us our freedom”
Bhuiayan ki Chirag, the cultural troupe of Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, Bhilai they sang “Every morning, we eat the leftovers of the previous night, but remember, I am the Chhattisgarh who tills the land, Chhattisgarh is Mine! Mine!”
The colourful Panthi Dancers of the Satnami Sect sang “For how long will you keep him (Dr. Sen) jailed, you made of mud and ashes”
Mr. Mir Ali Mir and Mr. Sham Bahadur Namri rendered their poetry on Mr. Binayak Sen, Bhopal Gas Tragedy and ecological destruction. Anjaam (about Mr. Sen) a film by Mr. Ajay TG and Gaon chodab nahin, a music video against displacement of adivasis by development projects by KP Sasi were screened.
People participating and organizing the program include: Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha represented by Lakhan Singh, People’s Union for Civil Liberties – Chhattisgarh represented by Rajendra Sail (President) and Vijendra (Joint Secreatary), Rupantar, Madhya Pradesh Mahila Manch, JNU Students Union-Delhi, students of the Centre for Islamic Studies, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, Drik Sakshi.
There was a large contingent from Karnataka including students of Indian Institute of Science, People’s Union for Civil Liberties – Karnataka, Alternative Law Forum, Karnataka Sex Workers Union, Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum, Sadhane, Samara and Suraksha.
The evening ended with the resolve to continue the struggle for democratic rights in Chhattisgarh and outside.
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Kavitha, Manohar, Siddharth, Shubha
GIVE BINAYAK SEN BAIL! OR ELSE GIVE US JAIL!
Statement issued on 4th May 2009, Raipur by Ms. Medha Patkar and other social activists on the occasion of the 8th week of the Satyagrah for the release of Dr. Binayak Sen
Satyagrah by Jagrit Adivasi Dalit Sangathan, Narmada Bachao Andolan, and National Alliance of People’s Movements
Photo from Raipur Satyagraha Week 8
The incarceration of Dr. Binayak Sen for the last 23 months is a shameful episode for those who consider India to be a democratic nation. By abusing rather then using the law, he has been arrested ostensibly as a ‘supporter of naxalites’ and his bail has been denied. Well known as a creative doctor, a progressive scientist, a human rights defender and a sensitive personality, Binayakji has been the victim of a political conspiracy only because of his social commitment and ideological clarity.
We, the supporters of People’s Movements from all over the country condemn the Chattisgarh government and administration for this immoral act. Without any concrete and legally admissible evidence, without proper judicial processes, to deny bail is to deny the right of life and liberty to such a senior activist. We perceive this as a violation of the rights of all of us and as an insult to our citizenship.
Photo From Raipur Satyagraha Week 8
‘Salwa Judum’ is no peace march. We the supporters of non-violent people’s movements believe that dealing with any violence and anyone’s violence with violence is not only illegal but also impossible. When the state itself uses violence openly, then it looses the moral authority to oppose its opponents – whether they be violent terrorists or people’s movements. So, to consider a person who was working on the basis of non violence and compassion, who was involved in alleviating these suffering of the adivasis of Bastar district, and who was the General Secretary of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties to be a supporter of violence is a distorted understanding, which the Chattisgarh government must correct at the earliest.
The deprivation of adivasis from their rights over water, land and forest; the transfer of natural resources to companies – to our mind, this is not development but rather in reality a destruction which is going to increase inequalities. In the name of ‘development’ in countless ways the lands of adivasis are being looted from us. They want to displace us from the lands of our ancestors, from our traditions ; they want to tie down our rivers, pollute them and divert all water towards themselves. It is a person like Binayakji who stood in solid support with us against these processes, whom the state today holds prisoner.
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Raipur Satyagraha 8th Week Update: 4 May 2009
Dear friends,
The eighth batch of over 200 protesters took part in the satyagraha for the release of jailed human rights and health activist Dr Binayak Sen, in Raipur today.
The programme began with protestors congregating at Budha Talab and holding a public meeting there.
The protestors marched through the streets of Raipur and later 185 of them courted arrest. The courting of arrest occurred after the satyagrahis were detained at Subhash Stadium by the Chhattisgarh authorities, following peaceful non-violent protest. They were all later released.
The satyagrahis who courted arrest included among others Medha Patkar of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and National Alliance of People’s Movements, Himanshu of the Vanvasi Chetna Ashram, Tukaram of the Jagrit Adivasi Dalit Sangathan, Noorjahan of the Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan and Lakhan of the CMM (Karyakartha Committee).
The next satyagraha will be held on 14 May, the second annivesary of Dr Sen’s arrest, when hundreds of people from around the country are expected to participate. A cultural evening of protest songs, plays and poetry is also planned for 13th May.
In solidarity,
Rakhi
Raipur Satyagraha 7th Week Marching
Update: April 27th, 2009
The Campaign for the release of Dr. Binayak Sen gained momentum today as 92 persons gathered from various parts of the country and different people’s groups courted arrest here in Raipur. As a part of the continuing satyagraha, the arrest came following a rally that began from “Boodha Talab”. The satyagrahis raised slogans and sang revolutionary songs, holding placards and banners as they marched towards Subhash Stadium. The slogans and songs continued there, even as the police carried out their legal procedures. The Magistrate soon announced the release of all Satyagrahis.
The Satyagrahis included members from Medico Friend Circle, like Manisha Gupte and Priya from Pune, Sarojini, Vandana Prasad, Indira Chakravarthy, Beenu, Anjali, Aastha, Susheela and Preeti from Delhi, Dr. Narendra Gupta from Rajasthan, Renu Khanna and S. Srinivasan from Baroda, Ravi Duggal, Satjot Kaur and Lubna from Nagpur, Manish from Assam and Lakshmi and Jeny from Chennai. Mr. Ashok Khandelwal from Delhi was also present.
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Video:Raipur Satyagraha : 13th April 09
Raipur Satyagraha 6th Week Update, 20 April 09
Update From Rakhi
The sixth batch of 60 protesters took part in the satyagraha for the release of jailed human rights and health activist Dr Binayak Sen, in Raipur today.
The programme began with protestors congregating at Budha Talab and holding a public meeting there.
60 protestors marched through the streets of Raipur and later courted arrest. The courting of arrest occurred after the satyagrahis were detained at Subhash Stadium by the Chhattisgarh authorities, following peaceful non-violent protest. They were all later released.
The satyagrahis who courted arrest included among others:
- 50 workers from Chattisgarh Mukti Morcha (Mazdoor Karyakarta Committee)
- Manohar Kothekar (Jt. Secretary, NTUI)
- Devjit Nandy + 4 activists of NFFPFW (Bilaspur)
- Arvind Ghosh (Activist from Nagpur)
- Sharad Dudhat (Renowned Trade Union leader from Nagpur)
- Aparna Pallavi (Journalist based in Nagpur)
- Shashank Kela (Researcher based in Nagpur)
Detailed updates and photos will follow from participants later.
Raipur Satyagraha 5th Week Marching!!
Raipur Satyagraha : 5th week Update: 13 April 2009
Update from Rakhi
The fifth batch of 99 protesters took part in the satyagraha for the release of jailed human rights and health activist Dr Binayak Sen, in Raipur today.
The programme began with protestors congregating at Budha Talab and holding a public meeting there.
99 protestors marched through the streets of Raipur and later courted arrest.
The courting of arrest occurred after the satyagrahis were detained at Subhash Stadium by the Chhattisgarh authorities, following peaceful non-violent protest. They were all later released.
The satyagrahis who courted arrest included among others:
- N. Vasudevan (Secretary, NTUI)
- Manohar Kothekar (Jt. Secretary, NTUI)
- 5 Activists from Trade Union Solidarity Committee Mumbai
- Workers from Pragatisheel Cement Shramik Sangh, Chattisgarh (associated with CMM-Mazdoor Karyakarta Committee)
- Workers from Jan Adharit Engg Mazdoor Union, Chattisgarh (associated with CMM-Mazdoor Karyakarta Committee)
- Workers from Mehnatkash Aavas Adhikar Sangathan, Chattisgarh (associated with CMM-Mazdoor Karyakarta Committee)
- Satya Sivaraman from Delhi (binayaksen.net)and Madhumita Dutta from Chennai (Corporate Accountability Desk).
We thank Shahana from Delhi for sending protest costumes to be used in the Raipur Satyagraha.
Detailed updates and photos will follow from participants later today.
This World Health Day, doctors to press for Binayak Sen’s release
Express News Service
Posted: Apr 07, 2009 at 0214 hrs IST
Pune : Activists from Pune were arrested while conducting a peaceful ‘Satyagraha’ to demand the release of Dr. Binayak Sen. A day before the World Health Day on April 7, doctors, health activists,food rights activists and social activists from various parts of the country converged in Raipur on Monday to join the Satyagraha with the demand — ‘Allow the people’s doctor to work for people’s health – Release Dr. Binayak Sen’.
Among the 102 health activists were city-based Dr Abhay Shukla, National Joint Convenor of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, Dr Suhas Kolhekar from Anna Adhikar Abhiyan, and Milind Chavan from Jan Arogya Abhiyan. Sen was arrested on May 14, 2007. He was in the forefront to oppose Salwa Judum. According to a statement issued here, prior to his arrest Sen was dealing with challenging public health problems in Chhattisgarh.
Meanwhile, the Jan Arogya Abhiyaan, a body working for people’s health will release a ‘people’s health manifesto’ on the World Health Day. Dr Anand Grover, UN special rapporteur on the right to health, will be present at the function, says Dr Anant Phadke of the Abhiyaan that believes health issues must be a priority and part of political parties’ agenda.
This year the theme of World Health Day is ‘Save lives, make hospitals safe in emergencies’. The state health department and district officials have planned to celebrate World Health Day on April 8 as Tuesday is a public holiday, says Yashwant Doiphode, Deputy Director of Health, Pune circle. A workshop has been planned at the Arogya Bhavan at Vishrantwadi on April 8 on the issue, he said.
The Department of Preventive and Social Medicine of the B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital held a poster exhibition on the eve of World Health Day. The event was inaugurated by Dr Arun Jamkar, Dean, B J Medical College.
On the occasion Dr M P Tambe, professor of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dr P S Pawar — Superintendent, Dr P B Burute- Dy Superintendent, Dr D D Shetty – RMO, Dr V A Kakrani, associate professor of PSM and other doctors and nursing staff of the hospital, patients and their relatives were also present.
The group discussed the importance of safe, functional, and resilient hospitals, especially during the time of emergencies like natural disasters — earthquake, Tsunami , floods and man-made disasters like terrorism and war which are increasing in recent times. The role of health institutions and health worker preparedness is of prime importance in emergencies, says Jamkar adding that several steps can be taken to to keep hospitals safe from disaster.
Raipur Satyagraha Update: 6th April
Dear friends,
- Dr. Abhay Shukla and 3 activists from the Pune Solidarity Committee for the Release of Dr. Binayak Sen
- Bhan Sahu and 9 activists from Lok Sangwaari Pariwaar, Rajnandgaon, CG.
- Anuradha Talwar and 53 activists from Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samiti(an NTUI affiliate) and Shramjivi Mahila Samiti, West Bengal
- Subir Bandyopadhyay and 3 members from All West Bengal Sales Representative Union (AWBSRU, an NTUI affiliate)
- Adhiyok from Lucknow
- approximately 30 activists from various groups in Chattisgarh
Binayaksen.net is one of many efforts by well wishers and supporters of Dr Binayak Sen to bring the injustice being done to him by the government of Chhattisgarh to the attention of people around the world. 
