Issue 61 Vol III, April 15, 2008

F E A T U R E S

Genetic Engineering is detrimental to India
Umendra Dutt

FARMERS and environmental organisations of Punjab feel concerned over the emerging crisis due to the heedless moves of pushing GM technology in agriculture.

The Agricultural technologies, unlike many other technologies, have a major impact on human beings and other life forms. This is because of the huge magnitude of this human activity – farming is spread over a major part of this planet’s land and is the primary occupation of millions of people, especially in the third world. Further, these technologies will impact each one of us as we are all consumers of food. Agricultural technologies also have the ability to leave lasting impacts, as the lesson from chemical pesticides has shown us. Fate of future generations can be sealed one way or the other by agricultural technologies deployed at any particular point of time. A closer look at agricultural technologies pushed as “modern science & technology” shows that science is certainly fallible and it is more than clear that decisions related to agricultural technologies should not be left to the so-called “experts” alone. Farming itself is a complex process with impacts spilling over onto communities and their very lives and livelihoods. Understanding of such a complex process cannot be left to reductionist science and its believers.

Genetic Engineering (GE) of agricultural crops affects all of us as it compromises the very safety of the food that we consume. Further, it is also one more ‘treadmill technology’ like chemical pesticides which will only push millions of Indian farmers into deeper agrarian distress. GE in fact has very many similarities with chemical pesticides – promoted by the same companies, posing environmental, health, socio-political and economic hazards.

In fact, GE is worse since we are talking about living organisms being modified at the very fundamental level – at the level of genes and DNA (termed as the “building blocks of life”), in irreversible ways – a chemical molecule might disintegrate over a period of time but with a genetically modified organism, things are out of control since you cannot ever recall GMOs back once they are released – they reproduce and propagate on their own! Genetic engineering is based on imprecise and reductionist science and the results are quite unpredictable in many ways, including impacts on human health. There is documented evidence on the many health risks that GE crops and foods pose. An annexure provides some such evidence.

World over, only 12 countries have allowed GE crops to be grown on any significant level at all. An overwhelming majority of the countries have shunned genetic engineering in their farming and foods, after nearly fifteen years of the first GE crop being released in the USA, for very sound reasons. It has been found that Genetic Engineering allows big multi-national companies to take over our food chain and change it in unpredictable ways to the point that farmer and consumer rights are badly trampled upon. Consumers have no way of knowing what they are eating and how safe or nutritious their food is, anymore.

In India, six years after Bt Cotton was allowed to come into the country, the number of farmer suicides in Vidarbha is a mute witness to whether this technology actually holds promise for our farmers (more on the Bt Cotton experience in India is given in the handbook as a separate chapter).  This year, we are standing on the verge of the first food crop being released in India – of Bt Brinjal. This is a genetically engineered vegetable which makes the plant produce a toxin within itself to kill certain insects which feed on it. There is no evidence that this Brinjal is needed for Indian farming or that it is safe in its impacts.

We should also inform you that even as GE is being thrust down on all of us as a “must-have-technology”, lakh of farmers are converting to ecological farming where adequate support is provided. They find that their farm economics is improving even as their health and environment is restored. In Andhra Pradesh, supported by the rural development department, lakh of poor women farmers are taking the lead to implement the world’s largest ecological farming project which was taken up on seven lakh acres last year. This is just to let you know that our anti-GM resistance is not just on some emotional or philosophical grounds but based on concrete evidence of what works and what does not, on the ground, along with farmers. We therefore demand that the government also take a stand that GE crops in India are not needed and are not desirable.

Emerging unrest among the farmer community in the whole country is the produce of decipherable  exploitative design by the syndicate which apart from MNCs and desi companies, now unfortunately includes Union Finance and Agriculture ministers, Chairman Planning commission, GEAC, Agriculture Universities and so on( the list is a littlie bit long). We the farmers and environmental organisations of Punjab swear and resolve to make Punjab Free from all type of GM crops in agriculture. We are also committed to make Punjabi Farmers free from abusive exploitation by the MNCs and desi companies.

[The writer is director Kheti Virasat Mission based at Jaiton, Punjab.]

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Travelogue: Siachin and its Rugged Beauty
Sonia G Handa

THE splendor of snow covered mountains, perennial glaciers and the frozen rivulets make even the harsh winter melt away. Contrast it with the highest battlefield, its blood and gore with the warmth of jawans and the travel from Siachin Glacier to Srinagar and then to Jammu on the rugged hilly roads provides its own kind of adventure. It is a voyage. It is an exploration. How beautiful could the nature be and how bountiful. How tough could the humans be?

Being at the highest battlefield and wanting to go back in the army convoy which will take a few days to reach my destination, Chandigarh and when the flight could exactly take one hour could not be a sensible decision from any point. The warnings from the unit jawans of the treacherous route only added to the sense of adventure in me. People back home thought I have gone off my rocker.

Our journey started at the wee hours in the summer of 1997 when everything was calm. Dark towering mountains and stillness of the early morning surroundings was a warning me to change my mind and chose a flight to reach my city home. But I wished to see and feel the mountains, the rivers and the rugged terrain. We started from Siachin, the highest battlefield to the highest pass in the world, Khardungla Pass, to finish at Leh for the day.

The darkness and the tough terrain got me little doubtful but after a while my fears were washed away with the sun coming out and from the cool waters of Shyok river we were in the Khalsar desert known for its double hump camels. The view was mesmerizing with the layers of sand with the early morning orange sky and the dark brown hills completed the picture. From the Khalsar desert we moved towards Khardulngla Pass with its snow covered peaks all around. What I saw there just took my breath away and awoke the long dormant sensitivities in me. As far as one's eye could see one could see only snow and the distance of few kms took few hours for us to reach the top of the pass with highest Mandir. Despite the summer weather it was cold on top with height of 18380 feet. By the late evening the splendor of Leh town with its gonpas and setting sun took all the tiredness away.

Tiny picturesque quaint villages around Leh town with small streams and specks of greenery here and there looked just out of travel magazines. On the way we stopped at the famous Pathar Sahib Gurudwara. It is believed that Sikh Guru Nanak Dev had saved the people from a demon by stopping his way while sitting next to a stone and the stone which is there is supposed to be same stone. The Sakhi told by my grandmother came alive in that gurudwara.

From then on the way to Dras and the famous Kargil town and the 'Jalebi Turn' with its twists and turns got me almost nauseated but the view from the top was too good to think of the rough and dangerous route.  The different shades of brown, orange and purple mountains in this scenic place will turn anyone into a poet or and artist. When nature beacons and its shows its raw beauty, anyone could be enchanted. We stopped at the temple at 'Captain Turn' near Sonamerg. There is a legend that an officer lost his life while helping build a road on this difficult path. The temple is in his memory and each and every army vehicle stops here to salute the hero. Sonamerg is a heavenly place with Deodar tree line almost reaching to the sky and the green meadows with wild flowers all around are soothing to the tired eyes.

Slowly we were leaving the mountains behind with river flowing alongside and passing through the tiny villages with apple and walnut trees we reached the near the Dal lake with boulevard of Chinar trees. We reached Srinagar dust laden from top to bottom but refreshed in mind with all the beauty of nature.

From Srinagar in a bus, which was luxury after the army trucks, to the panoramic view of Patnitop and the Jawahar tunnel to the town of Jammu and eating rajmah chawal enroute the convoy route was a journey etched in my memory. Even though it has been ten years since I undertook the journey but the picture remains in my mind as fresh as if it happened yesterday only.

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Obituary
M.L. Koser, Founder of Pracheen Kala Kendra is no more

FOUNDER of Pracheen Kala Kendra and a great artist of tremendous range, Madan Lal Koser is no more. He breathed his last at Fortis Hospital in Mohali on March 27 after a brief illness. He was 80. As great exponent of Indian dance, a selfless pursuit of this noble art has earned him fame and recognition in the country and abroad.

Born in an illustrious family in Gujranwala ( Pakistan ) to mother Ishar Kaur and father Mela Ram, Koser’s interest in dance took him to various sources. Despite tremendous family opposition, Koser paved him way up through years of practice and struggle under heavy odds. This young dancer was absolutely convinced of learning the classical dance forms at their places of origin. He spent considerable time at the feet of legendary Guru Uday Shankar and guru Namudri at Almora and learnt the techniques, intricacies and nuances of dancing. Not contended, he further practised Bharatnatyam in Tanjor and Kathak in Lucknow under the able guidance of the master exponents. Not only that, he even went to Manipur to master the techniques of Manipuri dance and under went a rigorous training of one year under the guidance of renowned Guru Ambui Singh, a figure unparalled in the field of Manipuri dancing.

Koser’s hard work bore fruit as at the young age of 21, he was awarded the title of ‘Dwitya Tandav ’, a rare distinction from Manipur.

Having mastered the various facets of Indian classical dances, Koser then joined a Maharastrian dancing troupe and toured the whole of India giving performances in all the major dance festivals. This enabled him to observe study and practice the folk and traditional dance forms prevalent in the various parts of the country.

Equipped with such wonderful theoretical and practical knowledge, Koser formed his own dancing troupe at the age of 20. His debut being mind-blowing ballet based on Pandit Nehru’s “Discovery of India” which hailed him as a great artist from one and all. In the form of social crusade, his numerous ballets staged spoke about the then burning topics of the country. The spectacular technique and novelty in its presentation brought him name and fame so much so, the king of Ethiopia , who was witnessing one of the ballets, presented Koser a Gold medal and extended an invitation to visit his country. The other most memorable ballets staged by Koser are “Indo-Pak Conflict”, “India’s peace role in Korea ”, “Unification of India”, Nawakhali Episode, Bhakra Nangal etc.

M.L. Koser got the unique opportunity of performing on a number of occasions, before the home and foreign high dignitaries. His performances were witnessed amongst others, by the late Dr. Rajendera Prasad, late Dr. Radha Krishan, late Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, former president, Vice-President and prime Minster of India respectively and by many Governors and Chief Ministers of the different states and those were all widely-acclaimed and appreciated. Koser was awarded the president’s Award twice for presenting most inspiring programmes draped with newness and creativity with perfect professional competence revealing newer shades of classical dancing art.

His powerful mind and indefatigable energy resulted in setting up an institution “ Pracheen Kala Kendra” in Chandigarh in the year 1956 with the patronage of CPN Singh and Partap Singh Kairaon, the then Governor and Chief Minister, respectively, of Punjab. The idea behind this was to preserve and promote traditional music and dance in their technical perfection and classical excellence along scientific lines.

Today the Kendra has around 3500 centres all over India and abroad and around 2 lakh students studying and preparing themselves for various grades of professional courses conducted by it.

It would be conceded that his achievements in the myriad fields of dance and music have secured for him a lofty place in the galaxy of world’s foremost exponents, originators, organisers and true propagators of the musical arts.

A wide acclaimed artist, Koser is a recipient of many honours and awards including Uday Shankar Award, Gopi Krishan Award, Pt. Manmohan Bhatt Memorial Award and the title of Nritya Shiromani, Nritya Samrat to name a few. He was associated with Bharat Sevak Samaj for many years and was the distinguished member of almost all the Advisory Committees of Different state governments.

Apart from performing in almost all the parts of India , before various parliamentary delegates and foreign dignitaries including Marshal Bulganan , Chief-yen-lie, former Chinese Prime Minster, he toured extensively all over the world exhibiting his versatility to one an all.

He has left behind a rich legacy and it’s a vacuum that can never be filled. His departure on the world theatre day reiterates the fact that his life was meant for art. He will be remembered as long as art resonates.  He is survived by his wife Shobha Koser, son Sajal Koser and daughter Purva Puri.

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Mehar Baba Trust helps the needy

PROF. Hardarshan Singh Mejie, patron Mehar Baba Charitable Trust keeps inviting dignitaries to present the charitable work he is doing in a small town of Bassi Pathana. They can have a first hand view of the various social service projects being executed by the Trust in the 128 villages it has adopted in FGS district.

Mr. Kurt Tritten, a renowned Swiss banker and economist, Manoj Saluja a businessman and Philantrophist from UK, Ms. Francis Tritten former economist with international monetary fund Switzerland and Mrs. Reva Saluja a dedicated social worker from UK arrived in Bassi Pathana on April 1 this year.

They were impressed by the facilities the Trust has created; the community center, women empowerment project through vocational training in garment manufacturing, needlework and embroidery. Spoken English language  & computer skills enhancement training project especially for rural young women. A playschool (cresche) facilities for children (age group 3-5 years) of under privileged families where  teaching, uniforms, books, play items and midday meals are provided free of cost.

Also present were  Bhupinder Singh Jaggi, Rotary district governor,  Pradeep Thukral rotary president Sirhind,  JS Mann Chairman Fashion Technology Park Mohali and sarpanches and panches of the villages adopted by the trust were present like  Kulwinder Kaur Panch Bagsikander, Kulwant Singh Sarpanch Fatehgarh Niuwan, Sarbjit Singh Bal Panch Ikolaha and various other leading persons from Bassi Pathana and  Sirhind blocks. Also present were some of the young children men & women who had benefited from the medical camps / medical treatment and cataract removal  / iol replacement free of cost by the trust. Neetu Rani  23 years who got a free eye ball replacement from Aligarh.Master Inderjit Singh age 4 yrs who had cleft lip surgery.Satnam Singh age 12 had surgery for correcting undescended testicles condition and Ms Amandeep Kaur, 15 year old whom the Trust is sending to Sai hospital Puttaparthi for surgery of a hole in her heart.

Mr. Tritten appreciated the immense efforts on various fronts of social service activities of MBCT. He observed that the Trust held the hand of an individual right from the young age of 3 years up to the age of 82.

Mr Saluja went into the finer details of education facilities created at MBCT and praised the trust for it’s foresight, vision and efforts in grooming the rural children especially girls and women in computers, English language, needlework, embroidery etc. Which he felt would benefit the persons immensely in getting better paid jobs after this 3 to 6 months diploma courses being undertaken by MBCT & fashion technology park Mohali through it’s business school of fashion set up at Mata Harnam Kaur Community Development Center.

Both the visitors from abroad pledged to contribute financially and otherwise to this noble cause.

Thereafter, Mr.  Tritten flagged off the 11th batch ( out of 167 selected for free cataract removal and IOL replacement) of persons going to Randhawa Lazik eye care center for free eye surgery.

MBCT spokesperson Dr. Swaran Singh Nirdoshi presented to the foreign visitors “ Sirhindi bricks ” as a souvenir. These bricks are much valued by the Europeans especially when they know they are 500 years old.

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Sarkozy pushes Western decadence into deeper morass
Sawraj Singh

THE French President Nicolas Sarkozy has joined President Bush in becoming the greatest embarrassment for the West. Whereas President Bush has made ignorance and crudeness virtues for America, President Sarkozy is shattering the European traditions of dignity and aesthetics.

President Nixon lost one debate to President Kennedy and that cost him the presidential election. However, President Bush managed to lose all three debates and still was able to win the election. His ignorance and crudeness became his assets rather than liabilities.

President Sarkozy has surpassed even President Bush. France, known as the conscience of Europe, and which gave the concept and word “Socialism” to the world, is now being led by an extreme rightist. However, Sarkozy is not only a diehard fanatic rightist; he has also shattered the standards of decency in the European tradition. He has become a large source of embarrassment for the French people. While France is going through hard economic times just like the rest of Europe, Sarkozy is living it up.

Sarkozy is seen relaxing in the expensive yachts of his super rich friends. He married a supermodel. When they visited England, Sarkozy’s wife’s nude pictures were being auctioned there. All of the British tabloids had the time of their lives. In the past, European leaders in such situations used to resign to save their countries embarrassment and humiliation.

What is the cause of the emergence of leaders such as Sarkozy? The real cause of this phenomenon is the rapid decline of the Western capitalist system and its highest stage, globalization. As the system goes down, so does the quality of leadership.

Another cause for the decline of the established values is the rapid mixing up of the population and the resulting destabilization of the cultural and ethical values. Capitalism’s desire of constantly maximizing profits is leading to unprecedented movement of people. People are moving from the rural areas to the urban areas and people from the developing countries are moving to the developed countries in ever growing numbers. This rapid movement does not give people enough time to be gradually assimilated into the new environment, resulting in destabilization and chaos. These factors are responsible for the loss of decency and etiquette.

People from Eastern Europe are moving to Western Europe in large numbers. There is a very large gap between the levels of development in Eastern and Western Europe. The Eastern European countries had one of the lowest standards of living in the world, sometimes worse than some of the third world countries. Movement from such deprivation to relative abundance can cause big problems. Most of the Eastern European people have now become the most trusted and loyal followers of the decadent Western capitalism. People in Western Europe and North America have mostly lost enthusiasm for their system and are generally getting frustrated with the crisis of Western capitalism. However, people such as Sarkozy, with an Eastern European background, have unrealistic expectations from a system that has outlived its usefulness. Sarkozy is not solving the problem, but becoming part of the problem.

[Sawraj Singh M.D. F.I.C.S. Chairman, Washington State Network for Human Rights]

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