The ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ of Kodagu
Central defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman was in Kodagu recently to survey the damage caused by recent torrential rains and floods. A group of environmentalists met her when she came to attend the meeting in Deputy Commissioner’s office. The most important aspect is that there were a few retired army men in the team that awaited her audience. Instead of coming straight to this meeting, she engaged in a conversations with environmentalists. They wanted to brief her about the destruction caused on ecology, mining and damage-causing activities that were happening in Kodagu in the name of development contributing to the present state of challenge that the tiny region found itself in.
Just as she was getting an update on all this, the elected representatives from BJP and Congress began to insist that the minister aborts this conversation and proceeds to attend the meeting organized by district administration. Their argument was the officers and teams engaged in relief operations were waiting for the minister to address the meeting so that they could proceed with their work for the day. This naturally upset the minister. Though she said she was speaking to the ex-army men, BJP leader K G Bopaiah said the minister could do as she pleases. This line of speech was used by district in charge minister too who tried to embarrass the BJP members, and this further complicated the matters and riled up the minister. As a result of all this, the union minister left flood ravaged Kodagu in a huff.
The phobia that affects the elected representatives and environmentalists is not a new phenomenon. What rights did the elected representatives of BJP have to insist that the minister shouldn’t engage with the environmentalists of Kodagu? Why would they assume the environmentalists were speaking against the interest of Kodagu, while the whole world is discussing the ill effects of unabated ‘development’ happening unmindful of the topography of the areas? When the environmentalists speak about the ecology and indigenous characteristics of the area, they are branded as ‘enemies of development’.
Politicians have even attacked many environmentalists and locals as well. Many have been called the ‘outsiders’ just to dissuade them from engaging in Kodagu’s safety. “What do the outsiders know?” ask the estate owners of this area whenever the question of Kodagu welfare arises. Even at the time of floods destroying the livelihoods of Kodagu, such questions were being asked. This line of argument was used even when NGOs tried to reach relief materials to deserving people. “What do you know about this place?”
As far as ecology is concerned, Kodagu is a very complex region to be understood. Generalisations about Kodagu can only make the understanding more complicated. Hence, the ‘outsiders’ are always viewed with suspicion for that matter. Even culturally Kodagu is inimitable. For the same reason, outsiders are yet to be accepted wholeheartedly in this closely guarded fort.
Thousands have migrated to Bangalore and other places from Kodagu. Fanatics have used this area to spread their activities. But none have been rejected in the outside world. There are some organisations that look down upon Malayalam speaking people as untrustworthy. They have camouflaged their own mistakes and held others responsible for the destruction they have caused. Only after Sangh Parivar founds its roots in Kodagu, the feeling of ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ has gotten strong. They have been successful in using this argument to keep people at bay. Which is why they fret at the sight of Gadgil or Kasturi Rangan reports that speak about conserving Kodagu, and Kerala.
Open discussions are not being allowed about the topic. If the government persists, they speak about ‘separate state’ demand. Rain is not the sole cause for destruction in Kodagu. The interference and exploitation of hills and mountain regions in the name of development has led to the disaster. Experts say climatic changes have caused the torrential rains and destruction. But the destructive development has had a major share in the situation Kodagu and Kerala are facing today.
Kerala government has admitted that the water released from Mulla Periyar dam caused flooding. This dam has always been a looming threat to Kerala. Ecologists have said this dam would be the reason for Kerala going underwater someday. But all these warnings and cautions are seen as bitter pills to those who are bent upon pilfering the area. Forget the Gadgil report, the state must at least try and implement Kasturi Rangan report to aid sustained development of Kodagu. Everyone who wants to conserve Kodagu is a Kodava in spirit. But those who are living here yet causing destruction are to be seen as vested interests. Let the best interest win.
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Kerala Assembly pays homage to former PM Manmohan Singh
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The Kerala Assembly on Monday paid homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died last month, and described him as a unique personality, able administrator, brilliant economist, and a determined patriot.
Cutting across politics, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer and other leaders hailed the contribution of Singh in various fields.
The 13th session of the 15th Kerala Assembly, which began on Friday, was adjourned on Monday after paying tribute to the former Prime Minister.
During his speech, Chief Minister Vijayan recalled that apart from being the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh was known in many capacities as an internationally renowned economist, exemplary teacher, and eminent bureaucrat, and as the country's finance minister.
There may not be another person who has held all the pivotal positions that shape India's economic policy, he said.
The CM especially mentioned about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Right to Information Act launched by Singh's government.
Though the CPI(M) had some differences of opinion about certain policies of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, his stand for protecting constitutional values and the democratic system of the country was commendable, Vijayan further said.
Through the demise of Singh, the country had lost a gentle and determined patriot and a brilliant economist who firmly believed in secular values, he said.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan recalled various initiatives implemented by Singh in finding out solutions to the problems faced by common people.
He said Singh was a leader who strongly upheld the secular and democratic values and the one who had unwavering commitment and dedication towards the country.
During the address in the House, the Congress leader also said that Singh had courageously implemented the economic reforms in the country despite criticisms, and it had helped the nation progress financially.
Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer also said that the country had lost a brilliant economist and a determined statesman.
Singh's contributions to nation building as a finance minister and a Prime Minister went beyond his financial expertise, Shamseer added.
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, on December 26 at the age of 92.
