How Can Activists Do Public Speaking?

Ajay Roy

Most people become nervous when they go for public speaking. It is an important communication skill. But many activists cannot do this. But it is necessary for them to be publicists, agitators, and organizers. 

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Unrest in Bangladesh

By Ajay Roy

Communal attacks are going on against minorities in Bangladesh. Islamic fundamentalists are organizing this. On 26^th November, the Acting General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Manindra Kumar Nath, informed that 2010 attacks against minorities were reported in Bangladesh. That affected 1705 families. These incidents include murder, molestation, and kidnapping.[1]

 

Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested recently on sedition charges. He is the spokesperson of a Bangladesh-based Hindu organisation. Minorities are protesting against these incidents.  

 

It is noteworthy that in India, BJP-RSS are also using these issues in their propaganda to increase communal polarization. 

 

On the other hand, in the garment sector of Bangladesh, workers organised protests in various demands including wage increase in October-November. They organised strikes also. However, the interim government resorted to heavy police repression. 

 

In July-August, there was a mass protest in the South Asian country. It started first as a student protest against the 30% quota system reservation in government jobs for descendants of freedom fighters. But the government resorted to heavy repression. The Supreme Court then took steps. It decreased the quota to 5%.[2] But already, 200 protestors were dead.

 

Then, the mass protest grew. It was actually against Sheikh Hasina's increasingly authoritarian and corrupt government. People wanted democracy. She had to leave the country. Her party, Awami League's leaders, were also attacked. That led to regime change.

 

During this chaos, the Bangladesh National Party and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami increased their strength again. Fundamentalists are now targeting minorities, too. US imperialism is also active to destabilise the situation to increase their influence in the region. 

 

Interim government was formed. Muhammad Yunus has become the Chief Advisor in this government. Which has military backing. But unrest is going on. Economic condition is also deteriorating. High price rise is a serious problem now.

 

It is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to maintain peace and harmony as well as to give security to all minorities. 

  

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Complaint Filed at UNO against Israel for Pager Explosions in Lebanon

By Ajay Roy 

Nov 09, 2024

GENEVA, Nov. 9 -- On 6 November, Lebanese Labor Minister Moustafa Bayram filed a formal complaint at the International Labor Organization. Against Israel's involvement in the pager explosions.  

According to media reports, in mid-September, pager and walkie-talkies explosions killed 37 people including 2 children in Lebanon. 3000 people were injured. Many workers at their workplace and homes got killed. Civilians were targeted. According to Lebanese government officials, this method of warfare is a violation of international humanitarian law.  

Iran also criticised the U.S. and its allies for supporting Israel's crime. According to the Iranian President, the U.S. is claiming that they want a ceasefire. But practically they support the Zionist state's crimes.

Progressive Social Movements and Activists

Ajay Roy

A few days ago, one of my friends was talking about various personal problems in life. How they have blocked his scope of social activism. Then another friend said, there are various obstacles no doubt. In economic, social, cultural and political life. Also, in personal lives. But activists have to surmount the barricades. Problems can be utilised for self-cultivation and preparation.

He gave an example from his personal experience. Even a physically challenged person can transform his/her handicap into an equivalent asset or advantage. He has acute back pain. It is a nerve-related disease. So the doctor told him to do some orthopaedic exercise daily twice. It takes a total of one hour daily. But if he doesn't do it, it will hamper his normal moving capacity. Then he was depressed. It's a big waste of time, he thought. But after a few days, he tried to utilise the time. Started listening to audiobooks when doing those special exercises. For that, he used a cordless Bluetooth device connected to his mobile phone. 

This now helps him to read at least one book weekly. As he cannot do any other thing while doing the exercise, he is forced to form a reading habit. Otherwise, in a daily hurry, he would not be able to manage the time. Today he feels blessed. He can increase his knowledge and outlook. It helps him in every sphere of life including activism.

As we all know, there are not only personal troubles. At present the whole world is facing various complex problems. Socio-economic, political, cultural, environmental etc. The consequences can be disastrous, if not solved immediately. 

According to a 2024 report by Oxfam, the wealth of the five richest individuals has doubled since 2020. While five billion people have become poorer in "decade of division." That organisation also informed last year that the richest 1% now possess nearly double the wealth of the rest of the world combined.

Such poverty and various kinds of discrimination are the result of the current unhealthy system. But there are also many progressive movements active in various parts of the globe. They are trying to take the initiative to solve these crises. Some of them want radical change - systemic transformation. Aim at an alternative system. Which can ensure more egalitarian human development. Others demand reforms. 

Reforms may be partial. They have limitations. It can be one-sided too. But among them, there can be progressive elements.

Those who sincerely want positive changes must be generally considered as progressive elements. But there are also other elements. They only use progressive phrases. But do otherwise. They actually want to fool others to gain personal importance. When a situation demands firmness, they just surrender and run for vested interest. 

Progressive people can be activists. But all places are not similarly suitable for such work. What can they do? How can they contribute? 

In their country/locality, if there are progressive movements present, then they can simply join them. Donate, and participate in activities and campaigns. Also, subscribe to related literature. 

Some activists may be not only progressive but also radical-minded. They should find that type of organisation. But if such bodies are absent there. They can join at least some organisations where general people are involved. That may not even be a fully progressive body. There can be some other elements too. But they should gather experience and efficiency through participating there. Can try to solve people's real problems and educate them. Gather experience and skill.

Activists cannot always remain in a small circle of like-minded people. But they must try to influence millions. It cannot be done in one day. But a lengthy process, we all know.  

Those who want deep structural changes, have to face systemic problems. Must aim to build a new alternative system in future. Which is a gigantic task. Preparing for that is essential.

As history teaches us, to challenge the system, activists must prepare themselves. Gather great mental and physical strength. Work continuously to be very strong. Be skillful and acquire specialised knowledge. For that, they must do self-cultivation. Should also build powerful organisations and bodies. 

Every activist must have two most important qualities as some great progressive leaders pointed out. Firstly, full dedication to his/her cause. Which requires the development of proper consciousness through special education. Practical training for activists. 

Secondly, efficiency in his/her field of work. It includes business-like professional expertise and mastery of using technology too. Both this dedication to his/her ideas and expertise must be properly combined.

Great progressive and radical leaders discussed their lives, experiences and activities in their writings. We can consult such literature. Also, should read their biographies. General Motivational literature can also present various practical tools. But their maximum focus is generally on personal gains. So, all their suggestions cannot be mechanically and indiscriminately absorbed. 

 28/04/24

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Some thoughts to share How Can a Progressive Activist Continue Along with Earning His/Her Living?​

Who wants to be in the mainstream?

By Ajay Roy

In the present world, the established order is capitalism. So, whatever is called globally mainstream is connected with this order. If in a country, a non-capitalist system such as socialism can be established. Then their mainstream will be socialism. 

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Unveiling the Unyielding: A Deep Dive into the Farmers' Protest in India 2024

 

Image Source 

By Ajay Roy

Introduction: In the bustling streets of India, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures and livelihoods, a resounding call for justice echoes. The Farmers' Protest in India in 2024 has gripped the nation, underscoring the struggle of the agrarian backbone against systemic inequities. As tractors and trucks line the roads leading to New Delhi, the demands of the protestors reverberate, challenging the status quo and igniting conversations on socio-economic justice.

 

Context and Background: The genesis of the Farmers' Protest in India traces back to the passage of contentious agricultural laws by the Modi government. These laws, purportedly aimed at reforming the agricultural sector in a neoliberal line, faced staunch opposition from farmers who perceived them as threats to their livelihoods. As media reported, the laws allowed for direct selling to bulk buyers and eased contract farming, triggering concerns about exploitation and market dominance. Despite assurances from the government, demonstrators remained apprehensive, fearing the erosion of their rights. 

 

The central government had to withdraw the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act after the 2021 Farmers’ protests.

 

Demands and Grievances: At the heart of the protests lie multifaceted demands reflecting the myriad challenges faced by the agrarian community. The rallying cry for a Minimum Support Price (MSP), as highlighted by the media, underscores the urgent need for economic security amidst volatile market conditions. Farmers seek not only financial safeguards but also debt waivers, compensation for deceased comrades, and assurances against the privatization of essential services like electricity. These demands, emblematic of broader structural issues, underscore the systemic neglect faced by farmers for decades.

 

Government Response and Policies: In response to the protests, the Modi government unleashed a formidable crackdown, as documented by media reports. Tear gas, barricades, and internet suspensions became tools of suppression, reflecting a government determined to suppress dissent. Despite sporadic negotiations, trust eroded, with farmers decrying broken promises and government apathy. The standoff underscores a deeper ideological chasm, pitting agrarian livelihoods against corporate interests, with ramifications for India's socio-political landscape.

 

Protest Dynamics and Impact: The current Demonstration in India unfolds against a backdrop of resilience and solidarity. United under banners like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, farmers exemplify collective action in the face of adversity. The protests reverberate beyond Delhi's borders, galvanizing support from diverse segments of society. From youth activists to trade unions, the movement transcends traditional boundaries, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and disenfranchised.

 

Implications and Future Outlook: As the protest persists, in India it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of grassroots movements in shaping national discourse. Amid the continuing protest, the farmers' coalition known as Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), supported by the unified platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs), has announced the nationwide 'Grameen Bandh' or rural strike scheduled for Friday, February 16th.

 

Beyond immediate policy demands, this demonstration underscores deeper questions of social justice and equitable development. The government's response, in turn, reflects broader challenges of democratic governance and inclusive policymaking. As the nation grapples with the complexities of agrarian distress, the outcome of the protests remains uncertain, yet their impact on India's socio-political fabric is indelible.

 

Conclusion: This Protest in India in 2024 transcends mere agricultural grievances; it embodies a collective quest for dignity, justice, and empowerment. As the movement evolves, it beckons us to reckon with systemic inequalities and envision a more inclusive future. In the labyrinth of political manoeuvring and public discourse, the voices of the farmers resonate, urging us to heed their call for change. In their struggle lies the promise of a more equitable India, where the seeds of dissent yield the fruits of transformation. 

15.02.24

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