[Reader-list] invitation for daylong interaction on adivasi struggle against vedanta

[Asit asitreds]

*ROUNDTABLE ON DANGERS OF MINING IN NIYAMGIRI MOUNTAIN IN ORISSA*

*An Invitation*

* *

*2 August 2008 *

*at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi*



The reform agenda of the state since 1991 has seen a massive exploitation of
natural resource by way of giving it for mega 'development' projects in
India. This has led to huge land alienation, livelihood loss, depletion of
rich bio-diversity.  There is a constant threat on the socio-cultural and
economic base of indigenous communities and those living in the periphery of
this so-called incredible India. People are pushed to the brink as the state
hands over country's natural preserves, affecting people dependent on it,
with impunity to big corporate houses. Forced eviction, displacement, loss
of socio-cultural moorings and livelihood are the norms in these cases.



Niyamgiri Mountain, situated in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts, in Orissa
is one such area, which is at present facing the threat of being mined. Its
inhabitants are the most traditional Dongaria Kandh community whose life is
dependent on this mountain. For ages, they have preserved this mountain as
the Lord of law and this is why a rich primary forest can be seen there even
at this age of deforestation and loss of green cover on the earth. People
dependent on Niyamgiri have been up against the mining plans and have shown
their anguish and determination to fight it out in more than one occasion.



As the fate of Niyamgiri waits in the judicial corridors, there is a need to
understand why the traditional community is refusing to accept the state
sponsored development agenda and what Niyamgiri means to them. This is not a
mere struggle against a Company but the struggle is to protect a
civilization woven around the mountain for centuries.



For understanding this phenomenon *a day-long* interactive session is
organized at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (Seminar Hall II), Circular Road,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021 *on Saturday 2 August 2008 at 10 am. *



In this meet activists, academicians, lawyers and other concerned citizens
will deliberate on the Indigenous peoples' struggle against state's reform*
*agenda and explore ways to address the situation in their given context.



 We look forward to having you in this discussion.





Yours sincerely



Vijay Pratap
            Rakesh Bhatt

Lokayan/ NAPM/ CSDS
     SADED/
CSDS