Idinthakarai Women Win Chingari Award for Nonviolent Struggle
NONVIOLENCE, ACTIVISM, ASIA--PACIFIC, KUDANKULAM ANTI-NUCLEAR SATYAGRAHA, INDIA, 3 Dec 2012
Antonio C. S. Rosa, editor – TRANSCEND Media Service
Press Release – Bhopal, India – December 1st 2012
Chingari Award to the women of Idinthakarai – epicenter of the nonviolent struggle against the powerful nuclear lobby. Chief Guest Dr. Vandana Shiva lauds the role of women in fighting corporate crime.
The ‘Chingari Award for Women against Corporate Crime’ was handed over to two women, Rani Dasan and Thenmozhi Manickam, representing the thousands of brave women activists who have rallied against the powerful nuclear establishment in a continuing struggle for justice against great odds.
Eminent environmental activist, Dr.Vandana Shiva, the Chief Guest at the function, said,
“The Kudankulam struggle has emerged not merely as the most defining challenge to nuclear power in the country today but is also one of the strongest demonstrations of nonviolent people’s power. The role of the women in the struggle has been critical in ensuring that the energy of the fight remains undiminished. They are truly the ‘chingaris’ of the struggle and it is an honour to be able to present the award to them.”
Referring to the contribution of the women in the fight, the citation of the award read,
“The simple women of Idinthakarai, Kuthenkuzhi, Kootapully, Koodankulam, Vairavikinaru and numerous other coastal villages in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Thootukudi districts embody the spirit of democracy, courage and resistance. Their antagonists are no ordinary entities. Ranged against the beedi-rollers, agriculturists and fisherwomen of South Tamil Nadu is a formidable array of opponents – the Governments of Tamil Nadu, India and Russia; a nuclear supplier lobby comprising multinational companies who see the entire Indian market shutting its doors to them if the Koodankulam struggle were to succeed; a media that has for most part been hostile; a disinterested and cynical public, and national political parties that have either remained curiously silent or come out vocally in support of nuclear energy. In celebration of the power of non-violence over violence, of truth over falsehood and of people’s resolve over the might of a corporate police state, the 2012 Chingari Award is given to the brave women of Idinthakarai, Koodankulam, Kuthenkuzhy, Kootapully and Vairavikinaru.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Rashida Bee and Champa Devi Shukla, Managing Trustees of Chingari and women who’ve lead from the front in the fight for corporate accountability against multinational Dow-Carbide, said:
“We feel honored to be able to stand in solidarity with the women of Idinthakarai. The Chingari Trust is for the 6th year running been able to shine the spotlight on brave women activists across the country fighting powerful vested interests at great risk to their lives. We also remember today the feisty Dayamani Barla a journalist and tribal activist, who was a recipient of this award in 2008 who is now imprisoned by the Madhya Pradesh government, in a blatant attempt to intimidate and repress a fight against land acquisition. We condemn this action of the state and call for her immediate release.”
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The Chingari Trust was started by two women survivors of the Bhopal disaster who were awarded the Goldman Environmental prize in 2004. The women – Rashida Bee and Champa Devi Shukla used the prize money of 125 thousand USD to set up Chingari Trust. More than 150 children affected by the toxic legacy of the Dow – Carbide plant, are provided medical and social support at the Chingari rehabilitation center on Berasia road.
TRANSCEND Member Prof. Vandana Shiva is a physicist, ecofeminist, philosopher, activist, and author of more than 20 books and 500 papers. She is the founder of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, and has campaigned for biodiversity, conservation and farmers’ rights, winning the Right Livelihood Award [Alternative Nobel Prize] in 1993. She is executive director of the Navdanya Trust.
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3 Responses to “Idinthakarai Women Win Chingari Award for Nonviolent Struggle”
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KUDANKULAM ANTI-NUCLEAR SATYAGRAHA, INDIA:
From thousands of true people of this earth – Thanks a lot to the author and editor of this website to publish this article.
We as true citizens should appreciate and protect the people fighting such demonic nuclear reactors.
You are very welcome dear Mahendiran.
It is our obligation as journalists and editors but above all it is a great pleasure to be able to contribute, if on a small scale, to social justice and against oppression from catastrophic nuclear capitalist ventures.
Respected Author / Transcend Team,
Feel real proud about you for publishing this article about the great and humble women who were aptly recognized for their selfless and noble effort.
It would be great if our younger generation start coming out of their self-centered nest and start fighting for people’s rights and protecting our only HOME.
We look forward to seeing more such people getting recognized and appreciated.