Can We Be Proud Of Such Independence?

On the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day, the longest and most recognised people’s movement in independent India is on dock, despite it being non-violent, worked relentlessly for the tribals and farmers who are affected by the mighty Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) dam, consistently raised issues of displacement and rehabilitation, and helped country ponder over a question which sums up the ‘development debate’ – who decides who sacrifices for whose development?
32 year old Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) commemorates the Independence Day while its key activists – Medha Patkar, Dhurji Bhai, Vijay Bhai, Santu Bhai are in different jails on false cases – a price they pay for being steadfast on their demand of just rehabilitation.

Almost 2 decades after Medha composed this song, it has never been more relevant than today. A song, which makes us think about our independent India.

Can we be proud of such independence?

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