13th Annual NEST conference invitation

NATURE ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY & TRANSFORMATIONS

(N E S T)

Email: ne_st @ rediffmail.Com

(ESTD: 1994)

13th Annual Conference

Green Movements,

Red Politics & The Blue Planet

on 17th, 18th & 19th DECEMBER 2010

Venue - SUBHEDAR FARM HOUSE RESORT

Banda- Vapoli Road,

Banda, Sawantwadi-Taluka, Border Town Near Goa

Sindhudung District, Maharastra.

Phone: 02363-270046. Mobile: 09421248455.

& Postal Communication:

1. 3^rd Floor, Nizmar Centre, Near E.D.C.Build., Atmaram Borkar Road

Panaji- Goa – 403001, INDIA. Mobile -.09764108540

2. 269, Pandavaddo, Chorao, Tiswadi, Goa - 403102

NEST is a non funded voluntary organization completing 15 years of its activities. It was founded by late Prof. Bikram Das Gupta, Department of Chemistry, Goa University. After serving the NEST for 14 years he passed away on 9th of January 2010.

The theoretical focus is holistic and interdisciplinary. NEST as an organization is an interface between the Academicians, Professionals, Activists, Workers & Common People to enhance and consolidate the understanding of the pressing problems. The group is also involved in solidarity meets with different groups of people threatened by development paradigm. Annual commemorations of Hiroshima Day, May Day and Environment Day etc. are other NEST activities. The NEST annual conference of 2009 did not take place due to deteriorating health of Dr. Dasgupta. The following are the themes of last 13 years:

1. “Nature Society & Transformation” at Peaceful Society, Madkai, Goa in 1997

2. “Development and it’s consequences” at Peaceful Society, Madkai, Goa in 1998

3. “Development and it’s consequences” at Govt. School, Mencurem, Goa in 1999

4. “Institutions, Ideologies & Knowledge Systems”, at Zantye College, Bicholim, Goa in 2000

5. “Science & Education in Historical Perspectives”, Kamaleshwar High School, Korgaon, Goa in 2001

6. “Dynamics of Order & Disorder in Nature & Society; Chaos, Systems Theory & Chaocomplexolgy”, at New Lead Trust, Kalyanpuram, Tamilnadu in 2002

7. “Peoples Resources & Resistance”, Madras Christian College, Tambram, Tamilnadu in 2003

8. “Indigenous People”, at SDC, Ranchi, Jharkhand in 2004

9. “Political Economy”, at Liberty Library, Mananthabadi, Kerala in 2005

10. “Women, Workers & Humanism”, Shikshak Bhawan, Pune, Maharashtra in 2006

11. “Translational Corporations People & the State”, Mahale Hall, Chorao, Goa in 2007

12. “Protected Areas & Heritage”, Kulgi, Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary, Karnataka in 2008

Dedication:

This annual NEST Conference is dedicated to the memory of late Prof. Bikram Das Gupta, Founder of NEST who left us on 9th January 2010, he was the founder and an active Philosopher-Guide of NEST. Almost all the programmes of NEST were possible because of his active intellectual and organizing capabilities.

Main Theme:

GREEN MOVEMENTS, RED POLITICS & THE BLUE PLANET

Subtopics:

1. Green Philosophers: Early Greek Philosophers, Goutam Buddha, Mahavir Jain, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Martin Heidegger, Bhima Bhoi, Hanah Arendt.

2. Green Academicians–Activists: Chief Seattle, Henry David Thoreau, Rachel Carson, Chiko Mendes, Verdansky, V. Shaubeger.

3. Green Communities: Indigenous people, Bishnoi, Alekha, Tinai

4. Radical Feminist perspective: Vandana Shiva, Chipko movement

5. Pachakuti: Indigenous perspectives, degrowth and ecosocialism - Bob Thomson

6. Environmental issues, TNCs & the People: Politics of land, water, forest & climate.

7. Environmental issue: NGOs and the State.

8. Politicization of the Green Movements.

9. Greening of political parties.

10. Exploring the viability of a Green Party.

11. In search of Alternatives

12. The role of the Green movements to Red politics

13. Red political understanding of green movements

14. Marx’s ecology

15. The dichotomy of Red politics and Green movements

16. Radical politics and the Social and Political (ecological) history of Goa – in light of its Golden Jubilee year of liberation.

Any person is free to make a presentation on the main theme of the conference apart from above suggested sub-topics. The title and core arguments of the paper are to be informed to the organizers on or before December 01, 2010.

VENUE

This venue is essentially a farm house with lodging facilities. There are plenty of plants and trees with chirping birds perched on its branches covering 2.2 acres of land. The ambient atmosphere is conducive for such meetings

It is only 1km away from Banda on the Banda- Vapoli road tucked in a calm and cool environment. Telephone number of the venue is 02363-270046. Mobile contact: 09421248455.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF BANDA

■ Clad with dense forest and valleys of Western Ghats the Banda Town is situated in Sawantwadi taluka of Sindhudurga district of Maharastra near the border of North Goa and while coming from Goa to Banda, Subhedar Farm House Resort is 1km away from Banda Bus Station on Vapoli Road.

ENRICHED WILD LIFE OF WESTERN GHATS

■ Banda town Bordering North Goa is situated on the foot-hills of the Western Ghats which are historically recognized for its rich wildlife population.

■ More than 75% of the hill is covered by thick forests. These are preyed upon by mining companies, nuclear plants, and currently stiff resistance is offered in this Konkan region in Maharastra.

■ Weather : Temperature in the month of December: in Banda is around 24 to 28⁰C.

Approach to the venue: From the south, Pernem (Goa) is the nearest railway station which is about 12 kms away. From the north, Sawantawadi (Maharastra) is the nearest railway station which is 10 kms away from Banda.

Konkan Railway Trains from Mumbai moving southwards to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala come through Pednem and Sawantawadi. Local transportation from Goa and Sawantawadi are easily available.

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (GOA) 70 kms, towards Banda.

PARTICIPATORY CONTRIBUTION

1. Includes lodging boarding, local transportation, sight seeing and registration fees.

2. Rs.1000/- (Rupees One Thousand only) to be paid on or before 1^st December 2010. Spot registration will also be accepted.

3. The amount may be deposited in the DENA Bank Account no 049910031172 (Jatin Naik) Verem, Reis-Magos Branch, Verem, BARDEZ, Goa. PIN 403114 OR in AXIS BANK, Account no 180010100001991 (Vilas Porab) . Mapusa Branch at Mapusa, Bardez, Goa PIN 403507. After depositing please notify the organizers at ne_st@rediffmail.com.

4. No provision for TA.

5. Email the registration form in the following format:

Name: ___________________________

Sex ______ Age _____

Postal address with email id & mobile no.

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Registration Amount deposited _______

in words _________________________

Date & time of arrival _______________

Coordinators of this conference:

Jatin Naik

S-41, Sonarbhat, Verem, Reis-magos, Bardez, Goa,

jatinnaik@hotmail.com

Mobile: 09764108540

M.C. Arunan

D-3, Gurukul, Sophia College Campus, Bhulabhai Desai Road,

Mumbai- 400 026, India

Email: mcarunan@gmail.com

Mobile: NIL

Phone: (Res) 91-022-23512560

(O) 91-022-2507 2224

Rajendra Gad

Department of Physics,

Goa University,

Goa 403 206

rajendragad@gmail.com

Mobile: 09423883169

Vilas Parab,

3^rd Floor, Mathias Building, Near the Court, Mapusa,

Goa. 403507.

email: vilasparab_10@yahoo.co.in , Mob. 09823994745

Sebastian Rodrigues

31/A, Marna, Siolim, Goa. 403 517

Email: sebydesiolim@gmail.com

Mob: 09923336347

Abstract of the paper must be sent by 1^st December 2010. Paper contributors are requested to send soft copies of their papers to ne_st@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The abstract (100-150 words) should contain all the substance of the methods and the results achieved. The abstract should be presented in such a way that it must be able to stand alone. References and non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should therefore be avoided.

Paper: The contributors are requested to send in the soft copy of their completed paper by 10^th December 2010 to the organizers at ne_st@rediffmail.com

Contributors of papers should avoid lengthy introduction, unnecessary ornamentalisation and peripherals. Views and counter views are encouraged.

Let a hundred flowers blossom, and a thousand thoughts contend.

Please mention the required time slot for your presentation (which may be changed upon situational exigencies).

Confirmation regarding participation, abstract as well as full paper may also be emailed to jatinnaik@hotmail.com, sebydesiolim@gmail.com.

.

NEST encourages participants to present their papers orally and discussions thereafter. However those who need a LCD projector for their presentations are requested to intimate the organizers in advance.

Time table of the conference will be circulated to those who confirm their participation by December 10, 2010.

Note: All participants are requested to attend the conference activities for the full three days.

Carbon Footprint analysis workshop in Panjim

For the first time on August 14 2010 people in Goa will have an opportunity to participate in Carbon Footprint Analysis (CFA) to be conducted by Scientist Sagar Dhara from Cerana Foundation, Hyderabad. The workshop will be held at Caritas Hall, St. Inez, Panjim. People those wish to participate must confirm their participation to any of the phone number: 9623770690, 9423883169, 9881191328, and 9923336347.

Participants are required to come with a notebook, pen and a calculator. The workshop is jointly organized and supported by Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST), Daily Pudhari, Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvot (GXE), Dhulapi Nagrik Kriti Samiti (DNKS), and Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP).

This is a one day hands – on workshop meant to equip participants with the basic tools of how to compute carbon footprint for individuals and organizations and interpret the results.

Carbon footprint is an indicator of the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity and is expressed in kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2).

It is an indicator of the contribution a good or service, an individual, organization, a geographical area or a nation makes to global warming.

CFA is a very good method for raising public awareness about environmental issues as it allows the public to makes informed decisions about the priority areas that need to be addressed – both lifestyle and institutional change. CFA results can be easily understood by common people, and therefore it has gained public acceptability.

CFA is also a good educational tool as computations can be made with varying levels of complexity. The simpler versions can be used by secondary school children upwards.

CFA is a universal tool that can be applied to any product, person, organization or area anywhere in the world, and the results of such applications can be compared. CFA can be used to verify claims such as eco- friendly and sustainable development.

Several important policy issues can be better understood by understanding carbon footprint. A central part of the debate in the recent COP15 meet at Copenhagen and in the world revolves around historical and current per capita carbon footprints in developed and developing nations.

(Prabhakar Dhage)
Daily Pudhari

It is not enough to be anti-mining

Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST) organized its third lecture in the series of Bikram Dasgupta memorial public lecture series on July 29, 2010 at Bal Bharati high School, Ribandar, Goa. The lecture “Goa: from trading port to tourism destination” was delivered by Raghuraman Trichur, Associate Professor & Department Chair in Anthropology at California State University, Sacramento, USA. Here are some notes from his lively lecture.
Discussion is important for knowledge production. Divides between various social sciences are artificial meant only to protect fiefdoms. Classical political economy is an area where all the subjects are rolled in one. It opens up intentions into actions and opens up various ways of opening up.
In Goa there is no connectivity in what historians say. There is no connectivity established to connect past with the present. Now how to see the connection between past and present? Goa history is a collection of evidences in the form of archival documents. It is like a Bollywood movie that has great characters but no story line to it. We all are living in capitalist society that is held together by conflicts. These conflicts unfold in various manners such as tourism, communalism, mining, racism etc.
Why tourism is so prevalent activity in Goa? Why Goa is dominated by tourism and mining? That is because certain forces are prevalent in Goa. They are called merchant capitalism that involves buying at cheaper rate from someone and selling the same at higher rate to someone else earning surplus in this trade. There are other two varieties of capitalism that is not dominant in Goa namely Industrial capitalism and Finance capitalism. Merchant capitalism in Goa developed in historical way. It is a part of colonialism. Portuguese wanted control of the port to source material from Asia to Europe directly. Earlier trade from Asia used to reach Europe via innumerable intermediary traders. The so called discovery of sea route to India by Portuguese sailor done away with need for intermediary traders. Merchant capitalism has its origin here. With direct trade from Asia to Europe (and also from Latin America to Europe with so called discovery by Columbus) merchants were becoming stronger that caused decline in influence of Feudal and Royal families. However merchants were culturally marginalized, example Jews.
Conversion to Christianity in Goa has not always been with the use of force. Lots of people also converted willingly to escape tyranny of prevalent caste system during Portuguese rule.
Portuguese carried on their colonial administration in Goa through auctioning of revenue collection system. Brahmins in Goa has a characteristic that is different to Brahmins in the rest of India. They are both landowning as well as businessmen. In fact they are merchants first before getting involved in mining. In the 19th century Portuguese Colonial power declined but local elites in the colonies became stronger in local economies. Portuguese had to depend upon local merchants to keep its colonial enterprise afloat.
Post colonial period economy and politics was dominated by elites. This was done through continues engagements in reproduction of dominance and eliminate everyone else. One example to this is in 1990s downfall of Du Pont project in Keri, Ponda was influenced by mining lobby that is dominated by merchant capital. If Nylon 6,6 had to come to Goa then power and influence of dominant elite would have eroded.
1960s witnessed rise of tourism in Goa. This is a historical response of marginalized population of Goa with eye for survival. Five star tourism institutions want to get rid of peasant households on coast. Peasant households erode five star type of tourism through their participation a control in the tourism trade on Goa Coast.
In Goa’s mining industry no processing neither value addition taking place. Merchant Capital and it is very exploitative in mining in hinterland and through environmental costs in tourism. Both do transfer of money and not products.
Tourism did not challenge the dominance of elites. Goa has a particular type of development – short circuit!
It is not enough to be anti-mining or anti-something alone. It is a distraction towards strategy to create power of the excluded people. There is a need to strategize to erode the influence of mercantile capital. In this process it is important to go back to the study of classical material and re-read. You may find gems for your strategy. We don’t have to be destructive but creative and consistent to be successful in the struggle.
Elites in the Merchant capital do many things to deep themselves in dominant position. Writing history is one of them. It is an act of power. Philanthropy is another thing that elites resort to keep themselves in power. There is a need to expose the nexus of dominance of merchant capital in Goa. Mahasweta Devi once asked “Why would soldier wield the sword? Obviously a sword is to eliminate the bad guy!” Pen is more powerful than sword. It is used to write, to convey, and to inform. We have the evidence but not able to connect and interconnect.
During Portuguese rule Ganvkaris were brought under the influence of few families. Rights were changed to ownership rights. Process of state formation is selective process involving only those were are politically engaged.
Tourism in Goa has been important process of confidence building for large number of people in Goa. There is a need to recognize history making ability of people. Historian of Goa has written partial history. We need to politicize what we learn.
There is need to capacity to understand diverse types of capitalism in the world simultaneously. In Goa there is primitive accumulation of capital through real estate as well as mining.
There is a need for creating new forms of resistance like environment movement. There must also be coordination between politics of mining protests groups with tourism protest groups. There is also the need protect state services like Health, Education etc. In 1980s 70% of the price was controlled by the State. Private sector had control over only 30% of the global price determination process. Now the private sector seeks to influence remaining 70% of the economy too. This will drastically push large number of people into marginalized position.
Why we need public-private partnership in Hospitals? Why can’t we just improve public hospitals? In fact public hospitals in Goa like GMC are better and affordable. The aim of private elements is just to exploit.
There is need in Goa to form a small voluntary study group dedicated towards study of classical literature such as 3 volumes of 'Capital'.
Raghuraman Trichur has authored an article titled “Politics of Goan Historiography” wherein his arguments are further elucidated. He also has worked on Goa for his doctoral studies in late 1990s.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Goa: from trading post to tourism destination

Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST) invites you to public lecture "Goa: From trading post to tourism destination" by Dr. Raghuraman Trichur, Associate Professor and Department Chair, California State University, Sacramento, California, USA on 29 July 2010 at 3.30 pm at Bal Bharati High School, Ribandar, Goa.

Prof. Trichur has completed his doctoral studies on Goa a decade ago and follows developments unfolding in Goa ever since. The lecture is organised as part of ongoing Dr. Bikram Dasgupta memorial public lecture series. This is a third in the series.

Notes from Dr. Bikram Dasgupta memorial lecture on 19 June 2010 by Markus Kroger

It was nice afternoon on June 19, 2010 at T.B.Cunha hall that witnessed passionate presentation and intense discussions on the topic ‘Co-operatives as a key to democracy, social equality and sustainable development: the case of Finland’ by Finnish scholar Markus Kroger. Organised by Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST) as a second in the occasional lecture series in memory of late Dr. Bikram Dasgupta.

Although it was not possible to capture all the points that came for presentation and subsequent discussions here are few of them:

96% of dairy production in Finland is governed by cooperatives. Finland has the population of 5 million people out of which 1.5 million are members of cooperatives with 50,000 employed on salary basis. Meat sector is 100% dominated by cooperatives. Agriculture and Forestry has 45% dominance of cooperatives. There is also large consumer co-operatives that are successfully posing major challenge to even international chains like wall mart.

Cooperatives started 110 years ago and soon its inception both left as well as right attacked them as it posed as new power house. However within 20 years it founded new political party. In 1920s this political party carried on agrarian reforms in Finland and distributed land and forest for landless. Cooperatives led to higher level of competition in the economy as they were able to get the products ready with low cost input and high quality output. For this reason capitalist later also supported the cooperatives as they too valued high quality of products. Paper industry also included the involvement of cooperatives. Historically paper industry has been the backbone of Finland economy.

From 12^th to 19^th Century Finland was a colony of Sweden and then later was under Russia ruled by its Czar. Finland was used by Czar to showcase its welfare facet as against its repressive military facet that was visible in Poland of that time. Finland benefitted from this footnote in history in a major way.

Finland is composed of different tribes and its economy and politics for a long time was controlled by Swedish minority in Finland.

Russia turned repressive towards the end of 19^th century as a response to rising wave of patriotism. Cooperatives were a response to repression as formation was cooperatives was legal. Strong linkages developed between intellectuals and masses in Finland.

Finland witnessed civil war in 1918 when left wing and right wing political parties fought each other on streets. It was a bloody war as both the parties had raised their own armies and they clashed with each other. After the civil Finland witnessed ethnic cleansing; poor were massacred. Tens and thousands of people were put in concentration camp and killed by white army. Threat of Russian invasion continuously hovered over Finland politically and the three major power houses in Finland united to face this challenge: Cooperatives, Trade Unions, and Businesses. Finland witnessed land reforms in 1940s and 1950s wherein everyone in Finland got a new piece of forest land.

In 1990s some cooperatives in Finland went bankrupt as they has invested heavily in casinos indulging in gambling. Recently voting in cooperatives internal elections has decline as the new people are unaware of their history (of cooperatives). Also there are tensions between three traditional sectors like business houses stopped buying milk from cooperatives and instead purchase it from neighboring Sweden as it is cheaper than in Finland.

Lots of research input has gone into setting cooperatives in motion in Finland. In 1930s Nobel Prize was awarded to cooperatives for innovations. They had founded Agricultural Research Institute to facilitate research and innovations. They are faring well even in the face of global markets. 1930s and 1940s can be considered as golden period of co-operatives in Finland. It is the cooperatives that made Finland self-sufficient in food.

Education and Health care is free in Finland. Education has a major contribution from Cooperatives. People of Finland are known for their work in groups. Student movement in Finland is richest in the world owning assets worth millions of Euros. Co-operatives in Finland however do not propagate communist ideology or its affiliation to Russia. They are autonomous entities that founded centrist parties. They do not support communism in any way. The historical event known as ‘Russian Revolution’ that marked the take over of power by Bolshevik party is more of capture of power by force after losing elections from the farmers unions – kulaks by industrial workers. Agricultural unions were destroyed in this process in a systematic manner. Finland had a good army at the time of Russian revolution and could have very easily intervened to defeat the ‘revolution’. However the ruler of the time thought with foresight and considered Russian revenge later would be too costly for Finland and did not initiate armed aggression in 1917.

Currently Finland is attracting many nuclear power plants that are shut down in various parts of Europe. There are protests taking place there and one of the groups visible in protests is Greenpeace. AREVA from France is also setting up nuclear plant in Finland that has run into various types of problems. AREVA is also setting up world’s biggest nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharastra in konkan region threatening ecology and triggering off major protests currently in Maharastra.

Sebastian Rodrigues welcomed and introduced the topic and speaker, while Advocate Jatin Naik proposed vote of thanks. Around 12 people were present for this program. Hall was allowed to use free of cost by its management particularly Naguesh Karmali. NEST appreciate this gesture with gratitude.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Co-operatives as a key to democracy, social equality and sustainable development: case of Finland

Scholar from Finland Markus Kroger will deliver public lecture on the topic "Co-operatives as a key to democracy, social equality and sustainable development: case of Finland" on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 4.00 pm at T.B.Cunha Hall, Panjim, Goa.

Markus Kroger holds doctorate in Political Science from Helsinki University and traveled widely to various parts of the world including Brazil and China. He is currently on visit to India. He pursues critical engagements with issues related to industry, ecology and labour. He is fluent in Portuguese, English and Finnish languages.

The lecture is organised by voluntary organisation Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST) as part of late Dr. Bikram Dasgupta memorial occasional public lecture series.

Your participation would be highly appreciated.

Advocate Jatin Naik
Advocate Vilas Porob
Sebastian Rodrigues

Spaces, Places, and Histories: A Political Ecological Perspective

Notes from first Dr.Bikram Dasgupta memorial lecture on 5th February 2010 by Prof Alberto Gomes at Marathi Sahitya Seva Mandal Hall, Panjim. The topic of his lecture was "Spaces, Places, and Histories: A Political Ecological Perspective"

Environment is also about politics and not just ecology. That’s how it is Political Ecological Perspective. It is important to connect with Social Justice Issues in ecological movements. There is a delicate balance between Politics and Ecology.

Alberto has been researching changes taking place amongst Malaysian aborigines for the past 35 years. Long time back he heard the sounds of chain saw in the forests of Malaysia and went about to see as to from where is it was coming. He along with his few friends entered the forests and located the source: a man had put chain saw deep inside the tree. Within short time it fell down to the ground. Alberto had tears in his eyes. He was not the only one with tears in eyes; he noticed aborigines gathered around the felled tree were also with tears in theirs eyes. Alberto joined the aborigines in defense of forest. He along with his four friends launched campaign to protect the forest from the dam project. The dam company defeated the campaigners by designing the dam project in the shape of one of the symbol of Malaysian nation. The country declared the opponents of the dam projects as anti-nationals. Hence protest was not possible any longer. This was one of the first lessons Alberto learnt as to how Politics was interlined with disruptions of ecology and aborigine people. He realized that chopping of trees is required for our lifestyles.

His association with Indigenous People in Malaysia has taught him that ‘where’ is an important focus of engagements while ‘when’ was was not important. History was related to Space and not Time. While Alberto journeyed with Aborigines in the
forest they would point to stone and trees and narrate particular incidents like the behavior of their invaders with links to the particular stone or a particular tree. Each place was named. What is it mean to take away forest? Places are important because of great social significance. The aborigine histories are intimately connected with stones and trees and corresponding memories. To do away with trees from the forest also means to do away with aborigine histories. Displacement is equal to erasing of history of lives of Indigenous People.

Aborigine People have deep relation with their spirits. Before taking any significant decision people in aboriginal societies would consult and seek permissions from the spirits of the locality. After taking permission they would act based on the interpretation of their dreams. Forest belongs to the spiritual world called “Yanik Kavo”. Hunting ability of the male is located in the knees. This ability is a spirit called “Karen Sangho”. Karen Sangho is also means wife. So when a man fails in his hunting wife invokes Karen Sangho to be with her husband.

When wild pig is hunted by aborigines, just before his death the hunter goes and apologizes to the animal for hunting as they are forced to hunt in order to feed their families”.

The root cause of ecological problem is greed. Aborigine people do not have greed hence they do not create ecological problems. No individual has a right to own land. People collectively belong to land. Mainstream societies must learn from tribal people.

Tribal People’s stories needs to be recorded. Violent economy has its nemesis in ecology. Greed leads to exceeded consumption patterns. This creates situation of grievances amongst those exploited by system. The grievance then matures into armed revolts fuelling further violence.

We still do not know enough about alternatives. Instead of confronting the system there is a need to wrestle with the system as sometimes when the system is too strong it can crush its opponents. Aborigines of Malaysia have learned this art of wrestling with the system and that’s how they are surviving in Malaysian forests.

Alberto is currently working on book on ‘non-killing’ tribes world wide and understand the transformation that led them into violence. Media focus is mostly on violence. In actual reality for every incident of violence in society that are over thousand incidents of non-violence. Yet media choose to report and highlight only violence. Amongst aborigine societies violence is ridiculed.

Economic growth and sustainability cannot go together.

Sebastian Rodrigues

NEST's public lecture

PANJIM (HND): Nature Environment Society and Transformations (NEST) will organize public lecture titled "Spaces, Places, and Histories: A Political Ecological Perspective" by Prof Alberto Gomes from Department of Anthropology and Sociology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

The lecture will be held at Marathi Sahitya Seva Mandal Hall, near Central Library, Panaji at 4 pm on February 05, 2010.

Prof Gomes is a La Trobe University anthropologist involved in developing and teaching a unit for a major initiative by UNESCO to promote peace and sustainability. The four-week intensive on sustainable development and the environment focus on human conditions – poverty, inequality and how they relate to environmental problems. It is a unique approach developed by Dr Alberto Gomes that challenges the dominance of free market economics in the world eye. This is a first of Dr. Bikram Dasgupta memorial Public Lecture series organized by NEST.

Herald, 4 February 2010, Panjim

Pictures from Dr.Dasgutpa condolence meetings

Pictures by Anibel. You may read the reports online. For Chorao Island meet click here. For Panjim meet click here.

1st February Dr.Bikram Dasgupta condolences meet report

1st February 2010 witnessed condolence meeting in memory of late Dr. Bikram Dasgupta at Marathi Sahitya Seva Mandal Hall, Panjim. Around 40 people with varying degrees of associations with Dr.Dasgupta were present on the occasion.

Sebastian Rodrigues spoke about views of Dr.Dasgupta with regard to ancient Greek Philosophers that the State had suppressed philosophers like Epicurus and Democritus due to their subversive ideas and Aristotle was given privileged position. Dr. Dasgupta held that there is need to reclaim the ideas of the suppressed Greek philosophers.

Rodrigues also shared Dr.Dasgupta’s views on colonialism. Dr. Dasgupta held that British could rule Indian subcontinent for two and half centuries precisely because of weakness of Society in the sub-continent. These weaknesses continue to exist till date and if society does not overcome then it will be not long that it will be under colonial rule again. The major weakness has been disorganized nature of society that made it fall prey to Colonialism.

Rodrigues further shared about Dr. Dasgupta’s relationship with erstwhile Soviet Union in the decade of 1980s where in Soviet Union government had approached him to translate economic reports of post revolutionary Soviet Unoin highlighting indicators of prosperity into his native language Orriya. Dr. Dasgupta refused to do and instead suggested that he would be interested in translating revolutionary classic of Russian Revolution. Soviet government refused Dr. Dasgupta’s suggestion and that was an end of his very brief relations with Soviet Union.

Adv. Jatin Naik shared as to how Dr. Dasgupta contributed immensely to his studies particularly in Subaltern History, and Literature. It was Dr. Dasgupta who introduced Damodar Kosambi’s works to Naik. Dr. Dasgupta was not a member of any political party but shared left views. He remained fierce critic of left political parties for their exclusive focus on trade unionism and neglect of Party work. Jatin suggested formation of study circle and Dr. Dasgupta memorial lecture series beginning on February 05, 2010 with Public lecture “Spaces, Places, and Histories : A Political Ecological perspective” by Prof. Alberto Gomes, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia in Panjim.

Prof. A. Afonso said late Jyoti Basu as well Dr. Bikram Dasgupta both shared the ability to shock society. Dr. Dasguta has been greatest shock giver to the fossilized institution in Goa – Goa University. He was never a hero of Goa University. Prof Afonso paid homage to Dr. Dasguta for this deeds to shock the State and wreck the State. Prof. Afonso said that as a ‘Mull Goenkar’ he want the capacity to wreck the system. Dr. Dasgutpa possessed rare courage to donate his body for scientific research. He anticipated the efforts to co-opt Dr.Dasgutpa after his death by the prevailing decadent system. Co-opting the adversary will be the first step in this regard.

Prof. Sharma of Department of Hindi, Goa University shared about Dr. Dasgupta’s constant urge to do something against the establishment. Dr. Dasgupta was first one to support prostitutes in Baina beach when State Government carried on the demolitions of their houses in 2004. Dr. Dasgupta believed that academicians in the University must go out and understand and support the people such as prostitutes.

Dr. Dasgupta also had the intense concern on the occasion of Hiroshima Day mobilizations in Goa and in this connection had many discussions with Prof. Sharma. Prof. Sharma observed that Dr. Dasgupta was not a hypocrite though led a Bohemian lifestyle. Dr. Dasgupta always carried positive attitude towards doing something for Society.

Prof Sharma narrated that Dr.Dasguta had a command over large disciplines in sciences, social sciences, literature as well as paintings and never let himself to be restricted into the disciplinary prisons. He wanted to share this trend and that’s why he founded groups like NEST.

Prof Sharma asked as to what is the vision of proposed Study Circle.

Dr. Nandakumar Sawant observed that Dr. Dasgupta was untraditional. He said Dr. Dasgupta has been the inspiration to him to do annual Hiroshima Day program in his Chowgule College, Margao. Dr. Dasgupta however never participated in any of these programs. Dr. Dasgupta dissented in approach of organizing of Hiroshima Day at Chowgule College. Dr. Dasgupta wanted detail deliberative program rather than in capsule format followed at the college.

Prajal Sakhardande said that Dr. Dasgupta was fierce critic and possessed sharply analytical mind. He wanted others develop analytical mind too.

Dr. Iswar Singh Dost said that though Dr. Dasgupta died his ideas continue to exist.

Advocate Thalman Pereira said that Dr. Dasgupta carried with him rare ability of self-criticism. He said Dr.Dasgupta had ability to transmit his thought to people from all the age groups. He gave an example of his young school going son who after learning about the death of Dr.Dasgupta asked his dad if it was same Dr. Dasgupta who believed that people must never use August 2009 NEST pre-conference meet at Banda, Maharastra.

In the ensuing discussions Prof. A. Afonso stressed the need to wreck the system at Goa University. He said he has been part of Goa university planning process since 1973 when it was conceptualized as ‘Laboratory of Ideas’ where in people like Dr. Dasgupta would be the rule rather than exception. University was envisioned as place of leadership in intellectual freedom. Now the reality is the opposite. There is even a resolution that Executive Council’s deliberations should not be disclosed to anyone other than Executive Council! Goa university has become an instrument of beautification. Currently Goa university exists not because of generating ideas but because there are teachers and they cannot be done away with. Goa University’s structure is obsessed with bureaucracy. Goa Univeristy will not take humanity forward. It may take backward like what happened at recent incidents in Colva village.

Advocate Thalman Pereira said that Dr. Dasgupta immersed himself in reality and changed it by engaging with it. This example must be followed and engagements must be initiated to change the state of affairs at Goa University.

Sebastian Rodrigues explained as to how Dr. Dasgutpa advocated non-linear Sciences and had even started elective course in his Chemistry department. After couple of years he was forced to discontinue due to pressure from the department as his course had become very popular and attracting bright students. His Course on chaos and systems theory was rebel discipline within sciences dominated by Euclidian sciences. He gave series of lectures on this theme at International Centre ably supported by Rudra Prasad Pradhan but could not get any publications out on this theme.

Rodrigues explained as to how in order to prepare for the NEST annual conference in 2002 in Kalyanapuram in Tamilnadu Dr. Dasgupta conducted weekly night classes to teach and explore the theme of the year “Dynamics of Order and Disorder in Nature and Society: chaos, systems theory and chaocomplexology”. Teaching here helped Rodrigues to go to Chenai and establish network on people working in this field at IIT Chennai, Madras Institute of Development Studies, Maths Science Institute, various departments at Madras Christian College, and villagers at dalit village of Kalyanapuram in Thirumalai district of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Dasgupta was very happy when Rodrigues gifted him a book after learning the theme for few years titled ‘Thousand years of non-linear history’. He was even happier to receive a post card from 5th standard student Sunil Chalvadi in 2003 on wanting to learn Chaos theory. Sunil was introduced to the non-linear sciences by Rodrigues during tution classes. Dr. Dasgupta read out his post card in his Chemistry class at Goa University!

Rodrigues said that Dr. Dasgupta continued untiring in his efforts because he had put method in place that will bring about the change. He was organizing number of programs of discussion and study in order to fuel 'critical mass' to trigger off change. Hence he was never bothered about low attendance to many of the NEST programs. For him quality of discussions and their regularity took priority over number of participants. This view was also expressed by Dr. Nandakumar Sawant citing his interactions with Dr. Dasgupta during 2006 Pune NEST annual conference that had low turn out of participants.

Prof Afonso suggested an exercise of articulation of ideas. He suggested each one must write one page or 500 words on what one believes in - "I believe". The will lead to clarify ideas embedded in deep self and get it to the fore of life. This will clarify oneself rather than opting for one minute silence. Each one before writing out once beliefs may maintain silence for as much time as needed. One minute silence after the death of person serves no purpose.

Sebastian Rodrigues