'Social movements play an important role in
bringing about changes in society. With reference
to this statement, choose any two different social
movements that you have studied and comment
on:
(i) the issues related to the movement, and
(ii) how the movement has brought about
changes in Indian society.
Answers
Explanation:
Social movement: Environmental
Movement: Narmada Bachao Andolan
Related issues: The construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada would have led to displacement (i.e., loss of livelihood for tribal and local people.)
Important points:
1. To protest against it, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) emerged in 1985 under the leadership of Medha Patkar.
2. It became an international movement.
3. In October 1994, Medha Patkar went on indefinite dharna to pressurise the State governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and MP.
4. The movement suggested alternative methods for the generation of electricity and rehabilitation of the displaced.
Resultant changes:
1. Chipko stands for 'hug-the-tree'. It is a unique movement started by Amrita Devi.
2. It is marked by the Gandhian principle of nonviolence and known for the active participation of women.
3. The movement started in March 1973 in Chamoli district (Himalayan region) under the leadership of Sunderlal Bahuguna.
Related issues:
1. Most of the Chamoli district is covered by forests and the livelihood of inhabitants there is linked to forests. However, indiscriminate use of forest land led to deforestation.
2. Industrialisation and development led to improvements in transport and communication networks.
3. People involved in developmental projects challenged the established claim of local people on forests.
4. Loss of means of livelihood affected and angered people leading to the emergence of the movement.
5. In April 1973, when contractors and workers reached Mandal village to cut the trees in jungle spaces allotted to them by the State government, inhabitants hugged the trees so as to resist and mark their protest.
Resultant changes:
1. The action happened at a mass level and so, the authorities had to retreat.
2. This incident boosted the morale of several other groups facing similar problems to get together and to protest against deforestation.