The volunteers of LRS worked very hard throughout the week to mobilize the residents to join in and participate in the event. They met with men, women, boys and girls in small groups of 15-20 and conducted nukkad (community) meetings carrying out series of discussion on the themes “60 Years of Republic”, “Effects of Price Rise” and what does “azaadi” (Freedom) mean to them.
The event was organized in an open area where the stage was nicely decorated with Lok Raj Sangathan’s banners and flags. The cultural event included essay writing and speech competition for boys and girls of Madanpur Khadar.
Around 15 boys and girls participated in the essay writing and wrote relevant and meaningful essays. Almost all of them except one wrote on the issue of price rise. Their writing clearly indicates their agony and frustration about price rise. They clearly mentioned in their writings how the price rise is impacting their education, food sufficiency, increasing malnutrition and aiding the deterioration of overall quality of life.
While the results were being evaluated, two senior LRS members sang a song “kaisi yeh azaadi jisme, jaldi hain zinda behnen…”
This was followed by a vibrant speech by the Secretary of Lok Raj Samiti – Sanjay Colony, who talked about the benefits of forming a Lokraj Samiti and explained the struggles that Lok Raj Samiti – Sanjay Colony faced regarding water supply for people and students of corporation schools, toilets, availability of teachers, ration cards to ensure food security, appropriate toilet facilities for the women of the slums and mentioned that these issues were raised with the Municipal Commissioner and MLA and Delhi Government. Representative of the Purogami Mahila Sangathan also raised the issue of toilets and sanitation in the area and appealed that the women and residents of the area should raise their voice and put forward their demands. Representative of Hind Naujawan Ekta Sabha (HNES) also raised the question of ‘real independence’ and talked about the apathy of the Government with regard to education for youth and unemployment as well as poor working conditions of workers.
The President of All India Committee of LRS explained the real meaning of independence: “where every citizen of the country leads a good quality life with dignity”. President of Delhi Committee of LRS also motivated the people to take power into their own hands rather than following the leading political parties of India. A local resident expressed his desire to talk and he thanked the Lok Raj Sangathan for all the good work it has being doing.
One of the senior citizens of Madanpur Khadar Extension was invited to distribute prizes to the winners of the various competitions.
Finally, members of Lok Raj Sangathan made a presentation on the Food Security Act and explained the hidden facts behind the policy to the people of colony. The presenter explained that the Government’s policy is against the poor of the country. The government has enough money to spend and give away to the capitalist class but has no intentions of ensuring that the people don’t go hungry. He presented some eye opening statistics that unveiled the government’s hidden intentions.
by LRS, Delhi Field Correspondent
