A Voice from Koodankulam @ The World Court of Women against War for Peace, 2015, Bangalore

The World Court of Women against War for Peace, 2015 was convened at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, India on November 16, 2015. Along with several other esteemed personalities, the event was blessed with the presence of Dr. S. P Udayakumar, the long-standing activist leading the protests against the Koodankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The following is an excerpt from the conversation he had with a few students from Christ University, Bangalore.

1.    Koodankulam has hit the headlines many times and the issue has gained much public support. How did you succeed in mobilising the people for this cause?

I believe in the truth of our goal. We are not against development though we are very often labelled so. I could make people understand the real dangers of this venture. The fact that the very existence of the people is in question lead them to organise such a mass movement.

2.    Considering that many of the inhabitants of the place are not very educated or exposed towards an issue like this, how difficult was it to mobilise people to come up with the protest?

In my experience, what I observed is that, though they were not the privileged people, the level of confidence they have is incomparable. That is our greatest strength. Education is not a determining factor determining their willpower. Strong convictions and incorrupt morale is what is guiding the activists. Once the people realised that this is a struggle not only for themselves but also for the future, there was not any difficulty in any respect.

3.    As someone who is working closely with the so called backward sections of the society, do you see any gender issues at work with regard to Koodankulam protest?

As I know it, the women of this area has shown impeccable courage and responsibility. They do not see themselves as victims or less fortunate anymore. The women activists, very much conscious of their rights and duties as citizens, are in no way inferior to any other group. In fact, their grasping abilities and unique thinking are far better than mine.

4.    How hopeful are you about this movement’s future and what according to you is the backbone of responses like this in our country?

I have no doubt about the success of this movement. My hope is in the students like you who are well aware of what the society demands at this point of time. I have immense hope in the potential of young activists and informed leaders. The response of the student community in many incidents is promising.

5.    What is your message to the student community?

You are all lucky enough to have quality education. This can work wonders. Students like you should seriously think of the plight and the rights of people around you and intervene in issues constructively.