Hotbed Of Activism

Sutanu Guru analyses why the controversy surrounding genetically modified crops has erupted all over again.

- Sutanu Guru

OVER TIME AND WITH years of focused work, some names and faces get inextricably linked with “causes”. Medha Patkar, for instance, always reminds us of Narmada Dam. Or Aruna Roy whose dedicated efforts over more than four decades to implement grassroots reform in rural India have left an indelible footprint. Then there is Union minister Maneka Gandhi whose love for animals has become legendary, albeit a bit controversial sometimes. Arundhati Roy, of course, has emerged as the goddess of myriad causes, some that involve even oxymorons like ‘Gandhians with guns’. Since 1980s, Sunita Narain has acquired a formidable reputation as a crusader for environment usually backing her activism with science and data. Till some time ago, Madhu Kishwar was celebrated as a women’s rights activist. But she has been banished into intellectual exile by the activism establishment ever since she became a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There are many more.

But rounding off this diverse gallery of personalities is Vandana Shiva. She has an impish smile that belies the passion with which she fights for her cause -- to prevent genetically modified crops and food from entering the agricultural and food chain in the country. Shiva is convinced that greedy multinationals have co-opted even more greedy officials and politicians in India to destroy the unique agricultural heritage of India. While she has been at it for decades, her current passion relates to the proposed introduction of GM mustard in the country and the introduction of a variety called Golden Rice in many Third World countries.

Field trials for GM mustard have been conducted extensively in India. And an official committee has described the ‘home-grown’ GM mustard seed as safe for consumption and invited public comments till the first week of October.