Since 90s a new wave of 'modernisation' is under progress in the name of liberalising the economy which would remove the chains shackling the Indian tiger, as claimed by the ruling classes. The progress on the social fronts, what so ever, made till now has come under sever attack. This process of neo-liberal globalisation has since then led to great churning and political consternation among sections of society. They are now refusing to live by oppression, inequality and staking claims like never before. These ripples of protest, resistance to designs of ruling classes coupled with capital, national and international, is built on the wave of new social movements which emerged after 'Emergency of India' in 70s. In some ways, the liberalisation of ideas, political principles, human rights ideals and a vision for the equitable and less consumptive society and development started in that period. The period saw the convergence of different political tendencies : socialists, Gandhians, Marxists Leninist, Amdekarites and others giving birth to women's movements, environmental movement, new labour movement, appropriate technology movement and seeds of urban movement. These movements challenged the established political forms of nationalism, developmentalism and pushed for an identity politics like never before and the question of dignity acquired a new significance.  

About Speaker: Madhuresh Kumar

Madhuresh Kumar is one of three National Organizers for National Alliance for People's Movement (NAPM) , NAPM is India's biggest consortium of around 250+ NGO's spread across India who are fighting for social inequality, land rights, corruption, etc. He is based at the NAPM Coordination Office in Delhi. He provides central support for campaigns and movements across the country and coordinates activities of members of the alliance. He is responsible for research and fact-finding, policy advocacy, program planning, communications and logistics. Madhuresh has been involved in various campaigns such as the repeal of the Land Acquisition Act 1894 and the enactment of a comprehensive national legislation on development planning, anti nuclear power, anti police & state sponsored brutality, anti AFSPA, strengthening the Food Security Bill, as well as slum dwellers' right to housing and Anti-Corruption.