tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5653188975343905818.post2794127202930542414..comments2024-03-23T15:12:26.734+05:30Comments on Reinventing memories: The valley of fearSantanu Sinha Chaudhurihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062744470522359652noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5653188975343905818.post-6557793572950416142009-02-03T18:35:00.001+05:302009-02-03T18:35:00.001+05:30A recent news from my locality - a group of dacoit...A recent news from my locality - a group of dacoits were arrested recently when they were standing on the highway dressed in Police uniform waiting for a huge ransom from a millionaire. This is one of the many events that are taking place in the urban areas. One can easily get a hint of what must be going on in the rural areas.Subhanjanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13754980269154740990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5653188975343905818.post-29060775000032773242009-02-03T01:25:00.000+05:302009-02-03T01:25:00.000+05:30I am sorry to say that I have little idea of the v...I am sorry to say that I have little idea of the violence in rural Bengal other than what has been documented in history or reported in popular media. Having said that, recently I read an article about Sunderbans where I found out that Gosaba ranks among the bottom 13 per cent of all the blocks and tehsils of rural India. However, saddest part is, it is not so poorly off compared to its three neighbouring blocks. Kultali (population: 188,000) ranks in the bottom 4 per cent; Basanti (population: 279,000) is in the bottom 3 per cent; and Canning II (population: 196,000) is in the bottom 1.5 per cent. Even if we assume that Government data is not completely reliable, it is enough to paint a very gloomy picture. <BR/><BR/>Preference for urban areas are often cited as reasons for neglecting rural areas, but I don't think as far as hooliganism is concerned urban areas fare any better. Numerous incidents crop up regarding extortion during Pujo etc.<BR/><BR/>Problem is we are in a situation where every time we exercise our democratic right (the only tool that we have) we have to choose the lesser evil. While one can say, unless and until we opt for a change how would we know whether it shall be good or bad? However, the alternative choice of governance doesn’t seem to paint any bright picture either which may work as a motivation for people to opt for a change. This issue plagued me when I myself was involved in politics as a student. It can only leave people absolutely disillusioned as most of us are to-day. This disillusionment is a gift to us to render us ineffective. That is why, I believe as concerned citizens, if we do our things right, we can at least help provide better life to some. None other than us ourselves can help the situation. Therefore, rather than looking up to the celebrities, established social workers, politicians even if it is in the smallest possible way, we have to take up the mantle. While removing violence from the state may seem improbable but to start with we can at least be vigilant.Tanmoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10472125805572571597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5653188975343905818.post-9118367331731295562009-02-01T13:11:00.000+05:302009-02-01T13:11:00.000+05:30This comment has been removed by the author.Suvro Chatterjeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027202980259279420noreply@blogger.com