• meeting2015 lucknow 2013 minutes

last modified September 20, 2013 by admin


Minutes of All India Consultation on the social forum process in India

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Jai Shankar Prasad Sabhaghar, Lucknow, 15th September 2013

The meeting had over 93 participants from different states and discussed all the possibilities to revive WSF process and mandate in India. The meeting was presided by HMS vice president and Anil Misra. Before starting the proceeding of meeting, Vijay pratap requested to house to remembering education activist and one of the active member of WSF Vinod Raina.  All the participants stood silent for two minutes to pay respects. .

With consent of chair, Vijay pratap oriented and shared the possible processes to revive WSF in India and Meena Menon for international processes.  The main points were as follows:

National Processes:

·         He started his sharing with historical context and salient features of deliberations emerged so far form processes organised in India.

·         Conceptualize strategies to organise WSF in India.

·         Possibilities to engage peoples’ organisation of different political outfit.  Participants/groups had suggested that they will be able to take decision after discussing with their respective senior leaders

·         Intellectual class/Think tank groups should be more strengthen

·         Possibility to adding more subjects and related groups like water privatizations and commons, Mining etc.

International process:

·         Her sharing was also started with historical context and salient features of deliberations emerged so far form processes organised in world.

·         She described the concept of open space in the social forum

·         She emphasized that how WSF processes moved to different continents. and the gains of the African process and the Tunis event.

·         The next international event will have to be in 2015 (once in two years)

Tahira- AIPWA/AISA: There was lots of discussion on communalism and communal politics and rising fascist forces in Uttar Pradesh in the background of the Muzaffarnagar riots.

With going forward with agenda of consultation, chair requested to participants to share the state reports and subsequently discussion of possible outcomes and way forward:

Uttar Pradesh reports shared by Uttam:

·         Create state level forum and organise the series of meeting to mobilize likeminded outfits in state.

·          Brought attention of house and raised serious concern on emerging fascist forces in state with citing recent examples of Muzafarnagar

·         Dealing with situation of emerging illegal mining [Especially sand] and several attack on related activist.

 Uttarakhand and Himanchal:

·         Created state level forum and organised the series of meeting to mobilize likeminded outfits in state.

·         Impact of recent communal riots of Western Uttar Pradesh in Uttarakhand, the way it is spreading and strengthening the communal and fascist forces there also.

·         Recent natural devastation and related links to man made efforts in forms of constructing dams and gross violation of ecological democratic system. It should be look in to deeply and one of the priority agenda of process.

Maharashtra:

·         Recently an informal meeting was organised and most of the core group which had been part of the 2004 process came to the meeting. A larger meeting will be held on the 27th Sept.  

·         Mumbai based groups have offered to draft political resolution/statement

·         Core group presented and legitimized the points discussed in last meeting, though consensus was made that in next meeting, the larger groups shall discuss the state agenda on 27th Sept.

There have been meetings in Jaipur also. Since most of states had not held formal meetings,  other states processes were not presented in the consultation.  Participants from Chennai shared their few suggestions on behalf of Tamil Nadu groups. They suggested that WSF process events should be linked with upcoming general election and should be organised before the same. Though some old members shared that ‘why are we connecting it with election?’, the WSF process is nothing to do with election rather it may dilute the core objectives of this! During the discussion some senior members have brought attention of house on different subjects:

Sunil Sahasbudhe:  Capitalist education systems have stopped providing space to think, read and debate. It seems social consciousness have vanished among youth. Philosophy and knowledge is essentially required in our present education system.

Ums Shankar, HMS: Almost 1 million workers are registered with HMS and as an organisation they will extend full solidarity to make WSF process a success. On behalf of HMS he had assured and offered to full support for organizing the event in Lucknow. He also emphasized that lucknow is also fulfilling all the indicators required to choosing the venue. In fact it was endorsed with large number of participants [especially UP groups]  and a very strong voice echo for same.

Participants also went back to points discussed in Chennai resolution:

·         Suggestion to discuss India to  to host the WSF in 2015

·         Another event be organised in Jan/feb 2014,

·         All states will be encouraged to hold meetings and send their response and agreement on same

·         Permutation and combinations of having the meeting India; Extensive logistic work, who will do?, how to mobilise funding considering the political mandate and related processes?

·         Focusing on small peoples’ organisation so that they should be benefitted and to be associated with large processes.

Although many suggestions came from diverse participants but there was very strong voice to organise require more consensus among all the peoples’ organisations/network to take forward the process. Chennai participants reminded house that Chennai is ready to be a venue.

Sharing of Nepal groups:

·         Emphasized on the need for a border forum meeting

·         In Nepal politics is totally polarized which is matter of serious concern. It would also lead to weaken all the democratical forces and establishments

Sharing of CECOEDECON: There is process in Rajasthan, meeting held in Jaipur

·         A larger number of people/groups of Rajasthan had participated in Tunis process.

·         Due to proximity of Delhi and indicators required for choosing the venue, they have also offered and claim on behalf of Rajasthan that Jaipur can be also very viable option to organise the event.

Sharing of Ajai Prakash from Lucknow University:

He had tried to discuss on all the indicators step by step for stressing to choose Lucknow as a venue for the 2014 event. Some of his raised points are following:

·         The largest population in the country

·         Media is very vibrant and pro-active

·         Recent success of Kumbh fair can be cited as a successful event in recent times, which also reflects that the place is proficient enough to organise the event

·         Larger number of youth is neither aware nor sensitize about emerging political issues and WSF objectives. Considering the present of mammoth education hub, a larger number of youth cum student can be mobilized for same.

·         From logistic and connectivity point of view, is would be very convenient esp for the North

·         Presence of large number of secular political wings/outfits

There were some subjects/points repeatedly discussed.

·         Taking forward this process politically, keeping coming general election in mind

·         Vibrant questions need to be addressed; Retrospect, debate, review

·         The communal polarization and strong emergence of fascist

·         Influencing youth through social networking site

·         WSF processes should it be linked with election processes at all?

Due to involvement of left groups in coming election, the event should plan accordingly- they will be busy with elections, so keeping this in mind.

Decisions

·         India will propose to host the WSF 2015 in India. This will be communicated to the International Council, and the proposal will be discussed with other countries.

·         In 2014 , there will be a South Asia Social Forum to be help in Lucknow. Lucknow was considered the best venue for the present in terms of all the criteria set out in the Bhopal declaration. Lucknow groups will have a separate meeting immediately to discuss dates and to get consensus on  their preparedness.

·         South Asian groups, especially those in Dhakla to be contacted to organize a possible South asia meeting in Kathmandu.

Deliberations of UP participants separate meeting:

·        All are set to organise South-Asia forum in Lucknow. Suggested dates -14-18 Feb 2014

·        First preparatory meeting is scheduled for 21st September 2013

·        Need immediate guidance and support from an All India  committee; Programmatic, cultural, Resource mobilization, Themes and Inaugural

·        Arundhati of NAPM: Discuss with all the groups associated with WSF processes to take  it forward

·        Uma Shankar of HMS: He will get back to us after discussing with senior members and union advisory board

·        CPI supported organisations:  Need some time to discuss with all senior members

·        Taking inputs from South Asia groups: Meena Menon and Anil Misra and Nepal groups will help

·        Formation of Adhoc organsing committee to be finalized in subsequent meetings

·        Set-up a office/secretariat: Some local organisation can take the responsibility

·        Setting up of local committees for Venue/Logistics, media communication, office team, Liaison, resource, mobilization.

·        Prepare a budget to raise money

·        Facilitators; Utkarsh, Ambarish, Tahira, Ram Kumar, Ajai Prakash, Ashish

NEXT NATIONAL MEETING WILL BE ON 19TH OCTOBER 2013 IN DELHI . Important tasks for 19th meeting in Delhi:

·        Distribute WSF Charter

·        Formation of the India General Council

·        Draft proposal for the IC regarding the hosting of the 2015 Forum.

·        Formation of committees: esp Resource, Mobilisation, Content

·        Main themes and content

 

Participants in the Sept 15th 2013 WSF national consultation meeting in Lucknow

SHIVA GOPAL MISHRA           General Secretary, All India Railway men Federation

GIRISH (DR.)                          AITUC

GIRISH PANDEY                      HMS

SHALIENDRA DUBEY              Electricity Employees Union

ARUNDHATI DHURU              NAPM

VANDANA MISHRA                PUCL

TAHIRA HASAN                       AIPWA

SANJEEV SINHA                      Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti & All India Peoples Science Network (AIPSN),

UMA SHANKAR MISHRA        General Secy,  Hmd Mazdoor Sabha,

A. K. SHUKLA                          HMS/NRMU

A. S. BAHAR                            WORLD

AAKASH KUMAR                    

ADITYA THAKUR                     RTI Forum,

AJAI PRAKASH (DR.)               University of Lucknow,

AKSHAY MATHUR                  CECOEDECON,

ALOK                                                 

AMBRISH KUMAR

AMITABH THAKUR                 RTI Forum, 5/426,

ANIL MISHRA                         J.P. Foundation for Asisan Democracy

ANOOP BAJPAI                       N.R.M.U., RLY, S-721, Eldeco-II, Sanskruti Enclave, Lucknow-25

ANSHUMAN SINGH                WADA Foundation,

ANURAG                                 DAG,

ARUN GOPAL MISHRA                       Northern Railway Mens Union (AIRF/HMS),

ASHISH AWASTHI      

ASHOK KUMAR YADAV          NRMU/HMS,

ASHUTOSH SINGH                  GMCFJ

AVINASH PANDEY                   Hind Mazdoor Sabha,

B. D. MISHRA                         NRMU, Rlys, Loko Workshop/eb/Lucknow

BENU                                      DAG, Lucknow

BHANU (DR.)                          BGVS,

BHAWA RAJ REGMI                NEEDS-NEPAL,

BHOLA BHATTARAI                National Forum for Advocacy , Nepal (NAFAN),

BHUWAN PATHAK                  Himachal Niti Sambad, SADED (Uttarakhand),

BIPIN RAI                                Action Aid, Delhi

CHANDAN KUMAR                 UWU, ActionAid India, Delhi, India

CHITRA SAHASRABUDHEY:    Lokvidya Jan Andolan, Vidya Ashram, Sarnath,

DATTA ISWALKAR                   GKSS,, Mumbai

DAUD FURKAN                       Hindi   Aag wo Inclabi,  Lucknow

DINESH SHAKYA                     Etawab (U.P.)

EKTA                                       Lokavidya Jan Andolan, Lovidya Ashram, Singrauli, M.P.

G. RANGANAYAKI                   Women’s Collective, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

GEETA                                     National Domestic Workers Union, Lucknow

GOPAL                                    Himachal Niti Sambad, Uttarakhand

HARISHANKAR SHAHI MEDIA, Bahraich

JEETENDER KUMAR SINGH    PAHAL, Delhi

K. P. GAUR                              Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan(HMS), , Lucknow

K.M. SNEKA                            HMS/NRMU

KABITA BYDHATHOKI             Raja Kotha Yuva Kalb Darchula, Nepal

L. N. PATHAK                          HMS/ AIRF, Lucknow

LAXMAN PRASAD RAJAK,       Change Society Nepal, Nepal

MANOJ K. SINAL                     Chhodiyakaharu, Kathmandu, Nepal

MANOJ KUMAR MISHRA       NRMU

MASTA BIR KARIYAKANGRALWA: Pahichan FM. Kanchnpur, Nepal,

MEENA R MENON                  Citizens Rights Collective  (Action Aid), New Delhi

MOHAN BARAL                      DNF, Nepal, Baitadi, Nepal

MOHIT KUMAR                      NRMU

NAREUDERA MISHRA A          vadhnama (Hindi), Lucknow

NEEL KAMAL                          Channel One News, Etawah

NUTAN THAKUR                     RTI Forum, Lucknow

P. K. SHUKLA                           Rlys,

PADAM BAHADUR THAPA: SADED, 30B, Ber Sarai, Delhi

PHOOLMAN CHAUDHARY     Shuklaphanta , Nepal

PRAHALAD PANTA                  SADED-NEPAL, Kathmandu, Nepal

PRAVESH VERMA                   SAHAYOG, Lucknow

R. CHITHRA DEVI                    (Coordinator), Women’s Collective,  Tamil Nadu

RAGHUPATI                            SGSS, Patna

RAJAN DALVI                          GKSS, Mumbai

RAJNI KANT MUDGAL            N         ew Delhi

RAKESH SHAKYA                     NRMU, Rly, , Lucknow

RAM DHIRAJ                           Rashtra Nirman Abhiyan,

RAVI SHEKHAR                       Lokavidya Ashram, Singrauli, M.P.

S K BAJPAI                               NRMU/HMS, Lucknow

S. HUSAIN WAHEED               Sis Syed Forum, Aligarh

S. P. SINGH                             Rly, NRMU/ Lucknow

SANJAY RAI                             AIM, , Lucknow

SANJEEV RATNA SINGH          GOF, , Lucknow

SANJEEVA KUMAR SRIVASTAVA: : Raos Triys Sahara, Aliganj, Lucknow

SHANTI SWARUP BANSAL      Business, , Lucknow-226018

SHEKHAR SINGH                     Former President, Chhatra Janata Dal, 2Allahabad

SHISHIR SHARMA                   CECOEDECON, Jaipur

SHYAM KISHORE JAISWAL     Srujan Lok Hit Samiti, , Singrouli, M.P

SIDDHARTH KALHANS                        IFWJ, Lucknow

SNEH MADHUR NAJAR          National Duniya, Lucknow-226001

 SUEKHA RANA                       GKSS, Mumbai

SUDHA                                              

SUDHA BAJPAI (DR.)              Sir Mahavir Prasad Degree College, , Lucknow

SUNIL SAHASRABUDHEY        Lokvidya Jan Andolan, Vidya Ashram, Varanasi,

SUNILAM (DR.)                       Kisan Sangharsh Samiti-NAPM,  Multai

UDDHAB PYAKUREL               SADED-NEPAL, Kathmandu

UTKARSH KR. SINHA               Avadhnama (Hindi), Lucknow

VIJAY PRATAP                         SADED, New Delhi-67

VIRENDRA KUMAR YADAV:   NRMU, , Lucknow

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