Nandini Satpathy was a ‘leader of substance’

India Post released a commemorative Post Card on the occasion of the 82nd birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Nandini Satpathy.

REMEMBERING THE LEADER: Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury, Editor of ‘Dharitri’ and ‘Orissa Post’ Tathagata Satpathy and CPI-M Politburo member Brinda Karat releasing a commemorative post card on the occasion of the 82nd birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy, at Soochana Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Monday 

Bhubaneswar, June 10: Glowing tributes were paid to former Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy on the occasion of the late leader’s 82nd birth anniversary here Monday. A discussion session held at Soochana Bhawan saw CPI-M Politburo member Brinda Karat and Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury praising the contributions of Satpathy for the all-inclusive development of the State and her fight for women empowerment.

Both Karat and Chowdhury released a special illustrated post card on the leader and said she had set an example by becoming the first woman CM of Orissa, a feat that was unthinkable during the 1970s. They also lighted the lamp and paid floral tributes to the former CM.

Speaking on Satpathy, Karat said she was very happy to celebrate the life of a woman who showed great courage and will power and proved to the world that she was not lesser in merit than anybody. Karat also said that while many leaders tended to forget the ordinary people as they climbed the ladder of success, Satpathy was different.

“Nandiniji continued her links with people and their movements and even after becoming the CM, she maintained those links,” the veteran politician said, adding Satpathy was a multi-dimensional personality who demonstrated excellence in various fields ranging from politics to literature. It was during the stint of Satpathy that Orissa witnessed major land reform initiatives, Karat noted, and added that during her tenure more than 1.60 lakhacre of land were distributed among the landless and poor.

Speaking on the topic of social divisions in the society and the ways to overcome it, the CPI-M Politburo member said the present factors that contributed to social division were different, as against the earlier parameters of caste, creed and religion. “The driving force that is now multiplying the social divide is the government’s economic policies,” she said.

She said the increasing economic inequality between nations, castes and even men and women was accentuating social division. Giving an example, she said the US today had 10 per cent rich people who held more wealth than the rest –the 90 per cent of the country’s population. “The deregulation of economic policies has allowed foreign companies to intrude into other markets,” the senior leader said.

Speaking on the plight of tribals in Orissa, Karat said, “Tribals in the State live on mineral-rich land, but to extract minerals, they are being displaced. Adivasis who were displaced from their habitat are not enjoying the benefits gained through the mining of minerals. Even the country is not getting much benefit. However, a majority of the benefit is enjoyed by a few corporates who earned huge sums from mineral export,” she said.

Karat suggested that wider mobilization on the lines of social unity was required to address the problem of social divide. “We can address this problem of social divide only if the real issues relating to the main problem are solved,” she said.

Reiterating the views of Karat on Nandini Satpathy, chief speaker of the event Renuka Chowdhury said Satpathy was a fearless leader and was responsive to the problems of the agrarian community that made her popular.

Chowdhury, while speaking on issues related to social divide, said social divide has remained in the society since time immemorial. “We must not forget that we belong to a society that has evolved from the days of Sati to women achieving success in sports, politics and in the public domain,” the Congress leader said, adding that change was the only constant thing in society.

She also said Government, over time, has introduced many policy changes that resulted in considerable changes in the society. Giving examples, she said the Right to Education Act, the direct cash transfer, the microfinance scheme for women, reservation for women in politics, property inheritance rights for daughters, creation of special banks for women and initiatives to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates are going to bring in major changes in the society.

Chowdhury also said that Government has taken various measures to empower the poor and downtrodden classes, the backwards, the minorities and women. “Change has already started and India is constantly evolving. Our country has the youngest population in the world and it is a great asset for us.” The Congress spokesperson also said that while Japan, Germany and many European countries were reducing their budget for health and education, India had increased its budget for the two sectors.

Speaking on the solutions to the problem of social divide, she said that collective effort was required to motivate and orient the citizens to ensure social reforms. “As long as we allow divisive politics, we cannot solve the problem; and the onus is on us to bring in the change,” she added.

Editor of ‘Dharitri’ and ‘Orissa Post’ Tathagata Satpathy, the son of the former CM, said the sole aim of the event was not to discuss the life and works of Nandini Satpathy, but to “bring in new ideas, new thoughts, new people and a new vision that can enrich the dreams of the leaders and intellectuals of Orissa, with the experience of others who have struggled a lot.”

CEO Adyasha Satpathy presented both the guests with their portraits drawn by artist Manas Jena. PNN

Source : http://indialocalnews.in