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World Social Forum kicks off in India |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Thursday, 15 January 2004 |
Exotic urban Mumbai, India will be site of a smorgasboard gathering of anti-globalization activists from hundreds of NGOs across the world starting tomorrow Jan. 16-21.
Hundreds of workshops and thousands of NGO and organizational workers will post streamers, exhibits, books, statements tackling poverty, war, militarization, US hegemony and related issues at the conference site at NESCO.
Opening rites yesterday here in overpopulated Mumbai was met with a "sea" of faces, dances, colors in a "gathering of humanity." Indigenous peoples, Tibetans, religious leaders, peasants marched across the massive exhibition center at the WOrld Social FOrum rallying for justice in their respective areas. "Another world is possible," called out the speakers, mostly Indian activists of global stature, including Booker Prize awardee and New york-based female writer Ayudranat Roy, who spoke before thousands. "A world where there is no oppression and injustice," as most speakers called for a condemnation of the US occupation of Iraq. "We have to make stand against imperialism," the charismatic Roy said. The Prime Minister wasn't able to attend but his speech was read before the crowd
Philippine delegates come from more than 30 organizations representing basic sectors - farmers, youth, women and entities such as Manila-based Institute of Popular Democracy (IPD). Prominent activists Walden Bello, Joel Rocamorra (IPD) and Princess Nemenzo (Women's Action Network).
Organizers of the annual forum are Bangkok-based Focus on the Global SOuth with Philippine co-organizer Freedom from Debt Coalition and Jubilee SOuth.
This writer will speak on a workshop on January 20 organized by the Asian Regional Action Network (ARENA) and Asian People'sALliance (APA) regarding 9-11 and Militarization: Peace Initiatives of Women in Mindanao.
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