“History Challenges Modi in China” by Manoranjan Mohanty (EPW, 30 May 2015) is a candid piece of writing that accepts the positive impact on India due to the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China. India’s position vis-à-vis China is well reflected, linking cultural and trade issues.
A disaster, according to the National Policy on Disaster Management (2009), is “a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence from natural or man-made causes, which is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community”.
Manoranjan Mohanty’s commentary on “America’s Geronimo” (EPW, 21 May 2011) seems to somehow belittle America’s effort to curb the phenomenon of global terrorism, of which India is also a victim.
A study of the displacement and resettlement due to two dams, and a protest movement against a smelting plant in Thailand brings out strikingly similar issues with those seen recently in Orissa and West Bengal - loss of livelihoods, inadequate and delayed compensation, corruption and involvement of government officials, and social disintegration of communities. It brings out the role of resistance through participation of the displaced people and leadership of the local civil society organisations in the process of resettlement management.
