Peoples’ movements must be acknowledged as the fifth pillar of democracy, said speakers at the 93rd birth anniversary of Pradyumna Bal, held at Pragativadi Office Premises.
Environmentalists, farmers, labor leaders, and intellectuals gathered to honor Bal’s legacy and discuss the growing threats to democratic institutions. Green Nobel laureate Prafulla Samantara warned that corporate control over forests, land, and water endangers the nation’s future. He emphasized that decisions about public resources must remain with the people.
Farmer leader Lingaraj recalled Bal’s fearless journalism in Pragativadi, which consistently opposed corporate encroachment. He noted that today’s economic system is entirely captured by corporate interests, making citizens’ movements more critical than ever.
CPI(M) leader Suresh Panigrahi praised Pragativadi for providing a platform when others failed. He stressed that grassroots voices must shape national discourse. Former legislator N. Narayan Reddy recounted how Bal united Odisha’s top leaders in 1989, catalyzing political change.
Professor Dhaneswar Sahu argued that Peoples’ movements should address injustice, ignorance, and anti-human policies. He cited Odisha’s historical movements like Gandhamardan and Kashipur as examples of successful resistance.
Speakers criticized the erosion of constitutional values and the rise of authoritarian forces. They called for renewed activism to protect nature, education, and indigenous rights. Former Vice-Chancellor Kumarbar Das concluded that development without humanity leads to destruction.
The gathering reaffirmed that Peoples’ movements are essential to preserving democracy, echoing Pradyumna Bal’s belief that journalism must always serve the people.
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