Balagopal Remembered in Udupi
K. Phaniraj, drawing a parallel between Balagopal and one of his comrades, Narendranath, highlighted some of the causes both of the rights activists fought for. Both of them championed causes like peasants’ land struggles, violence by state and naxals in badlands of Andhrapradesh, violence perpatrated by the state and the insurgents in Kashmir etc. He pointed out on how Balagopal was a massive threat for the gargantuan state power as he questioned the fundamental principles and deceit upon which the Indian state was carrying on its violence with great impunity. Thus, he also lambasted the elements in society like the state machinery and the media that mocks the human rights activists as human rightswallas (meaning to say, unnecessary irritants). Phaniraj drew the attention of the audience to the question why the state was by nature, a structure of great power and immense violence and hence was far more powerful than any of its dissenters. This he said, was why Human Rights activists, with their flesh, blood and families, were of such importance as dissenters.
Writer and intellectual, G. Rajashekhar pointed out the importance of Human Rights in a civil society which is increasingly intolerant and indifferent towards suffering and misery. He lashed out at the broad consensus prevalent in post-independent India regarding the ideas of ‘development’, ’security’ and ’strong state’. This he said, was a consensus that was shared by political parties ranging from extreme right to extreme left. Balagopal was not only aware of this, but fought against the ravages of this consensus.
Deekaiyya, a Dalit activist, highlighted the hardships of carrying out people’s struggles and the toll it takes on individuals. Thus he pointed out the hardships that activists like Balagopal face in their personal life even as they carry on their battles with the state and other violent power structures.
Hayavadana Moodusagri, another civil rights activists spoke on the worsening communal situation in Karnataka caused by the ruling party and its Parivar. He added that attacks on human rights are increasing in Karnataka and “we really miss men like Balagopal,” he added.
Jayan Malpe, President DSS, Udupi, who presided over the function, paid his respects to the memory of Balagopal. Shreerama Diwan of Janapara Vedike, welcomed the gathering and explained why the ideas and ideals of Balagopal were of great relevance to our times.