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Speaker, Context and SONG |
Here
is the thought-provoking and creative keynote address by Ajay
Kumar of Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Vrithidharulu Union (AP Agri
workers
union - APVVU) at the recent AID-India Conference in Orissa. Ajay works
on land issues with small and marginal farmers and tribals and is based
in Annakapalle, AP. Along with Chennaiah and others of APVVU he is a
part of the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM). He
recently
was a part of fact finding committee that visited Nandigram. His
keynote speech was motivated by a discussion in previous session on the
issue of a focus for AID-India chapters and the song recognizing Nalupu
(black) sung by Aravinda just before the keynote address.
A great speech , made spontaneously, making us think more deeply of
India and the ONE thing we need to do, is a wonderful way to usher in
the New Year. ;-)
Telugu Folk Song from Chittoor area.
(sung at the conference before the keynote address)
nalupu nalupaniyeru
navveru janulella,
nallupu narayana birude kada…. hoi!
(black, black, so saying people laugh, but Narayana (God) is proud to
be black)
cukkAlu telupaina
surIDu yerupaina
cuseti nayanAlu nalupE kada...
(Though stars are white, and sun orange, the eyes that see are black,
aren’t they?)
vari mADi yerupaina
vari anTlu paccadaina
kOsETi koDavallu nalupE kada
(though the rice fields are golden and the saplings green, the sickle
that cuts is black, isn’t it?)
Avanulu yerupaina
amrutam telupaina
pinDETi dUtalu nalupE kada
(though the amrut / nectar is white, those that churn and harvest it
are black, aren’t they)
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