I had written a letter to P Sainath sir lately. Here’s his reply-
To Sourav Roy
I respect and admire your appeal to idealism and support it, too.
However, there are no simple categories. There is no single homogenous body called the Indian Middle Class. Certainly not in the sense we have in the West. In India, the stratification is far more complex and layered. Which is why I always refer to our situation as middle classes in plural. The vice chancellor of a university and the LDC clerk in the same university would both, in Indian terms be broadly classified middle class, though their lives are very different indeed.
You’re right, it needs a change in perspective – and that cannot come about easily for the reasons you’ve outlined. Very differing sectional and class interests. Yet, we absolutely must appeal to reason and idealism.
However, Sourav, the agents of change in our history and that of other nations have been ordinary, everyday people. India’s freedom movement became a movement, went from being a gymkhana tea party to being a political party and a movement when the mass of Indian peasantry rallied behind the Mahatma. That was a force none other on earth could stop.
So yes, we need to address those middle classes – but others too.
Regards and thanks for your interest
Sainath
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I appreciate to see a courageous person like Sainath addressing the struggle and pain a farmers goes, today saw the presentation on NDTV, it is true the poor farmers are still struggling and in spite food has become so dear, no one in the country really gives full support to the farmers for them to improve their living status. the most competent Agriculture Scientists are not even recognized by the Govt of India, a very brilliant person like Dr KPP Nair has always been preaching the change in the policies of the country, I think people like Sainath with guidance from Dr Nair can work as a team to create more awareness in changing the Agriculture policies and look far ahead so as the country can produce good quality grain, food and commodities, if these steps are not taken , a country of +1Billion population could face shortage, through this mail, I will request P Sainath to please connect to Dr Nair and they together address the technical and financial impact to the Government.
can anybody give me Mr.P.Sainath’s Phone number and email address
SAMPATH.S. (dss1961@gmail.com)