Meet Medha Patekar; Activist who got 5 months of jail time, Rs 10 lakh fine
Founder of Narmada Bachao Andolan
Medha Patkar is a prominent Indian social activist best known for her role in founding the Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement), which opposes the construction of large dams on the Narmada River due to their impact on the environment and the displacement of local communities.
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Advocate for Displaced Communities
Patkar has been a strong advocate for the rights of people displaced by developmental projects. She has fought tirelessly for fair rehabilitation and compensation for those affected by dam construction and other infrastructural projects.
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Education and Early Life
Born on December 1, 1954, in Mumbai, Medha Patkar studied social work at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where she developed a deep interest in issues related to social justice and community development.
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Awards and Recognition
Medha Patkar has received numerous awards for her activism, including the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, in 1991. She has also been recognized with the Goldman Environmental Prize and the Amnesty International Human Rights Defender Award.
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Environmental Concerns
Apart from her work with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Patkar has been involved in various environmental causes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.
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Political Involvement
Patkar has ventured into politics to further her activism, contesting elections to bring attention to the causes she supports. Although she has not achieved significant electoral success, her political involvement highlights her commitment to advocating for social and environmental justice.
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Controversies
Throughout her career, Medha Patkar has faced numerous challenges, including arrests, legal battles, and opposition from government and corporate entities. Despite these obstacles, she remains a steadfast and influential figure in Indias social and environmental activism landscape.
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