Born: 1954 (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Biography:
Medha Patkar (née Khanolkar; born 1 December 1954) is a prominent politician and renowned activist who has dedicated her life to addressing social and political issues faced by marginalized communities in India. Throughout her career, she has championed the rights of tribals, dalits, farmers, laborers, and women who have been subjected to injustice. Medha Patkar has emerged as a leading figure in the fight against displacement and inequality, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Medha Patkar’s journey began when she enrolled at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), an esteemed institution for social science research in India. This academic background laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to social justice and activism.
One of Medha Patkar’s most significant contributions to the Indian social and political landscape is the founding of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA). This movement operates across three states – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat – and orchestrates a continuous struggle for justice for people affected by dam projects, particularly those whose homes are at risk of being submerged without proper rehabilitation. The NBA has become a force for change, relentlessly fighting for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities affected by dam construction.
Additionally, Medha Patkar played a pivotal role in establishing the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM). This alliance brings together hundreds of progressive organizations, working collectively to bring about positive societal transformations. As a dedicated activist, Medha Patkar has actively participated in mass struggles across India, challenging inequity, non-sustainability, displacement, and injustice perpetuated in the name of development. Her work has been instrumental in combatting casteism, communalism, and various forms of discrimination prevalent in Indian society.
Furthermore, Medha Patkar’s expertise and commitment to social causes led to her appointment as a commissioner on the World Commission on Dams. In this position, she contributed extensively to comprehensive research on the environmental, social, political, and economic impacts of large dam projects worldwide, while advocating for sustainable alternatives. Her passion for justice and equality resonates deeply within the realm of policy formulation and national initiatives, including those addressing land acquisition, informal sector workers, street vendors, slum dwellers, and indigenous Adivasis.
Medha Patkar’s relentless pursuit of justice has propelled her to file several public interest litigations against prominent entities, such as Adarsh Society, Lavasa Megacity, and Hiranandani. These legal endeavors underscore her unwavering commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in public governance and private ventures.
In recognition of her tremendous contributions to society, Medha Patkar was named one of the 100 heroes of the 20th century by Time magazine in 2000. This acknowledgment solidifies her position as a prominent figure in the realm of social justice movements and places her among the most influential change-makers of her time.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Medha Patkar has faced criticism and opposition throughout her career. Economist Swaminathan, for instance, has questioned the efficacy of her stance on the Narmada project. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the benefits of the project, suggesting that opposing forces, including Medha Patkar and her urban Naxal associates, delayed its implementation and hindered progress. The expansion of the project in subsequent years has demonstrated that the dam has brought significant benefits, including consistent irrigation water supply for farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Early and personal life:
Medha Patkar was born as Medha Khanolkar on 1 December 1954 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Her parents, Vasant Khanolkar and Indumati Khanolkar, played influential roles in shaping her values and activism. Vasant Khanolkar, a freedom fighter and labor union leader, instilled in her a deep sense of justice and taught her the importance of fighting for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed. Meanwhile, her mother, Indumati Khanolkar, served as a gazetted officer in the Post and Telegraphs Department, setting a strong example of female empowerment and breaking traditional gender stereotypes.
Medha Patkar’s upbringing in a socially conscious and politically aware household served as a catalyst for her lifelong dedication to social justice and activism. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire generations of activists and serves as a testament to the power of individuals to effect meaningful change in society.
Awards:
– Time magazine’s 100 heroes of the 20th century (2000)