BERHAMPUR CONVENTION

The First National Convention of “SWARAJ” India was held at Gram Vikas, Mouda, near Behrampur in Orissa on 19^th and 20^th July 1999. About 300 social activists from Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat participated in the Convention.

THE BERHAMPUR DECLARATION

“This first National Convention of “SWARAJ” India, held at Gram Vikas, Mouda, near Behrampur in Orissa, on 19^th and 20^th July 1999-

DECLARES that, taking into consideration increasing poverty in India, particularly in the current decade with the advent of the New Economic Policy with its liberalisation, marketisation and globalisation,

Also Taking Into Consideration, the increasing and speedy impact of Fundamentalism of Caste and Creed, adversely and seriously affecting the already oppressed Adivasis, Dalits and Women;

“SWARAJ” INDIA resolves to campaign and struggle against these forces which have seriously encroached on the political, social and economic spheres if the poor, who form the majority of our country’s population.

“SWARAJ” INDIA would seek the return of self-determination and self-rule of the communities through these struggles.

“SWARAJ” INDIA also resolves to protest and campaign against the powers that seek to divide the communities in South Asia. These powers seek to divide the common people in the Sub-Continent, who have sacrificed to gain freedom from imperialist powers.

“SWARAJ” INDIA feels that such conflicts would fritter away the resources in the region, which is one of the poorest in the world, and further divide and pauperise its people.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CONVENTION

The Second National Convention held in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, from 30^th January to 2^nd February 2001. Theme of Symposium held alongside was “Gandhian Strategy in the 21^st Century. The 248 delegates elected the new National Team and unanimously resolved that Kumar Kalanand Mani should continue to be the National Convenor.

The Convention discussed questions of SWARAJ structures, struggles, training and publications.

THIRD NATIONAL CONVENTION AND SYMPOSIUM

The Convention and symposium were held from 8^th to 10^th October 2002 at the Town Hall, Bettiah in West Champaran in Bihar. A total of 268 delegates from eight states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat – participated in the event.

States put forward their action plans for the next two years. An overwhelming majority of them decided to concentrate on the five-village concept. All states unanimously decided that Kumar Kalanand Mani should continue as the National Convenor. The National Forum and the National Team was elected after this.

THE BETTIAH DECLARATION

The ‘Bettiah Declaration’ was accepted unanimously at the concluding session of the third convention.

The text read: This 3rd National Convention of SWARAJ Forum held in Bettiah, the town of Martyrs of the Independence and JP Movement and in the Karma Bhoomi of Mahatma Gandhi, held on the birth Centenary of Jay Prakash Narayan, believes that the world is going through a period of transition.

We believe that The Current destructive development processes are throwing up a number of challenges to CIVIL SOCIETY.

On the one hand Globalisation appears to be another name for Economic Fascism, while on the other; religion is being used for Communal Fascism.

Power, Vision and Money have been used as a conspiracy to erode and destroy nature and natural resources and prevent them from reaching the poor and the poverty stricken people to eke out a sustainable living.

We, members of SWARAJ Forum firmly resolve to overcome these obstacles and commit ourselves to the human development of the last and poorest of the people of our country. We will strive to internalise the values of truth, non-violence, love, justice and brotherhood/sisterhood in ourselves for the common good of the poor and poverty stricken people of our society and everywhere in the world.

We Will Try To Establish Swaraj Of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dreams And Total Revolution Envisaged By Jay Prakash Narayan And To Turn These Ideals Into Realities In All Homes And Communities Everywhere.

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