Sreeni, can you tell us about your origins? Where do you come from?
I come from Kerala, in the south of India, where I grew up in a family of farmers. My grandfather, who owned a farm, hid the leaders of movements for the defense of liberties and also progressive movements. He influenced me greatly in my choice to become an activist, but, aside from him, my family was rather conservative. I always felt rejected by them and above all I disagreed with the values they held.
What was your training?
My studies were a bit chaotic. At school, I didn’t have very good grades. In breaking with the university system, I have never received my diploma. I think that my learning was driven much more by my experiences with social engagement. First, I was confronted by my parents, with whom I was in conflict. Then I had to defend my choices in life from my neighbors, who did not understand them. Finally, I was opposed to the segment of society which impeded it from becoming more just. I learned to think positively in spite of difficulties and setbacks. Today, I fight for the well-being of the poor and marginalized portions of society.
What was your personal and professional evolution towards social activism?
When I was 17 years old I left my home and began a personal quest for spirituality and truth. I made key acquaintances and connections, among them my spiritual guide who has stuck with me throughout my period of social engagement. I had always felt like an orphan until I was 17, at which point I came to be like his son and entered into the greater family of activists. I also had the chance to meet Ghandian activists, who passed on to me their philosophy of non-violence, as well as their world view.
Can you share with us one of your most important struggles?
One of my greatest battles is very closely linked to my personal story, since it concerns a condition to which my wife was subjected, that being the dowry system. It is a very sensitive and taboo subject in Kerala. The political class doesn’t take action against this blight which regularly pushes parents to commit suicide because they cannot pay a dowry for their daughter. In fact, before marrying me my wife was rejected 7 times because she did not have a dowry. By wanting to marry her without a dowry, I caused incomprehension and it was very badly received. We had to wait two years before getting married, two years which marked the beginning of my struggle against the dowry system. After the marriage, we had to fight hard against norms and expectations. However, I regret nothing. Confronted day after day by crises and challenges, I continued the fight against this system and organized multiple conferences on the “threats of the dowry system and its alternatives.”
Can you share with us one of your greatest victories?
I am the vice-president of a committee of solidarity, which unites the peasants of Plachimada, in the south of Kerala, to act against the multi-national Coca-Cola Company. The installation of the carbonated beverage factory has had significant harmful consequences on the local population. It reduced the populace’s potable water supply and on top of that, contaminated the environment by dumping wasteful byproducts. After numerous demonstrations, debates, and rounds of negotiation, we succeeded in convincing the local government, which refused to renew Coca-Cola’s license. The factory was forced to close, and that was a great victory for the movement!
Also read: Resonances Asia N°21 - February 2008
