an initial reaction- | by Saugat Datta - January 19, 2004 |

Karim ChaCha Says - It has been two days so far at the World Social Forum and any solution to our local water distribution system is nowhere near. The World Social Forum is held in Mumbai for the year 2004 is turning out to be Kumbh Mela of all Non-Governmental Organizations and Alternative thinkers. Yet to overcome the language, I found a lot of serious discussions continuing the dialogue on water issues. Many people from beyond the seven seas have the same problem. I felt overwhelmed at their efforts compared to our small neighbourhood, at least we have private tankers in crisis scenarios. Coming back to our quest to get water in our taps, I met very spirited souls who introduced me to the world of water politics. Water is sold today. However, tomorrow it might just become the prime product replacing the petroleum industry. Shifting this global impact on our local level would be to say that, “Next time we quench our thirst, we would be generating profit for someone who claims to produce it.”

I came across a lot of literature and information being exchanged through every form of media. The WSF venue squeezes every event into one place, a relief claimed the media. One just needs to get inside and browse through the guide. Every hour a countless number of meetings simultaneously are happening. On average, people are sitting eight hours each day for seminars and workshops. Roads are filled up with more than 200,000 people. Across the street citizens of Mumbai walking past the entrance have no idea what is happening inside. On the other hand countless alternate media, web groups are connecting WSF to millions online.

Tell Mohammad to fix the west side plumbing before January is over, I might bring some guest to take a look at our problem. Evenings are real fun even though it does not run through the night. Roads are filled with performers raising and embracing issues. Protestors going round and round the roads, through the discussions under warehouse roofs. The most swankiest place is the media centre where they have air conditioning inside a warehouse facility. The media has the good, the bad and the ugly as one the alternate media representative explained to me.

Though many issues were dealt with, a call to have a concrete alternative structure was repeatedly mentioned. After displaying universal solidarity I wonder how would people, driven just by conviction and devotion, benefit in between such an international dialogue? Intellectuals can scratch the surface and see deep beneath but a common farmer? How far ahead has he stepped towards a euphoric dream through this kind of global networking?