Savita Rath from Jan Chetna in Raigarh is telling us several stories of villagers whose land has been illegally taken away by Jindal company for mining and other purposes. She talks to an adivasi farmer who says that he won a case against Jindal but the court order has not been respected and neither any compensation has been given to him. She narrates details of more cases where land has been taken by the company disregarding all laws and orders. For more Savita Ji can be reached at 07869234650

Bhurai Dube from village Dhulkot of district Khargone is telling us about the Novai festival which is celebrated in september-october to acknowledge the bounty of nature in giving a good crop to the people and to ask permission from the deities to partake of the new crops. He relates how the new bajra is pounded and then prepared in the form of ghat and then served to the people to eat along with the new daal. The priest or pujara worships the deities and also the new crop and then the feasting starts. Goats and chicken are also sacrificed and cooked and eaten. Liquor is prepared from mahua flowers and this too is distributed for drinking. This is the traditional custom of the Bhilala adivasis that they have been following from the time of their forefathers.

Rajesh Tripathi from Raigarh is telling us that industries in the district are dumping so much polluted material in the Kelo river that the river has turned black and many fish have died. He talks to two villagers who tells him that the water is so dirty that you can’t think of even touching it forget about drinking or bathing. They say even cattles are suffering. Rajesh says people have complained to pollution control authorities but there is no action and people are thinking of stopping traffic to protest. Rajesh ji can be reached at 0103570721

Radheshyam Sharma from Raigarh in Chhattisgarh says he and his friend Ashok Gabel has started a fast upto death in support of Jan Lokpal bill demanded by movement of Anna Hazare. He says like thousands did fast in support of Gandhi ji we should join in fasting with Anna ji. He specially requests the ladies to join the protest to finish corruption. Radheshyam Ji can be reached at 09301251588

Savita Rath from Raigarh is helping us listen to Social activist Ramesh Agrawal who is being welcomed back after his release from jail at Gare village in Raigarh district. As you know Ramesh Agrawal was arrested on defamation complaint of Jindals. In the speech Mr Agrawal says Govt is now givinng Rs 6 lakh per acre as if they are doing any favor to us. The minerals below our land is worth crores. He says looking at our future generations we should not come into this trap. Savita can be reached at 07869234650