Ahimsa Conversations # 9 Aruna Roy

Aruna Roy learnt early in life that anger and violence can be quite different. As a political activist she has applied this learning to her work in Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and in the Right to Information movement – leading campaigns based on civil disobedience and nonviolence.

MKSS, which completes 30 years today -- May 1st 2020, has played a key role in the struggle to deepen democracy both at the village and national level in India.

But today Roy is concerned that both society and government are giving the signal that it is okay to harm some kinds of people. When such a division is created the whole society is in danger of being destroyed.

In this context, says Roy, the practice of nonviolence becomes even more vital. This requires greater resilience, courage and confidence in your principles. Only then can you demand justice by standing unarmed, before a heavily armed police force, knowing that you could be beaten or even killed.

Roy’s life and work have shown this to be true.