I read with horror this morning that over 1,500 farmers in India committed suicide after being driven to debt by crop failure.
The crop failures, which took place in the agricultural state of Chattisgarh, was hit by falling water levels. Nearby forest depletion and poorly planned government dam projects contributed to the falling water level. Combined with the vicious money-lending schemes that are prevalent in the region, many farmers felt that death was the only option in the face of insurmountable debt. Suicides by Indian farmers have been an ongoing reality for years — Vandana Shiva, an Intent Voice, friend and someone I admire tremendously for her advocacy of the land and its people wrote an article over 10 years ago about farmers committing suicide due to debt.
But 1,500? To give a more tangible visualization of that number, that’s about four full jumbo jet planes’ worth of passengers suddenly committing suicide. The death toll also does not hint at the countless men, women and children who are still ensnared in these dire situations, and now must grieve the loss of their family, friends and neighbors.
While researching more for this article, I learned that this latest tragedy bears an uncomfortable resemblance to
the problem in Australia’s agricultural sector, where many of the country’s farmers are committing suicide in response to the severe droughts, heat waves and wildlife fires that have been ravaging the country for the last several years. It is estimated that one Australian farmer commits suicide every four days. The severe weather changes are a direct manifestation of global warming.
These stories are a reminder that our personal wellness is inextricably linked to global wellness. We need to nurture Mother Earth, and address the tangled hierarchy of pollution, global warming, human rights, production, economies, wealth, etc.
With Earth Day approaching next week, I hope that all of us will set intentions, followed up with action, on how we can make the planet, and in turn, the lives of our fellow humans, healthier and more peaceful.
Mallika Chopra blogs regularly at Intent.com
posted April 16, 2009 at 8:20 pm
how come this is not reported anywhere in the indian media ? has our govt and the people become so insensitive and blind to the needs of the poor ? I have been trying to find something in timesofindia , indian express and other leading indian dailies ,but surprisingly the news is all about elections. Isnt this something that should drive these elections ? its a sad day when we have to read and know about 1500 people forced into such desperation from foreign media.
posted April 18, 2009 at 1:15 pm
This is not reported by the media because no-one cares about the plight of the poor, homeless and hungry anymore. I am not even sure if anyone ever cared that much. It is so sad to what we have become as humans. Nations and people across the world have become self centered and self serving. This is why things are going the way they are! Churches have become a den of theves, people have become more and more corrupt, immoral and perverse. God has been removed from our schools long ago, and it is disappearing from our nation(s) in an alarming speed.
There is more drought then ever, crops are failing all over the world, and financial ruin is at our door(s).
What will it take to change all these things? Prayer, my brothers and sisters. We have NOTHING else left.
posted April 19, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I was deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. My prayers go out to the suicide victims and all those touched by this tragedy. I agree that this is a wake up call for all humanity. One solution that would have tremendous impact would be to begin to go vegan or at the very least vegetarian. The amount of land and water that is wasted for the world’s hunger for meat cannot be overstated. When we harm the least we all pay dearly. Please pray for the suffering of all creation and make positive changes one decision at a time.
Take care.
posted April 20, 2009 at 10:57 am
I was absolutely horrified to read this tragic news, which I was completely unaware of. It’s devastating to read about farmers committing suicide because of problems that could be solved with money. And here in the United States, increasing numbers of our innocent children are being abused:
http://www.examiner.com/x-7312-Miami-Interfaith-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m4d19-Protecting-children-from-abuse-as-economy-puts-more-stress-on-parents
Thank you for posting this article. It was difficult to read, but as the Dalai Lama tells us, we are urged not to look away from tragedy, but to look straight at it and let it build our compassion. Namaste.