Unlike every other weekend, on August 22nd, Saturday, a group of like minded Indians in Seattle gathered in a local library to attend a meeting organized by PeopleForLoksatta to interact with Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan. Though all the attendees come from various walks of life, common unifying factor is great desire for a better tomorrow in India. All the attendees have been inspired by Dr. JP’s unmitigated optimism and unflinching resolve to usher in new politics for new generation.

The serene morning has started with a presentation from PFL member. Kiran Indukuri has presented various people centric activities of Lok Satta and explained about Lok Satta party executive membership. Selvam Velmurugan has presented about eMoksha, a non-profit organization fighting for better values in democracy and appreciated Lok Satta for their support.

Dr. Jaya prakash Narayan’s teleconference that followed the presentations has captured the hearts and minds of all the attendees. Dr. JP has given insightful answers several inquisitive questions from the audience. In responding to the question about parallels between Lok Satta movement and Congress in early 1900’s, Dr. JP mentioned that the way Lok Satta leadership is emerging from educated sections in disperse parts of the world has uncanny resemblance with how congress leadership has emerged in its formative days. Dr. JP has encouraged the youth to take the executive leadership(is it membership here) of Lok Satta and lead the effort of second freedom struggle to cleanse the system from corrupt politics.

In responding about his new role as an MLA, Dr.JP felt little constrained due to the lack of numerical strength in assembly. Having only one member from Lok Satta, not enough time is provided to bring the problems of people to the forefront. However, outside assembly, he is making sure to meet the constituents of Kukatpally once every two weeks to address their problems. Dr. JP has expressed his anguish about the role of caste in all walks of life and maintained that without rooting out the caste, India cannot fulfill its full potential. However, Dr JP noted if India can overcome these hurdles it has the potential to become one of the world powers in next 20 years and all young educated people should come forward to take the leadership in leading our country to its full potential.

The event was organized by PFL volunteers who managed various activities. Kiran Indukuri made a presentation and coordinated conference call with Dr. JP. Praveen Gattu made a presentation and arranged the projector. Vikekanand helped in the flier design, Bharat and Nagarjuna have helped in the logistics of the event.

All the attendees have shown the commitment to continue the interaction after the event and plan various activities. Everyone has agreed to be part of a user group that facilitates such interaction. New activists can join the Seattle group by subscribing to yahoo group loksatta_seattle@yahoogroup.com
Author: Rama Gundapaneni