Nandigram (SALIM) is not The Last of the Mohicans . Prior to it,
there was already a Singur (TATA) and much before that there was a
Kalinga Nagar (TATA). Gradually, Kalinga Nagar is turning into
Jagatsingh Nagar (POSCO). Now the situation has become so volatile
that future is exceptionally radioactive with past. Whatsoever we
have no clue as to which region falls in which state. It seems as if
the whole India or rather the whole world has become Nandigram or
Kalinga Nagar. Has capitalism really shattered the notion of
boundaries (nation-states)?



Maribu Pache Daribu Nahi (Die we may, we are not afraid!) is an
exploration trying to find 'modern' and 'primitive' people engaging
or disengaging with 'modern' or 'primitive' accumulation practice.
The film journeys through the history of TATAs negotiating with
colonial or postcolonial state with a scriptural or edicted
justification drawn from the ancient regimes of Kautiliya and Ashoka
(invasion of Kalinga). After all, Arthashastra is all about
statecraft. The film takes a tour to the 'Socialist' regime of
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister as to how he tried to dam
the disjuncture of history through his scientific temperament where
humanity was either submerged by Hirakud Reservior or had disappeared
in the vast reservoir of displacement. And then came the era of
liberalisation where Kashipur wrestled with Utkal Alumina under
the 'eternal vigilance' of the state and paid the price of neo-
liberalism. Now, it is POSCO clearing the way (read livelihood) for
massive displacements of the people at Jagatsingh Nagar.



From 'Mixed Economy' to 'Unmixed' one, history wasn't only an
asymmetrical exercise of power. It also put in the picture, the
struggle and resistance put up by the people against the politics of
appropriation. The film is all about the holy grail of 'profits'
and 'development' and also about the struggle of the marginalised.



INSAF & Press Club of India

invite you to the screening of



Maribu Pache Daribu Nahi

(Die we may, we are not afraid!)

Language Oriya, Hindi, Urdu (with English subtitles)

Duration 43 Minutes


By

Rashid Ali

Date : May 23, 2007

Venue: Press Club of India, New Delhi

Time: 6pm -7 pm