A story of land, lives, and lores through the lens of a political activist

The exhibition titled 'A story of land, lives, and lores' by political activist Vijoo Krishnan offers a compelling lens into the agrarian realities and struggles that continue to shape India. Krishnan, a prominent figure as a Polit Bureau member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and General Secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), uses photography to articulate the deep-seated issues faced by farmers and rural communities. This event, held at the College of Fine Arts in Thiruvananthapuram, transcends a mere art display; it serves as a powerful political statement and a historical document, highly relevant for understanding India's socio-economic and political landscape.

To truly grasp the significance of this exhibition, one must delve into the background of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the CPI(M). The AIKS, founded in 1936, emerged as a crucial platform for peasants and agricultural labourers to voice their demands against exploitation by landlords and moneylenders during the British Raj. Its formation was a direct response to the dire conditions of the peasantry, marked by high rents, usury, and evictions. Post-independence, the AIKS continued its advocacy, playing a pivotal role in various land reform movements and struggles for fair prices for agricultural produce, debt relief, and against land acquisition. The CPI(M), a major Left political party in India, has historically championed the cause of the working class and peasantry, with agrarian issues forming a core part of its ideological and political agenda. Leaders like Vijoo Krishnan embody this legacy, using their positions to highlight the plight of farmers.

Vijoo Krishnan's role as both a political leader and an activist photographer is central. His photographs, focusing on 'land, lives, and lores', are not just artistic expressions but powerful narratives born from direct engagement with the ground realities. They capture the essence of the agrarian crisis—the human stories behind statistics of farmer suicides, land dispossession, and rural distress. The 'lores' aspect suggests an exploration of cultural heritage, traditional practices, and the collective memory of communities intimately connected to their land, often threatened by modernization and policy changes. Key stakeholders involved are primarily the farmers and landless labourers, whose lives are depicted; the AIKS and CPI(M), as their political representatives and advocates; and the broader Indian society, which is called upon to acknowledge and address these issues.

The significance of this exhibition for India is profound. India remains an agrarian economy to a large extent, with a substantial portion of its population dependent on agriculture. Despite economic growth, the sector faces persistent challenges: declining profitability, climate change impacts, market volatility, and debt. The exhibition brings these abstract problems to a human scale. It highlights the ongoing debates around land acquisition, often pitting development projects against the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities and farmers. The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013, for instance, aimed to ensure fair compensation and rehabilitation but continues to be a point of contention, demonstrating the complexities involved in balancing public interest and individual rights.

Historically, land has been a contentious issue in India. Post-independence, the abolition of the Zamindari system was a landmark step towards land reforms, yet its implementation was patchy. The struggle for equitable land distribution, tenant rights, and protection from corporate land grabs continues. Constitutional provisions are highly relevant here. While the Right to Property was removed as a Fundamental Right by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, it remains a constitutional right under Article 300A, stating that "no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law." This article is crucial in land acquisition cases. Furthermore, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), particularly Articles 38 and 39, emphasize the State's duty to promote social welfare and minimize inequalities, including those related to property and economic status, which directly relate to agrarian justice. Land, being a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, means that land-related policies and reforms are primarily enacted by state governments, leading to diverse outcomes across the country.

The future implications are significant. Exhibitions like Krishnan's serve to keep agrarian issues in the public discourse, challenging urban-centric narratives and pushing for policy reforms. As India strives for economic development, the question of who benefits and who bears the cost, particularly concerning land and natural resources, remains critical. The ongoing farmers' movements, such as those against the now-repealed 2020 Farm Laws, underscore the persistent power of organized peasantry and the need for inclusive agricultural policies. Such artistic and political activism reinforces the democratic right to dissent and expression, urging policymakers to consider the human dimension of their decisions. It also highlights the continued relevance of Left-leaning political organizations in advocating for marginalized sections, even as their electoral fortunes fluctuate. The exhibition thus acts as a reminder that the 'story of land, lives, and lores' is far from over and will continue to shape India's developmental trajectory and social fabric.