Protector of National Sovereignty fighting Multinationals’ Misdeeds

COMMUNICATION

On September 26 Dr Banwarilal Sharma breathed his last at the PGI hospital in Chandigarh. For the academic world, Dr Sharma was a highly accomplished mathematician of international repute, but as far as the common people of India are concerned, Dr Sharma was first and foremost a relentless protector of national interests and sovereignty who devoted his life to exposing and opposing the misdeeds of multinational companies.

After obtaining a doctorate in mathematics from France, Dr Sharma became a Professor and eventually the Head of the Department of Mathematics at Allahabad University. While there are several anecdotes about his skills in Mathematics, he devoted most of his time to understanding and then opposing in various ways the onslaughts of the forces of imperialism and neo-colonalism on a majority of countries in the world with special emphasis on India.

He was one of the few intellectuals who understood the implications of the creation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Dunkel proposals and changes in patent laws at an early stage. He mobilised and led a strong opposition against these forces and trends. In the course of these efforts he became a mentor for the youth and students particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

These efforts culminated in the early nineties in the formation of the ‘Azadi Bachao Andolan’, a movement that has steadfastly opposed the misdeeds of multinational companies and those government policies which gave excessive concessions to these companies. All government policies and decisions which involved unacceptable compromises with the forces of imperialism have been relentlessly opposed by this movement.

This work brought Dr Sharma in close touch with leading social activists and he played an important role in strengthening the National Alliance for People’s Movements. He was closely associated with several Gandhian organisations. He was also deeply involved in protests against high-hazard projects including nuclear plants. He led the efforts to form human chains against the increasing penetration of multinational companies and forces of imperialism.

Dr Sharma edited journals in Hindi and English called Nai Azadi. He also wrote and translated several articles and books on this subject.

In keeping with his life-long untiring efforts, almost till his last day he continued mobilising people against the deepest concerns closest to his heart.

Bharat Dogra

C-27 Raksha Kunj,
Paschim Vihar
New Delhi - 110 063
Ph: 25255303