By IANS
Hyderabad : A national conclave organised by a leading NGO addressing several social issues including poverty, rural health and women's rights was Monday kicked off in Hyderabad.
Hosted by anti-poverty agency ActionAid, the four-day meet titled 'Towards a People's Alliance' will be attended by nearly 1,500 participants and brings together many marginalised social groups.
Indigenous and fishing communities, Dalits, Muslims, women, urban poor, people with disabilities and people living with HIV and AIDS are set to discuss a range of human rights issues that include peace and security, food and livelihood, health and education in the coming days.
Babu Mathew, country director of ActionAid India, highlighted the cruel contrast between India's economic boom and the increasing marginalisation of the have-nots in his keynote address.
"It is said that India lives in her villages. After the deadly growth that we are witnessing it must be said that India is dying in her villages," he remarked.
"This death and destruction of livelihoods is now spreading into the urban slums and the coastal habitats," Mathew added.
"The challenge in India is not just to talk about making growth inclusive, but to make inclusive growth a reality. One step in this direction is to ensure a safety net for the poorest groups and that welfare schemes reach the people for whom they are intended. Rights enshrined in the constitution must be made good for all citizens, not just the fortunate few," he stressed.
The conclave started with a terrific performance by Dalit women drummers. They captivated the audience with their drumming skills, usually associated only with men.
Folk singers from Rajasthan also took to the stage in the evening, enthralling the attendees.