The Hindu Business Line : Resolving disputes

THE sequence of `thesis-antithesis-synthesis', somewhat cyclical, is what characterises the progress of history, according to Hegel. This came in handy for Marx while expounding the view that the state would ultimately wither away with the triumph of the proletariat.

The actual course of the history of mankind has been more or less along the same lines. Disagreement or discontent with the existing dispensation leads to `antithesis', and before a `synthesis' emerges, many significant things take place, `dissent' being a prominent aspect.

During this stage, disputes and conflicts arise and the transition to the new order is either peaceful or violent. Political revolutions testify mostly to the latter. Of course, the transfer of power from the British to India is an outstanding instance of the former.

Varied are the ways by which disputes are settled or conflicts resolved. Gandhiji proved that an unarmed person could challenge a mighty imperialist power. Protests by eminent men such as Bertrand Russell squatting in public places like Trafalgar Square in London, have been very effective.

Different spheres call for different action plans. Trade unionists are convinced of the potency of strikes. In cases, where the opponents can be morally influenced, fasting seems to work. Processions and marches with banners and slogans are only too well known.

There are some unusual ways also. A demonstration by people with tonsured heads (sometimes even partially tonsured) commands attention. Occasionally, we even hear of nude protesters!

Then, there are parades with animals, whose owners are harassed in some way and want to bring their grievances to public notice.

Some years ago, elephant-handlers in Thailand organised a procession of elephants in the crowded streets of Bangkok.

In France, when the price of pork continued to fall, due to some Government regulations, pork producers chose to let pigs move about freely right under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Certainly a disgusting spectacle to the Parisians! However, such protests may not work in India, where cattle and pigs on busy roads are a common sight.

Snake-charmers in Orissa, whose livelihood was affected by some Government rules, posed a `venomous threat' — they threatened to let snakes loose not only in public places, but even in the legislative assembly. Could anything be more frightening to our legislators?

K. Gopalan

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