Letter 24-4-01

dear all,

glad to hear everyone's news, that u're all quite well, all ur activities. We're ok - am just recovering from a rather bad bout of asthma. Yes ok, shan't let the school management walk all over me. Hope they realise how indispensable I am, like we do! My 2 Naga apprentices are back last night after a fortnight in Bangalore with their cousins.

Our anti-pesticide action draws on, slowly taking shape into a forum, shall keep you informed as and when something definite happens. K'man, the forces of evil have always been better organized, or at least more focused than those of good, who always seem to be reactive, not proactive. But yet the fight goes on, and on, and on, and always will. Rush Limbaugh (reminds me of Limburger, which I gather is an especially stinky cheese) is just another voice like Hitler's, spouting nonsense which still gathers disciples. Having followers doesn't make him right. Incidentally, I'm aware of the opposition to DDT ban by malaria control organizations and scientists worldwide. Nor is it yet banned. But there are better options these days, including the one I sent the mob, about the bacteria that kills mosquito larvae which is grown in coconuts. The problem is that these days little research is done without funding from big moneyed corporates. I spoke to a young friend yesterday who has just completed her Masters in Bio-tech./micro-biology at Baroda University, she says all their research is funded by the Gujarat State Fertilizers Corpn., obviously they will fund only research that has commercial opportunities that relate to their priorities. The whole academic world - in the sunrise field of Biotech anyway- is up for grabs these days...? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'd be very glad indeed.

Where is the original voice of doom, Arjun, by the way? I miss his dire prophecies laced with hilarious personal anecdotes.

Much love to you all,

P.