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It is heartening in this context that the issue is again being debated in the West. The efforts in the West, however, are limited to groups of like-minded people or intentional communities. Reaching consensus in village communities much more heterogeneous is certainly much more challenging and much more difficult. But that is what needs to be attempted. Revolutions have failed because the revolutionaries tried to ‘make' revolutions for the people. If the end being sought is the freedom for all, then the means must be commensurate to it. It is high time that we realize that “process is the key'. The spectre of globalisation has made the search for consensus decision-making all the more urgent. States are kneeling down before the evil forces of market, and collaborating with them, abandoning the interests of the people which they pretend to guard. Now people must rise against this unholy alliance; for not only their freedom but also the very existence of human values is at stake. And consensus decision-making is the only process that can bring and keep the people together by harmonising their varied sentiments, interests and viewpoints. This little booklet is therefore timely. This is a commend able initiative on the part of ‘Vrikshamitra' and its convener Mohan Hirabai Hiralal. Let us hope that it generates discussion on this issue. - Parag Cholkar 5
