Question

What inspiration do we get from Bolivia's popular struggle? Explain any three values that we learn from it.

Answer 1

The popular struggle in Bolivia was against the privatisation of water. Bolivia is a poor country. The people there could not afford to pay the hike in the monthly water bill. Hence, they fought against the democratically elected government which finally conceded to their demands. As a result, the contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates.
The struggle was successful because people were united and their demand was genuine. They have the right to get water at subsidised rates. When the government failed to do so, it faced mass agitation. The three values that we learn from Bolivia's Water War are -
$\bullet$ If our point is strong, we can raise voice even against the democratically elected government.
$\bullet$ We shall win if we are fighting for collective good.
$\bullet$ There is tremendous strength in ordinary citizens. It is difficult to suppress them.