THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the first boat landed on the shores of Thumpa early in the morning, a team led by T Peter was already there. The leaders of National Fish Workers Federation (NFF) wanted a fish. Just one fish from the catch for free. It was a demand they could not refuse. In fact they gladly gave one of their best to Peter since they were already aware of the intentions behind this unique fish collection drive. T Peter, general secretary of National Fish Workers Federation the national federation of state-level small and traditional fish workers, has started a unique fund mobilisation drive for the 7th General Assembly of World Forum of Fisher People.
The forum will be held in Delhi from November 15 to 20. The drive is being held in all coastal districts in the country where NFF has presence. On his home turf, Peter is leading the collection. “I am overwhelmed by the support extended by my brethren. They are donating their best catch. The campaign has found an instant connect with them,” said Peter. Members of NFF and Kerala Swatanthra Matsyathozholali Federation are approaching fishermen and vendors with ‘One Fish One Fishworker’ campaign.
Collection drives were organised at Veli, Thumpa, Anchuthengu, Valiyathura landing stations and fish markets in Pangod, Palayam, Kesavadasapuram and Manacaud. Fish received as contribution from these location are auctioned and the money set aside for the summit. “We are not approaching big shots for money. Infact ours is an approach which was followed by the Communist parties in the past,” said Peter.
700 delegates from 60 countries are expected to participate in the summit. According to Peter around Rs 80 lakh is required for the programme. The agenda of the summit is to ponder on issues such as ocean grabbing by big corporates. Issues such as those affecting the livelihood of traditional and small fishermen will also be discussed. The first general assembly of World Forum of Fisher People was began in India in 1997 with the participation of 34 countries.