Sunday, March 20, 2005

HS D'Lima of Andheri, noise, and activists

At IFFI-2004 one heard of a film about the work of HS D'Lima (70), who has been campaigning against sound pollution in Mumbai. Unfortunately, in the shower of films, news conferences and hurry to 'get the story out', one didn't get a chance to view that. So, ignorance remains bliss. More recently, a friend mentioned that D'Lima had been attacked. Going through my pending stack (mess would be a better word) of papers, one read the March 7, 2005 issue of Indian Express report that D'Lim "sustained two deep cuts on his left arm but was otherwise unhurt". Apparently, the attack took place outside his Andheri residence. Activists were quoted as planning to launch a group called MITRA (Movement against Intimidation, Threats and Revenge against Activists). Does anyone know more about this person and his campaign? Is there any Goan connection, as the name might suggest? Just curious.