Venkatss's Weblog

Estonia and its ethnic mix

venkatss — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 13:31:32 +0000

Estonia, I was never aware of history surrounding this European country . This weekend I attended an independent film festival with movies from Estonia . As always it opened a new world of information (which often leads to the thought that I have been ignorant of so many things)

Estonia a small country with about 1.1 MM people was battlefield for the Russians and Germans in the WWII. After the Great Northern War, the Swedish empire lost Estonia to Russia in 1710 However, the upper classes and the higher middle class remained primarily Baltic German.Following the Bolshevik takeover of power in Russia after the October Revolution of 1917 and German victories against the Russian army, between the Russian Red Army’s retreat and the arrival of advancing German troops, the Committee of Elders of the Maapäev issued the Estonian Declaration of Independence in Pärnu on February 24, 1918. After winning the Estonian Liberation War against Soviet Russia and at the same time German Freikorps volunteers the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed on 2 February 1920), Estonia maintained its independence for twenty-two years.

In WWII, after a fierce battle between Germans and the Russians, the Victorious Russians annexed the Estonia and it became a part of the erstwhile USSR. Estonia thus celebrates its second day of independence. Estonia formally declared regained independence on August 20, 1991, during the Soviet military coup attempt in Moscow. The first country to diplomatically recognize Estonia’s reclaimed independence was Iceland. They joined the EU officially in May 2004

The dilemma is the 25% of the population are of erstwhile Russians who are loyal to the Russian State and the native Estonians consider the end of WWII as starting of their period of illegal Russian occupation.

The movies shown did reflect this ethnic conflict which had taken a very ugly turn this year on the removal of Russian soldier from the town square in their capital city of Tallinn.

One should read the singing revolution , it has similarities to Bhasha (language ) Andolan in Bangladesh

The Films for freedom Bangalore screens documentaries website http://vikalpblr.org/

A must read the singing revolution , freedom movement of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing_Revolution

Inspiration

venkatss — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:15:48 +0000

It is interesting that there is so many things that are happening in the world and at times it is difficult to know all . My interest in development sector made me move into microfinance . Lately I have come across so many fascinating ideas and efforts that I am overwhelmed .

I feel “there so much more to do ” . I feel inspired

The BLOG is way to share with people these moments of inspiration.

Bapu

venkatss — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:05:52 +0000

Bapu -As a child I wondered why would anyone listen to man who insisted on being “non-violent” in spite of being provoked . One could not withstand humiliations for ever. I could never appreciate the technique. As I assimilate my gatherings in life I realize how strong the technique is. Bapu is indeed a super hero.The monks of the Burma have shown to the world the power of this tool. Some may ask if “would Burma achieve freedom from a peaceful protest”. Yes It could have , had the neighboring countries like us (India) and China participated in a dialog going beyond Oil.

The protest in Burma -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Burmese_anti-government_protests

As everything , A single approach is never panacea to all our suffering .Will non-violence deliver against tyrants like Hitler , Idi Amin etc or as in this case a Military Junta (Committee of Military leaders) .It is debatable .Social changes at times can be coerced and at times cajoled.

Would like to leave you with that thought and an excellent reading on Gandhi’s ideas on Swaraj

http://www.mkgandhi.org/swarajya/coverpage.htm

Eswaran