Janadesh 2007 - For a Fistful of Land

A film by Sebastien Saugues, France, 2008
 
India, October 2nd, 2007: 25000 landless people will walk 375 km on the highway which links Gwalior to New Delhi to press the government to undertake significant land reforms. This march is called Janadesh - "the people's verdict". Behind this decision, there's a non-violent movement called Ekta Parishad. Under the leadership of P.V. Rajagopal, Ekta Parishad's activists have been working for over a decade with the poorest among the poor to get the recognition of their rights to control land, water and forest. What is their method to federate hundred thousands of marginalized people? How do they manage to organize Janadesh, that largest non-violent event in India since its independence in 1947? Will the walkers be able to reach New Delhi? Will the government of India accept their demands? Is Rajagopal the new Gandhi? This is the story of a mass-based organization which is adjusting the Gandhian philosophy to modern India.